Tailgate Takeover: your guide to Auburn gameday in Athens, Georgia

Welcome back to our weekly Tailgate Takeover series! This week, Auburn heads to Athens for the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, a series that dates back to 1892. Kickoff is Saturday, October 17, at 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT) at Sanford Stadium. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

The Tigers arrive fresh off a bye week to face Georgia, newly ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 after a 20-17 win over Alabama last weekend. The game is officially sold out, though tickets may be available on the secondary market. Fortunately, Athens is one of the best places in the SEC to enjoy gameday even without a ticket.

Getting Oriented

Clayton Street and College Avenue are the heart of downtown Athens, sitting beside the University of Georgia campus and putting many restaurants, bars, and attractions within walking distance. Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes. Even if it doesn’t look particularly hilly on a map, Athens can be a workout on foot, especially if you’re used to flatter college towns.

If you’re looking for a place to stay the night, Graduate Athens on East Dougherty Street offers a convenient downtown location, with restaurants, bars, and Sanford Stadium within walking distance for many visitors. Hotel Indigo on College Avenue is another option close to downtown attractions.

Once you’re settled for the day, leave the car parked if you can. Downtown Athens and much of the surrounding campus are best explored on foot, although crowds and gameday road closures can add time to the walk.

Where to Eat

Athens supports a restaurant scene that rivals those of much larger cities, and several local favorites are worth seeking out on gameday. Last Resort Grill is a downtown institution serving Southwestern-inspired Southern cuisine. The original Last Resort opened as a music club in 1966, and the restaurant that carries on its legacy has become a destination in its own right. Reservations are recommended, and if you have room for dessert, save some for the cheesecake.

The Grill on College Avenue is a classic downtown diner, a longtime fixture of the Athens restaurant scene. While it isn’t a 24-hour stop, it’s worth keeping in mind for a casual meal. For barbecue, Dawg Gone Good BBQ offers a more laid-back option for pulled pork, ribs, and other Southern favorites.

Clocked is another downtown favorite, known for its creative burgers, including the PB&J Burger. Plan on lunch or an afternoon visit rather than an early breakfast stop, and check its hours before heading over. For Alabama natives looking for a familiar option, Athens also has a Chuck’s Fish. Paloma Park is another popular choice, with Tex-Mex-inspired food, handcrafted cocktails, and an outdoor beer garden that makes it especially appealing on a busy football weekend.

Where to Drink

If you’re without a ticket, Paloma Park is one of the best places to consider for watching the game. Its outdoor beer garden features the largest outdoor LED screen in the Athens area, along with a full bar and food menu. The venue has also listed a dedicated UGA-Auburn gameday event for October 17, making it a particularly useful option for visitors hoping to catch the action downtown.

For something a little more casual, Blue Sky Bar is a downtown option for beer and cocktails. Check ahead for current hours and any special gameday arrangements.

If you’d like to sample beer from one of Athens’ best-known breweries, head to Creature Comforts Downtown Taproom. Housed in a former tire shop, the taproom features communal seating and an outdoor patio. It typically opens at noon on Saturdays, making it an option for an afternoon stop before or after the game.

Things to Do

Athens is a music town, and the Athens Music Walk of Fame downtown is a good way to discover why. The public art installation celebrates artists connected to the city’s influential music scene, including R.E.M., the B-52s, and Widespread Panic.

The Georgia Museum of Art features rotating exhibitions, a permanent collection, and a sculpture garden. On view through January 3, 2027, Edmonia Lewis: Said in Stone explores the work of the pioneering sculptor. If you’re a student of art or simply need a break from the gameday crowds, the museum offers a quieter way to spend part of the afternoon.

A stroll through the University of Georgia campus, including a look at the Arch, is also worth your time. Built in the 1850s, the Arch serves as an iconic gateway between downtown Athens and the university campus. According to a longstanding campus superstition, undergraduate students shouldn’t walk through it until they’ve graduated, lest they risk a mysterious curse.

Even without a ticket, you can still enjoy the atmosphere surrounding Sanford Stadium. Just remember that tailgates are often private gatherings, so look for public gameday activities and venues that welcome visitors rather than assuming every setup is open to passersby.

Know Before You Go

Whether you have a ticket or not, plan to get to Athens early. Downtown bars and restaurants can fill up quickly, and traffic around campus can become difficult before and after kickoff. Clayton Street and lower College Avenue are popular gathering spots, so expect crowds. If you’d prefer to explore beyond the busiest blocks, consider restaurants and bars around Prince Avenue or Pulaski Street.

Parking near campus is limited on gameday, so walking from your hotel or a downtown parking location is often the easiest option. Expect waits at popular restaurants, and check hours and reservation policies before you go. If you’re hoping to eat before kickoff, consider a casual spot where you can order quickly. And don’t forget the time zone: 3:30 p.m. kickoff in Athens means 2:30 p.m. back home in Alabama.

Auburn faces a tall order against the nation’s top-ranked team, but the Tigers have had a week to regroup, and rivalry games have a way of bringing their own energy. Whether you’re heading into Sanford Stadium or watching from a downtown beer garden, Athens offers plenty of ways to enjoy one of college football’s oldest rivalries. Enjoy the town, take in the atmosphere, and most importantly, happy gameday! Check back next week as we pick our next destination for Tailgate Takeover.

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