Away Game Guide: Georgia Tech
UGA’s in-state rivalry game against Georgia Tech—or “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate,” to those who have experienced the heated rivalry—will be in Atlanta this year on Nov. 25. If you’re traveling to the ATL for the game, here’s a guide to all the best hotels, restaurants and attractions for your weekend in the biggest city in the South.
Where to stay
The Hampton Inn is the closest hotel to the Georgia Tech campus and makes getting to the stadium a breeze on game day. The Sonesta Select Atlanta is also convenient to Bobby Dodd Stadium, and many rooms have views of the city’s iconic skyline.
For a luxury option, The Georgian Terrace, in the heart of Atlanta, is a stunning Southern interpretation of a Parisian hotel. The historic hotel was the location of the premiere of “Gone with the Wind,” and F. Scott Fitzgerald stayed there soon after its opening in 1911.
Designed in the Beaux Arts style, the Georgian Terrace is a vision of timeless elegance in the city’s landscape. (Photo: The Georgian Terrace)
What to eat
The Varsity is one of the most iconic symbols of Atlanta and is close to the Georgia Tech campus. Even though the Athens location closed, you can still enjoy this game day tradition before heading to the stadium. What’ll ya have?
The Varsity has been family owned and operated since 1928. (Photo: The Varsity)
Antico is a newer local favorite: a chain offering authentic Neapolitan pizzas and calzones. Their Georgia Tech location is part of a family of restaurants and cafes called “Little Italia”—there’s a bar, panini and pasta shop and gelateria right next door.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room is another local standby, serving up classic Southern comfort foods since 1945. The restaurant is the city’s only remaining “tea room,” a title used by enterprising female restaurant proprietors in the South in the days before women business owners were more commonplace.
The iconic restaurant has welcomed celebrities, leaders and politicians of all kinds to its dining room over the years, from President Jimmy Carter to Beyoncé.
For breakfast, head over to the Silver Skillet, a ’50s-style diner that’s been featured in a long list of movies and TV shows because of its retro atmosphere. Their hot breakfasts are so legendary that Guy Fieri featured the diner on his hit show “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.”
On game day
Sports & Social’s over-30-feet-tall TV screen, interactive games and extensive food and drink menu make it a great place to gather for the game with friends and family. The two-level space is perfect for watching the Dawgs play even if you don’t have a ticket, and game day table reservations can be made in advance to ensure you and your crew have a place to sit.
Eleventh Street Pub is closer to the stadium and serves up something to please just about every palate. They offer pub classics like burgers and wings as well as upscale dishes, including their garlicky roasted mussels, arancini rice balls or steak frites.
More Atlanta attractions
Atlanta is home to the largest aquarium in the United States, the World of Coke, the College Football Hall of Fame and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, all of which are located within walking distance from one another near Centennial Olympic Park.
Visitors to Atlanta can also explore the city by walking, biking or taking a scooter along the BeltLine, a 22-mile railroad corridor turned into trails and lined with parks, public art, restaurants and other businesses. Make a stop at Ponce City Market, a large retail and dining center complete with Skyline Park, a rooftop arcade with views of the city.
Skyline Park has vintage amusements, games, minigolf and refreshments at its rooftop location. (Photo: Skyline Park)
Not traveling to Atlanta and looking to connect with Dawgs in your own area? Find your local UGA alumni chapter and cheer on the Dawgs with fellow alumni at a game-watching party near you.
