JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As the Georgia Bulldogs mounted a comeback during the second quarter of the Sugar Bowl, the atmosphere at Culhane’s on Jacksonville’s Southside became electric. The venue served as the official gathering spot for the Jacksonville Bulldog Club’s watch party.

One enthusiastic member humorously remarked that they might need to be peeled off the ceiling if the Bulldogs clinched a victory.

Regardless of how the game concluded, many attendees felt a sense of relief that the event commenced safely, especially considering the memories of the previous year’s tragedy and the presence of numerous club members in New Orleans for the game.

“We’re determined to make our presence felt in New Orleans from right here at Culhane’s,” expressed Club Official Sean Stetson with enthusiasm.

Stetson has planned his fair share of watch parties for perhaps the biggest Bulldog Club in the country.

While he watched the Dawgs from Jacksonville, he had the safety of his fellow club members who made the trek to New Orleans in the back of his mind.

It was Jan. 1, 2025, when a suspect drove onto Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing 14 people and injuring dozens of others.

“We’ve got some guys who are there now from the club, and that was, ‘Hey, go be safe.’ Thank goodness nothing like that happened again this year,” said Stetson.

With the game involving the same team, on the same day, in the same place one year later, it had Stetson thinking about how much of a close call last year was for the club.

“Our president was there last year. He was right on that street corner right before it happened, and walked away,” said Stetson.

While it was on their minds, Stetson says many club members didn’t let it keep them from going back this year.

“The thing that does come about it is, those precautions kind of get escalated for the next year,” said Stetson. “Everybody goes above and beyond to make sure something like that doesn’t go down. It makes it an even more safe environment moving forward.”

“You hate to see things like that happen,” said Bulldog Fan Jeffrey Totty. “A big celebratory event, then tragedy unfolds. We’re just trying to be on the optimistic side of the New Year and hope for the best.”

Stetson is hoping it’s not the last watch party he’ll get to coordinate this season.

“I think we’re going to make a really nice run, and with a little luck, maybe another Natty,” Stetson said.