Heading to Atlanta to watch Syracuse kickoff the season against #18 Tennessee in one of the most anticipated games for Orange fans in years? Here’s your ultimate fan guide. This is a major college football event, since it’s the same organizers as the Peach Bowl and Atlanta is the headquarters of CFB Hall of Fame.
Kickoff is set for noon ET, with gates opening at 10 a.m. ET. There’s plenty to do around the stadium before the game.
Tailgate Town is where you’ll find live entertainment, contests, giveaways, and the Aflac Fan Experience. Located in International Plaza just outside Gates Two and Three of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Fans can enjoy live entertainment, food and interactive activations, as well as a variety of contests and giveaways from 8a – 11:30 a.m. ET.
Throw the rock at Tailgate Town! Fans can test their football skills at the Aflac Combine.
Challenge, play Aflac Trivia for a chance to win game day gear or cool off at the New Aflac Lounge that features misters and shade. Commemorative Aflac Kickoff Game plush ducks will also be available for fans to take home.
9:30a ET: Team Walks. Cheer on the Orange as they enter the stadium. Both Syracuse and Tennessee fans will have the opportunity to welcome the teams during the Team Walks. Players from both teams will make their traditional team walks from The Home Depot Backyard and into Mercedes-Benz Stadium a little more than two hours before kickoff. Team buses will arrive and an area that stretches into the stadium will be sectioned off so that fans, cheerleaders and team marching bands can welcome the teams. Get there at 9:30a ET because the teams are scheduled to walk just before 10a ET.
Marine Week Atlanta. There will be mlitary vehicle displays, performances by the Silent Drill Platoon, flyovers, and more. The United States Marine Corps will host a static display of military vehicles and equipment as part of Marine Week Atlanta in celebration of the Marine Corps’ 250th Birthday. The public is welcome to try on gear, climb aboard the vehicles, and enjoy performances by the Silent Drill Platoon and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band. There will also be three aircraft conducting flyovers over the Team Walks and Tailgate Town for both games featuring a KC-130 out in front, followed by two MV-22s in a wedge formation.
offering fans a chance to watch the broadcasts live and in-person.
See Tim Tebow in person. Live entertainment: SEC Nation, Marty & McGee, and The Paul Finebaum Show – all will be hosting live broadcasts on-site. They will broadcasting from Tailgate Town outside Gate Two of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Live coverage begins at 9 a.m. ET with Marty & McGee, as CFB veterans Marty Smith and Ryan McGee bring viewers the latest headlines across the SEC landscape.
The 12th season of SEC Nation then kicks off at 10 a.m. ET. Fans can catch host Laura Rutledge, along with Paul Finebaum, Roman Harper, Jordan Rodgers and Tim Tebow live on set as they preview the season ahead.
If you’re around on Friday, The Paul Finebaum Show will be live on Friday, Aug. 29, from 3-7 p.m. ET.
Here’s some tips about Mercedes-Benz Stadium, one of the preeminent venues in the country.
Cashless Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium is cashless. Fans must pay with card or mobile payment (Apple Pay, etc.). Cash can be converted to prepaid debit cards at 10 kiosks inside the stadium.
Mobile Ticketing Only: Tickets must be downloaded to a mobile device via the Peach Bowl, Inc. app. No PDFs or print-at-home options will be accepted.
Free Express Entry: New facial ticketing lanes at Gates 1, 2, 4, and the North Club Entrance provide faster entry. Fans can opt in for free via Ticketmaster.
Clear Bag Policy: Only clear bags (12”x6”x12” or smaller) or small clutches (4.5”x6.5”) are permitted. Non-compliant bags can be stored at external lockers provided by The Mobile Locker Company.
Make us proud, Orange Nation! Go support Syracuse and enjoy a day in college football’s hot bed for one big party to kick off the season.
