University of Georgia

School: University of Georgia

Team: Georgia Bulldogs

Location: Athens, GA

Conference: SEC

Stadium: Sanford Stadium (Capacity: 92,746)

The SEC is littered with proud fanbases that, deservedly so, argue that football played on their campus is the highest privilege that must be experienced. No place is a better example of that than seeing a game played “between the hedges”. Proud Georgians from all over the state flock to Athens to flood the stadium with red and watch their ‘dawgs play. Very few fanbases in the South still hold true to “dressing up” for gameday, but UGA is most definitely one of them. Grab a collared shirt or sundress, flip on some wayfarer shades and open a cold beer, we got Georgia on our mind!

The Weekend

Travel: Athens is located a little over an hour from Atlanta airport. With Hartsfield-Jackson being the biggest airport in the country, finding a flight there from most locations is very easy. The drive takes around 1.5hrs if you are staying in downtown Athens.

Lodging: I want to make two suggestions here. First, while most college towns are difficult to get lodging on a gameday weekend, Athens is particularly challenging. If you are lucky enough to land a hotel room (I suggest the Courtyard Marriott which is right off of Broad St. downtown) then you are set. However, if hotels are booked or too expensive (which they can be even six months prior to the game), staying in Atlanta is not a bad option. The Buckhead area of Atlanta is a straight shot east to Athens, a little over an hour and has plenty of hotels for far less cost.

Local Food: Try the Last Resort Grill which will give you a great sense for local southern home cooking. Salmon and Grits, fried green tomatoes, cornbread crusted trout and they even have a slow roasted six-hour pig.

Local Drink: The Allgood Lounge is a great sports bar, especially if you want to soak up some southern sun while drinking a few cocktails on their rooftop. Gets packed on gameday so get there early. If you want something a little more low-key, The Office Sports Bar & Grill is another good spot with a little less of the collegey feel.

The Tailgate

North Campus is where you want to be. UGA boasts an absolutely beautiful campus with pristine quads, stately buildings and views of the forests of northeastern Georgia in the background. North Campus is about a fifteen minute walk from the stadium and is where lots of tailgating occurs. A lot more room here for cornhole, football and socializing than near the stadium where things get very crowded.

Unique Tradition

UGA Football has a number of great traditions, but a newer one you will see is called “Light up Sanford”. Right before the 4th quarter begins, the fans turn on the flashlights on their phones while the Georgia Redcoat Band plays Krypton.