In the fall of 2026, the University of Georgia will introduce a new greenspace at the site of Legion Field in central campus. This redevelopment follows the removal of Legion Pool and will create an area more than twice as large as Herty Field. Features planned for the revitalized space include an outdoor amphitheater, Wi-Fi access, and improved pedestrian pathways.
Currently, Legion Field is underutilized, with only 26 scheduled events per year and unused about 92% of the time. The adjacent Legion Pool has seen a sharp drop in visits and has incurred net revenue losses totaling $438,645 over five years, including almost $90,000 lost in fiscal year 2025 alone. As a result of these deficits, student activity fee reserves have been used to cover annual losses.
With the pool’s removal and field redevelopment, funds previously allocated to offset operating deficits will instead support initiatives that directly benefit students. “We are able to both revitalize a key campus space that students have not used into an exciting and beautiful new space, as well as realize student activity fee savings that we can use to enhance other student engagement and support programs,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Michelle G. Cook. “Students are excited about the look and possibilities of this new signature campus location, and we are excited to be able to put their fees toward programs and facilities they will actually experience.”
One project set to benefit from these redirected funds is a major expansion of the Student Food Pantry. Established in 2011 by students through the Panhellenic Council and Greek Life, its management shifted to Student Care and Outreach and UGA Student Affairs in 2025 due to increased demand. Since January 2025, nearly 60,000 pounds of food have been distributed from its current Tate Student Center location—which averages around 100 daily visits but offers just 137 square feet for operations.
“We stock the pantry every morning and every evening, and the pantry is pretty much cleared out every day,” said Julia Buwick, community of care coordinator with Student Care and Outreach. “It’s literally nearly a closet.”
With roughly $300,000 now available from student activity fee reserves for renovation costs—while food continues to be provided through donations—the pantry will expand nearly tenfold to about 1,100 square feet. The upgraded facility will add up to four refrigerators and freezers along with additional shelving and floor space for customers and volunteers.
“In partnership with the Northeast Georgia Food Bank, it’s important to provide fresh and frozen foods,” Buwick said. “It’s important for choice, nutritional impact, variety of food and dignity. More room lets us provide the customer and volunteer experience everyone deserves.”
Future improvements could include expanded resource distribution across campus locations or refrigerated lockers for pre-ordered pickup options.
“When you look at the numbers and usage, this is a necessity. Food is essential, and no one should feel embarrassed about needing this resource, and students should be able to access it,” Buwick added. “Not only is it great that we’re able to use student fees and student volunteers to support other students — I think it’s just the right thing to do.”
Legion Field operational savings also allow more student fees to be directed toward registered student organizations on campus. In fiscal year 2026 alone: over $200,000 was allocated by schools or colleges for academically related clubs; another $1.2 million was distributed through an all-campus committee composed entirely of UGA students who determine funding priorities.
“Renovating the pool and its associated facilities would have required millions in capital investment to serve a tiny segment of our student body,” said Eric Atkinson, dean of students. “By making this change now, we can work with student leaders to redirect their student fees to support initiatives that meet their most pressing needs.”
