There are numerous reasons to head to Athens, Georgia on the weekend. Do we really have to give you incentive? For those of you who say you don’t want to deal with the traffic or worry about packing all your Dawg gear into a bag or want to simply enjoy the weekend at home, we have the top ten reasons why you should get motivated and make the journey to the University of Georgia’s homecoming this weekend:
University of Georgia Bulldogs vs Vanderbilt Commodores
So Vanderbilt was undefeated until last week, who saw that one coming? The UGA Bulldogs beat the Commodores last year by a close victory of 20-17. This year, the Bulldog’s number one ranking has slipped back to number ten after their loss to Alabama while the Commodores were ranked at number 13 until Saturday’s loss to Mississippi State. It might be a close game or it might be a blow out. You just have to see it for yourself.
UGA homecoming parade in Downtown Athens Friday evening
Every year athletes, sororities, fraternities, clubs, alumni, bands and dance teams march through the streets of Downtown Athens displaying their Bulldog pride. With banners, floats and the occasional candy pass out, the hour and a half parade is full of creative decorations and spirited entertainment. The homecoming parade kicks off the weekend festivities and is just one of the events highlighting the uniqueness of the University of Georgia.
Free/cheap food all weekend long
Yes, it’s a little juvenile but free food is an attraction for any sane person. With hundreds of tailgates and thousands of people, associations and schools within UGA are going to be stocking up on food by the tons. While not all events will have food free for the taking, most will offer good food for discounted prices. If you’re spending a weekend in Athens, don’t you want to be saving that money for Downtown after the game?
Reunions galore
Now’s the time to see those old school friends that you’ve been meaning to call for the last five years. Almost every association, club, fraternity, sorority and school will be holding special alumni events. All of them will be sponsoring a tailgate. Everywhere you go you’re sure to find a friend, an old flame, or an enemy. See, it’s just like being back in college!
Dawgs After Dark
College life is notorious for those bargains geared toward the poor college student and this weekend you can get in on that action. Dawgs After Dark on Legion Field is a cheap and aperfect end to your Friday night. For only $5 for non-students (students, of course, receive free admittance), you can enjoy the Student Union’s carnival by playing games, eating delicious food, riding the rides, and relishing in the UGA camaraderie all within walking distance from Downtown Athens.
Athens atmosphere
Ain’t nothing finer in the land… than Athens on homecoming weekend. With so many alumni visiting the city, it really does become electrifying. From the elderly cheerleaders in their old uniforms to the football greats being recognized, the University of Georgia’s tradition comes alive with every special event. At no point during the year will you get to see the thousands of people the University has influenced over the last century, all in one place.
Sanford Drive murals
Throughout the school year, Sanford Drive is decorated with an assortment of artwork produced by fraternities, sororities, clubs, and associations. At midnight on the Sunday of homecoming week, participating members will erase the fading collage from last year’s homecoming and create new colorful works of art to represent their organization. The competition displays UGA’s artistic talent while allowing organizations to make their mark on the campus. The vibrant pictorals will dull over time with the constant activity of vehicles so this week is the best time to see them before the paint ends up on the UGA bus’ tires.
Downtown specials
It’s homecoming weekend and Downtown Athens is going to have tons of specials. From shopping to drinks, the whole weekend is going to celebrate the University’s legacy and restaurants and businesses are going to show their love for anyone wearing red and black. Come enjoy the eats, drown in the drinks and pick up a few new items of clothing along the way.
Good ol’ Athens music
Despite the homecoming week’s events, Athens will still be hosting several bands at some of the most popular local music spots. If you’ve never gone to any of Athens’ music venues, now’s your time. Tasty World, Georgia Theatre, 40 Watt and others will all be rocking the weekend away with talented musical guests. Who knows, this weekend you might just catch the next R.E.M.
Come on, it’s UGA homecoming
If you don’t come to the University of Georgia on homecoming weekend, when will you? UGA has an entire week full of fun events and special festivities that you can be a part of. Athens has an exciting Downtown scene, vibrant people, exhilarating atmosphere, longstanding traditions and an amazing football game just waiting for you. It’s a weekend away from the same-old, same-old. Need I say more?
Just remember that in no where else in Georgia will you find an energy as stimulating as that which is found in Athens. No where else will you find fans as loyal and enthusiastic about their team as the Bulldog nation. Show your Bulldog pride and come to Athens to support the University of Georgia tradition and cheer on those Dawgs. Go Dawgs! Sic ‘em!
Add a comment