How To Tailgate Like A Longstanding Georgia Bulldog Fan In Athens This Fall
Tailgating like a seasoned Georgia Bulldog! | Image by Mallory Boggs
Mr. & Mrs. Boggs | Image by Mallory Boggs
I was blessed enough to be born into a long legacy of Georgia Bulldogs. My Papa and Nana met at the University of Georgia, and then a little over 20 years later my parents also met there. When I opened my acceptance letter to UGA my senior year of high school I literally started crying in the kitchen. My love for the Bulldogs runs deep, and I absolutely love attending a UGA game day.
There’s just nothing quite like Athens on a crisp fall day where you’re surrounded by excited fans sporting red and black. While I don’t get back to every game, I try to make a point of getting up to a game at least once a year. Thankfully, my parents are huge fans and have hosted regular tailgates during the football season for years now. Thanks to their regular attendance, I’ve been able to find some of the best ins-and-outs for attending a UGA tailgate.
The number one secret to successful tailgating comes down to some pre-planning. Going in with a plan is going to lead to more fun and less frustration. So, here are some tips and tricks so you can start scouting out where you’re going and what you’re doing when you head up to Athens to enjoy some UGA football.
Prime UGA Tailgating Locations
UGA Tailgating | Image by Mallory Boggs
The population of Athens, Georgia roughly doubles on game days. The population of Athens was around 120,000 as of 2022, and Sanford Stadium holds 93,033 souls. This means that timing and location is everything on game day because the one place you don’t want to be is stuck in traffic. Tailgating parking opens up at 7 AM on game days. That doesn’t mean you need to be there right when it opens necessarily, but the early bird gets the worm/best tailgating spots.
Many people drive in early when visiting for the day, and there is the option to rent a hotel or AirBNB in Athens for the weekend. If you’re trying to stay in town, note that you’ll likely need to commit to renting for both Friday and Saturday night, and many hotels near campus sell out before football season even begins. Make reservations early.
When deciding where to set up camp, there are a few different choices with different vibes.
North Campus
North Campus is nestled between downtown Athens and Sanford Stadium. Its lush lawns and beautiful old buildings make it a picturesque location for tailgating. The pros are the location, but the cons are the rules. This was a very popular party spot for many years until things got out of hand. Now it’s one part of campus that has a dedicated list of regulations. The best part of these regulations, though, is that it might give you ideas on other fun things you might want to bring to your tailgate at other locations on campus. Or if these regulations don’t impact your planning, I’d highly recommend setting up your tailgate here!
Tailgating on North Campus is allowed beginning 5 hours before kickoff
Tables cannot exceed 6 feet
Tents are allowed
The following items are not allowed on North Campus on game days:
Kegs
Generators
Televisions
Amplified music
Grills or cookers of any type
Household furniture (foldings chairs permitted)
No golf carts or ATVs
No parking on sidewalks
Tailgates (tents, tables, etc.) may not be set up in parking spaces
South Campus
South Campus has a longstanding history of tailgaters, and the crowd is known to be more spread out but friendly. UGA runs shuttles from the Ramsey Student Center to the stadium starting 5.5 hours prior to the game, so you don’t necessarily have to make the long trek on foot to the stadium.
Myers Quad
Located just south of the stadium, Myers Quad is normally brimming with students and alumni. With a high energy, and easy-access to parking decks and dining halls, this area can be a great option for anyone looking to be able to more easily park, unpack, and get to and from the game.
Intramural Fields
For those with an RV, the Intramural Fields are the place to be. Pull up, set up, and enjoy!
What To Bring, Eat, and Drink When Tailgating For UGA
Now let’s talk about what makes a UGA tailgate, a UGA tailgate. A few things you’re going to need:
A tent
Bag chairs for people to sit
A folding table or two (depending on the amount of food and drink)
A cooler
Paper or plastic cups/plates/utensils/napkins
Here are some optional items to consider depending on the amount of time you’re planning to spend at the tailgate.
Table decor
Bag game/other lawn games
Grill (No open-wood burning grills. Charcoal and propane canisters less than 17 oz permitted.)
TV
Fan
Generator for power
As you can tell from the above list, we take tailgating very seriously. This is no small feat to pull off a great tailgate which is why it’s best enjoyed with great company. I suggest finding some of your favorite people to help spread out who’s bringing what. Plus, it’s important for the next piece.
What To Eat If You’re Cooking
Low Country Boil UGA Style | Image by Mallory Boggs
There are no real rules here. Burgers, hotdogs, chips & salsa are always respected on a game day. However, some folks have been known to go above and beyond. Some favorites that I’ve indulged in include a Low Country boil, ham and cheese sliders, pigs in a blanket, and more! The best way to set up the potluck is to ask everyone to bring their favorite dish, with one person being on point for the main. Don’t forget that you can also just set up more of an appetizer/grazing situation if you aren’t as focused on the food.
What To Eat If You’re Picking Something Up
Game days are long, and sometimes the smartest thing you can do is grab the goods on the way in! If this sounds like you, I’d recommend putting in for a party platter at Raising Canes on Baxter Street. Their party platter with Canes Sauce is sure to disappear quickly and happily. There’s also a giant and well-stocked Kroger on Alps a little further out where you can grab some pre-made goodies or anything you might have forgotten. Just be sure to grab these things before getting to your tailgating spot.
What To Drink
When it comes to beverages, there’s no wrong answer. While you’ll see some people sipping on sweet tea or bottled waters, you’ll predominantly see folks with a cold beer in hand. In the land of koozies, you’ll see a mix of domestic, craft, and international beers being carried from tent to tent. Many tailgates also choose to set up a little bar as well. Depending on the time of the game you’ll see cocktails like mimosas or Jack and Cokes. While drinking is a part of tailgating, the Athens police do keep an eye out looking for people falling above the accepted level of “drunk obnoxious Georgia fan.”
This is the first season where alcohol is being sold in the stadium, so as long as you’re not sitting in the student section the party doesn’t have to end at the tailgate. We’ll be interested to see how this change impacts the atmosphere of the stadium.
What To Do Prior & Post UGA Game
There are so many different fun traditions for UGA football games and tailgates, so I’ll just cover some of the more popular ones. Something that should noted prior to packing up the car, is that we tend to dress to impress when tailgating. Everyone wears red and black, but the style isn’t just t-shirt and jeans. Undergraduate girls will typically wear dresses, while you’ll see more nice blouses and jeans on older generations. Many men don the fun slacks with small bulldog pattern. If it’s your first game, I wouldn’t over think it beyond the red and black, but I would suggest taking it a step further than athleisure.
Pre-Game: Dawg Walk
Two hours and 15 minutes prior to kick-off, the UGA football team, the Redcoat Marching Band, and UGA spirit representatives take the “Dawg Walk” where you can cheer them on as they move into the stadium between the Tate Center and Gate 1 of Sanford Stadium.
Post-Game: Chapel Bell Ringing
After a winning game, UGA fans line up on North Campus to ring the bell at the University’s Chapel. A fun activity with kids, this giant bell’s toll will be heard for hours post-win.
Pre- or Post-Game: Dinner Downtown
Downtown Athens is one of the most eclectic, delicious, and fun places in Georgia. It’s brimming with great restaurants and bars. A few Athens favorites for restaurants include Last Resort Grill, Trappeze Pub, and Little Italy Pizzeria. One of the few restaurants downtown that will take a reservation on game day is Porterhouse Grill. It’s a phenomenal steak restaurant, and can be a welcomed place of quiet after a hectic and loud day in Athens, Georgia.
Pre- or Post-Game: Visiting the UGA Bookstore
The UGA Bookstore is located directly next to Sanford Stadium and offers a ton of great UGA gear. It’s always worth a wander, however, it’s important to be mindful of their times of game days. Saturdays the bookstore closes at 5.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to tailgating like a seasoned Georgia Bulldog! Go Dawgs!