Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Georgia Bulldogs Football at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia

In the state of Georgia, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is another day to show what’s known as Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate. This is the rivalry between the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Georgia Bulldogs. Thanks to RazorGator and EventChaser I wound up with Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets tickets to see my alma mater play against the Georgia Bulldogs on this date. It would surely be a close, competitive game, as 5 of the last 6 have been decided by 7 points or less.

Bobby Dodd Stadium Information
Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field
155 North Ave., N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30332
(404) 223-8687

Google Maps - Bobby Dodd Stadium

The stadium, which seats 55,000 for football, is located on the east side of the Georgia Tech campus. There is parking various small lots around the Georgia Tech campus, and Atlanta’s rail system, MARTA, is also a good option if you want to avoid traffic (just go to the ‘North Avenue’ station).

Tailgating is permitted in all lots open to visitors on campus, except the parking deck. The largest lot for tailgating is the lot behind Alexander Memorial Coliseum. Lots open early enough to give plenty of time for tailgating and other pre-game festivities before the game.

Originally built in 1913 by members of the Georgia Tech student body, Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field is the oldest on-campus stadium in NCAA Division I-A. The focal point of a 2003 expansion and renovation is the North end zone structure, which seats 15,678 in two levels and also includes 10 luxury suites

If your group is eating before the game, downtown Atlanta has a wide variety of dining choices available. One of the most popular for Georgia Tech football dates is The Varsity, which is known as “The World’s Largest Drive-in Restaurant.” The location at 61 North Avenue is within walking distance of the Georgia Tech campus. It covers two city blocks and can accommodate 600 cars and over 800 people inside. On days when the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are playing a home game, over 30,000 people visit The Varsity.

The Game
This year’s game was every bit as exciting as last year’s game (that year, Tech scored 33 points in the second half to rally for a 45-42 victory). Game time this year was 8:00 p.m. on Saturday night. The temperature was in the 50’s at kickoff, but dipped into the upper 40’s by the second half — perfect football weather.

As usual, this game was close to the end. The Georgia Tech fans were worried when starting quarterback Josh Nesbit missed about a quarter with an ankle injury, until he returned late in the second quarter.

On their last possession of this game, the Yellow Jackets, who were only down 6 points, moved to Georgia’s 46, converting a fourth-and-1 with 1:53 remaining. Tech’s chance to extend an 8 game winning streak eventually came down to a 4th and 10 with just over a minute left in the game and one time-out left.

On this play QB Nesbitt found Demaryius Thomas alone on the left sideline with room to spare for the first down. The pass hit Thomas in the hands. He dropped it. Georgia only had to run out the clock to preserve a 30-24 victory, while Bulldog fans earned a year of bragging rights until next year’s game.

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