Kirby Smart discusses the reasons Georgia didn’t broadcast G-Day and why he still desires it.

Kirby Smart, the head coach of the University of Georgia Bulldogs football team, has been at the forefront of leading Georgia to success in college football, with two National Championships in the past few years. One of the elements that has been a topic of conversation for the Bulldogs’ fanbase and sports media alike is the annual G-Day spring game. G-Day is a spring football exhibition game held every year to give fans an early look at the upcoming season’s roster, new strategies, and potential stars. However, Smart and Georgia’s athletic department decided not to broadcast the 2022 edition of G-Day, a decision that raised some eyebrows and prompted discussion about the balance between tradition, public relations, and team strategy.

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this decision, as well as Kirby Smart’s thoughts on the importance of G-Day, his continued desire to keep the event a central part of Georgia’s football culture, and the future of Georgia football and its relationship with fans through events like G-Day.

The G-Day Tradition

G-Day is a fan-favorite event that has been a staple of Georgia’s football program for decades. It serves as an annual opportunity for fans to see the players in action, preview the upcoming season, and experience the excitement of college football before the real action begins in the fall. The game typically features a combination of veteran players and young talent vying for positions on the depth chart, providing a unique glimpse into the future of the program.

The tradition of G-Day is more than just about football—it’s a celebration of Georgia’s football community. Fans from across the state and beyond descend on the University of Georgia’s campus in Athens for the event, which serves as a reunion of sorts for alumni, students, and fans of the program. The game is often followed by a series of fan-oriented activities such as autograph sessions, meet-and-greets with coaches and players, and opportunities for fans to interact with the team in a more personal setting than the typical game day experience.

The 2022 Decision: Why G-Day Wasn’t Broadcast

In 2022, for the first time in years, Georgia did not broadcast G-Day. The decision, made by Smart and the athletic department, was seen as unusual, given that in prior years, the event had been available on various platforms, including TV networks like ESPN and streaming services. The move sparked a great deal of speculation, leading to questions about the reasons behind the decision.

Protecting the Program’s Strategic Plans

One of the most significant reasons Smart cited for not broadcasting the game was the desire to protect the team’s strategies and schemes. G-Day is, after all, a spring scrimmage—a chance for coaches to test out new plays, personnel combinations, and strategies without the pressure of game-day consequences. If it were broadcasted, opposing teams and scouts could potentially gain insights into Georgia’s tactical plans, providing a competitive advantage for teams in the upcoming season.

Smart is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to ensuring that his team is as prepared as possible. Part of that preparation involves controlling the flow of information and limiting what is available to the competition. By not broadcasting G-Day, Smart was able to keep certain details under wraps, which is especially important in today’s highly competitive college football landscape where teams are constantly analyzing each other’s every move.

A Focus on the Players, Not the Spectacle

Another reason Smart gave for not broadcasting the event was a desire to focus on the players themselves rather than the spectacle that often surrounds G-Day. College football, especially in the SEC, has become a major business. Every move a coach makes, every play call, every off-the-field comment can be scrutinized by fans, media, and rivals alike. The pressure for coaches to entertain and provide a show can sometimes overshadow the fundamental purpose of events like G-Day: to evaluate and develop the players.

By limiting the exposure of G-Day, Smart could ensure that the focus remained on the players’ performance and development rather than creating a spectacle designed to entertain fans and media outlets. This decision also helped keep expectations in check and avoid placing undue pressure on players who were still learning and growing in their roles.

Health and Safety Concerns

In addition to protecting strategic elements and focusing on player development, Kirby Smart also expressed concerns about the health and safety of his players. The spring game is often a high-energy event, with players eager to showcase their abilities in front of coaches and fans. However, it can also come with an increased risk of injury, particularly if players are pushing themselves too hard in a non-competitive setting. By reducing the exposure of G-Day, Smart could better manage how much physical exertion the players put in, making sure that they stayed healthy and were not putting themselves at risk of injury in a relatively low-stakes environment.

This concern has grown more relevant in the era of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, where players have more visibility and opportunities for endorsements. Coaches, including Smart, are keenly aware that their players are potential future professionals who are also navigating a new landscape of media attention. Protecting players from unnecessary injury and public scrutiny is part of maintaining their long-term health and success.

A Financial Consideration?

It’s also worth noting that in the current era of college football, revenue from major media contracts has shifted the focus of broadcasting from smaller, non-conference games like G-Day to regular-season games with larger national audiences. Georgia’s football program is one of the most profitable in college sports, and Smart may have considered whether the financial benefits of broadcasting G-Day outweighed the potential risks. The value of broadcasting G-Day might not have been as significant as it once was, given that Georgia’s brand and fan base are already firmly established.

The financial equation also involves the cost of setting up broadcast equipment, hiring production teams, and coordinating a live broadcast for what is essentially a practice session. While G-Day generates plenty of interest among fans, the overall revenue from broadcasting might not have justified the expense of turning the event into a high-production spectacle.

Kirby Smart’s Desire to Keep G-Day Special

While Smart chose not to broadcast G-Day in 2022, he has continually emphasized his desire to keep the event a special and meaningful part of the Georgia football program. He recognizes the importance of G-Day in building a connection between the team and the fanbase, and he has repeatedly said that he wants to keep the event as authentic as possible.

“I want G-Day to remain a celebration of Georgia football,” Smart said. “It’s a chance for us to showcase the future of this program, to bring the fans together, and to show them what we’re building. It’s about developing players, growing the program, and keeping that connection with our fanbase.”

Smart’s passion for the tradition of G-Day reflects his deep understanding of the role that fans play in the success of a college football program. While the modern game is increasingly driven by big-money deals and national exposure, Smart knows that the foundation of a successful program is still rooted in community support and the bond between players and fans.

The Future of G-Day and Georgia Football

Looking ahead, Smart continues to see G-Day as an important opportunity to develop his team and build excitement for the upcoming season. While there may be changes in how the event is presented to the public, Smart’s commitment to its significance remains unchanged.

In future years, it is likely that G-Day will continue to evolve in ways that reflect the changing dynamics of college football. This could mean a more selective approach to broadcasting the event, with limited coverage for specific segments or highlights that are less likely to give away strategic plans. It may also mean greater engagement with fans through digital platforms, where Smart and his staff can control the content that is shared and ensure that the focus remains on player development.

Smart is also exploring other ways to make G-Day more interactive and engaging for fans. There have been discussions about incorporating more fan-oriented activities and potentially offering behind-the-scenes access to players and coaches. With the rise of NIL and the increasing digital presence of college football, it’s possible that Smart’s vision for G-Day could evolve into something more immersive for fans, while still maintaining the integrity of the event as a spring training ground for players.

Kirby Smart’s decision to not broadcast G-Day in 2022 was driven by several key factors, including the protection of strategic plans, the desire to keep the focus on player development, concerns about health and safety, and financial considerations. While this move initially sparked controversy, it highlighted Smart’s commitment to making G-Day a meaningful and authentic event for the Georgia football program.

Smart’s approach to G-Day is indicative of his overall philosophy as a coach—one that prioritizes the well-being of players, the development of the team, and the long-term success of the program over short-term gains. Despite the challenges and pressures that come with managing one of the most successful programs in college football, Smart remains dedicated to maintaining the tradition of G-Day and finding new ways to connect with fans while continuing to build a championship-caliber team.

Ultimately, Kirby Smart’s leadership of Georgia football is defined by a focus on balance—between tradition and innovation, between player development and public exposure, and between community engagement and competitive advantage. G-Day, whether broadcasted or not, remains a key part of that balance, and its future will undoubtedly reflect Smart’s vision for both the Georgia Bulldogs and the sport as a whole.