Downtown Atlanta is for College Football Fans: All the CFB Events Coming to ATL DTN

Atlanta has long been known as a sports town, and the next seven weeks will showcase just how important Downtown Atlanta is to the world of College Football.

The 2024 season started in Atlanta with the Aflac Kickoff Game between Georgia and Clemson on August 31st and will end on January 20th, 2025 with the College Football Playoff Championship game.

Moreover, the world of HBCU Football also has a home in Atlanta: the Cricket MEAC-SWAC Challenge Kickoff Game was held on August 24th between FAMU and Norfolk State and the Cricket Celebration Bowl (the unofficial HBCU Football Championship) takes place on December 14th. 

Continue reading below to see details about each upcoming event and how you can participate in the fun—with or without a ticket to the games. 

This list will be updated as new events and teams are announced.

+Denotes free events. These events may still require reservations or registrations.

 

December 7th SEC Championship Game: Georgia vs. Texas

Centennial Yards Tailgating Experience @ the Steele Bridge+

12/7 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Head to the Steele Bridge for free fun before the SEC Championship game between Georgia and Texas to check out food trucks, face painting, a photo booth, and a hot cocoa bar! Plus, don't miss a performance by the ATL Heavy Hitta Drumline.

Dr. Pepper SEC FanFare @ GWCC Building B+

12/6 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

12/7 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

FanFare is a free event that includes interactive displays and attractions, appearances by celebrity quarterbacks, pep rallies, and more.

T-Mobile SEC Championship Concert @ GWCC Building B+

12/7 12:00 PM

Three-time GRAMMY Award-winning superstars Dan + Shay will perform at this free concert, located inside the Dr. Pepper SEC FanFare.

  

December 14th Cricket Celebration Bowl: SC State vs. Jackson State

Band of the Year @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium

12/13 7:00 PM

See the best of the best HBCU marching bands as they compete to be crowned as the season long national champion of Division I and Division II bands.

Fan Experience @ Georgia International Plaza+

12/14 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Visit this free showcase of high school and college marching bands as well as sponsor activations.

 

 

January 1st Peach Bowl: Arizona State vs. Clemson/Texas

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Fan Night @ the Georgia Aquarium

12/31 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Fans are invited to explore all the Aquarium’s galleries and attend a mini-pep rally that will feature each team’s cheerleaders and mascots. Café and cash bar will be available until 6:00 PM.

FanFest presented by Lions Club Intl @ GWCC Building C+

1/1/25 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

FanFest is a giant indoor fan experience featuring 200,000 sq. feet of interactive attractions like punting, passing and kicking games, obstacle courses, and zip lining. It will also feature sponsor displays, sponsor sampling, merchandise and live entertainment from the main stage. The highlight of the event will be the Pep Rallies, which include the cheerleaders, bands and mascots from both participating schools.

 

January 20th College Football Championship: TBD

Trophy Trot @ Georgia International Plaza

1/19/25 9:00 AM

The Trophy Trot 5k/10k is the official road race of the College Football Playoff. The event includes live entertainment, activities with race sponsors, and a post-race awards ceremony.

AT&T Playoff Playlist LIVE! @ TBD

1/18/25-1/19/25

AT&T Playoff Playlist LIVE! is the ultimate soundtrack of the College Football Playoff National Championship. Each year, the concert series features a variety of national recording artists, including up-and-coming bands and long-time favorites. In addition to great hits, AT&T Playoff Playlist LIVE! features daily broadcasts.

Extra Yard for Teachers Summit @ the Rialto Center for the Arts at GSU+

1/18/25

A free event open to all educators and will feature inspiring speeches from high-profile speakers, giveaways, and a peer-to-peer networking reception.

Playoff Fan Central @ GWCC+

1/18/25-1/20/25

This three-day, family-friendly event includes games, clinics, pep rallies, band performances, special guest appearances, autograph signings, and exhibits celebrating college football and its history.

Taste of the Championship @ the Georgia Aquarium

1/19/25

The Taste of the Championship is a foodie’s dream. Ticket buyers will sample gourmet food and beverages from Atlanta’s most notable restaurants and breweries while celebrating teachers from across the United States.

Championship Tailgate @ Georgia International Plaza & the Home Depot Backyard

1/20/25

The gathering place for fans who want to experience extreme tailgating at the College Football Playoff National Championship prior to the game. The event will feature interactive games, sponsored activations, concessions, live ESPN broadcasts, and performances.

 

Looking to make a weekend trip to Atlanta or keep friends and family entertained while in town? Fill your calendar with these other events happening Downtown:

• ART in the PARK: Radiant 12/5-1/17/25 +
• Holiday Lights & The Pemberton Express at the World of Coca-Cola 12/7-12/29
• Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta 12/31 +
• Take the little ones to one of the winter events at the Children's Museum of Atlanta
• Find other events on our Event Calendar