Tailgating SEC Style Podcast: University of Georgia

Hi, I’m Paul Stanley. In this episode of Tailgating SEC Style, we’ll explore the tailgating scene in Athens, GA, at the University of Georgia.

Founded in 1785, Georgia is the nation’s first public university. Besides consistently fielding a top SEC team and playing in one of the most famous SEC football stadiums, downtown Athens has an excellent restaurant and bar scene. The Athens music scene has produced national musical acts such as R.E.M, The B-52’s, Drive-By Truckers, County singer-songwriter John Berry, and others started playing in local clubs.

RELATED: Tailgating SEC Style, Ole Miss Rebels

Athens, Georgia is located about 70 miles east of Atlanta, so finding a flight into the Atlanta airport from almost any U.S. destination. Traffic around Atlanta is always heavy. Make sure to allow ample travel time when traveling from the Atlanta area to Athens. 

Now, let’s travel to Athens. Interestingly, a city ordinance still on the books states that it’s illegal to “hoot loudly after 11:00 pm on weeknights.” I don’t know if that law refers to yelling loudly or honking your car horn, but thank goodness SEC games are usually played on Saturdays!

Similar to Oxford, MS, Athens is a great southern college town. As always, I recommend checking out Airbnb and VRBO properties before looking at hotels. The more time you have, the better your chance of securing a place at a reasonable rate. However, don’t neglect to check out last-minute deals, even on busy game weekends.

Places to Stay, Eat & Drink In Athens

There are several hotel options in and around Athens.

Graduate Hotel Athens
Hotel Indigo
Hyatt Place
Holiday Inn
Hilton Gardens
Magnolia Terrace Bed & Breakfast is another popular spot. Located near the Old North Campus and constructed in 1902, this B&B has eight rooms.

Restaurant’s

Last Resort Grill
The Place
South Kitchen & Bar
The National
Weaver D’s
The Varsity

Bars

Walker’s Coffee & Pub (Make your own bloody mary)
Cutter’s Pub 
Boar’s Head
1785 Bar and Grille
Bar South
Nowhere Bar
General Beauregard’s
Bourbon Street
Jerzees Sports Bar
Allgood Lounge

Located in the heart of Athens, the campus is an easy walk to downtown. In fact, the UGA Arch is near the intersection of College and Broad Streets. If you’re visiting for the first time, I recommend beginning your Georgia tailgating experience walking through the arch.

The grassy area to the left is called the North Campus Quad, and it’s a popular tailgate area for families. Georgia’s tailgating scene is a bit spread out. However, there is an area where the real tailgaters gather.

RELATED: Tailgating SEC Style Podcast: Auburn Tigers

As I say in every Tailgating SEC Style podcast episode, I recommend arriving on campus 3-4 hours before kickoff. That gives you plenty of time to explore the tailgating scene and meet hometown fans. 

Games at 11 am can pose a challenge; nonetheless, fans usually adapt and tailgate several hours before kickoff. And, like other SEC tailgate venues, many tents are equipped with TVs so fans can watch other games or stay in the tailgate area and watch their game.

Tailgating Scene at the University of Georgia

A couple of hours before kickoff, you’ll want to venture down Sanford Drive to the bridge near Sanford Stadium. The U of G band will lead the team past the Tate Student Center to the stadium. Fans gather along the route to cheer on the Bulldogs. You can get a great view if you can find a spot along the bridge above.

Sanford Stadium is a beautiful place, and the infamous row of hedges surrounding the field is legendary.

However, you still have plenty of time before kickoff. If you continue walking South down Sanford Drive, you run into the most popular tailgating spot on the UGA campus, Myers Quad or “The Quad.” Just ask fans to point you in the direction of Myers Hall, Rutherford Hall, and Mary Lyndon Hall. In this area, you’ll find a mixture of fraternities and sororities and alumni groups. Similar to Tuscaloosa, beer pong is a popular tailgate game. 

Another popular tailgating spot is just South of The Quad around the South Deck Parking lot. It’s easy to find because the aroma of Georgia BBQ will lead you there.

Athens is a beautiful town, so make sure you allow time before or after the game to explore the downtown area and even neighboring attractions. Hopefully, you can allocate a day before or after to enjoy the area.

In fact, Arkansas fan and the founder of Razorbackology, Ben Larsen, said the tailgating and gameday experience in Athens and University of Georgia tailgating was one of his favorites. It’s definitely one of the top SEC tailgates.

If you enjoy this podcast, leave us a great review. Also, please shoot us an email at paul@onesouthernman.com and tell us about your tailgating experience.