It’s getting very close. Like REALLY close.
With that in mind, here’s our unofficial guide to travel to Atlanta. Usually, we’ll outsource these to road team bloggers, but the Hawks, Falcons and Thrashers don’t have any bloggers, and the Braves bloggers are all on suicide watch. So, we’ll handle this one with our own research, experience, and the advice of others.
Enjoy.
First off, wherever you’re headed, leave early. Atlanta traffic will be messier than usual. Plan for it.
Right around the dome, there are a number of choices. First, Stats is a stone’s throw from the Dome, and has the Table Tap system. Basically, that is a table with beer taps built in. They bill you for the number of ounces you consume. This is an innovative way to not remember anything about the game.
In addition to Stats, there is a Taco Mac within easy walking distance at the Phillips Arena. Many of you may remember the Taco Mac on Southside in Birmingham. It’s not the best food in the world, but it’s more than adequate. Their beer selection is always amazing as well; this location has 79 beers on tap and more than 150 in bottles.
There’s a rumor that the Jocks and Jills at the CNN center is closed - it no longer appears on their web site. If so, there’s no way it’s not some other sports-related establishment that would serve your needs on gameday as well as anything.
Additionally, there’s a big party at Centennial Park where ESPN Gameday is setting up shop, if that’s your speed. Look for that to be tailgating central.
If you’re looking for fun a little further out, take a cab! Atlanta is very cab friendly, and if you’re going to be drinking, there’s no need to mess around with driving - especially given the construction.
Midtown is an excellent choice for Friday evening fun. Front Page News (Cajuny-type food and beverages) comes highly recommended, as well as Atkins Park (”Southern” fare). Additionally, the South City Kitchen is highly recommended for more “upscale” southern dining.
Additionally, former Tuscaloosa stalwarts Storm Orphans are playing at Smith’s Olde Bar with the Hitchcocks and The Original Grounders.
For those looking for a bit more sophisticated fare, Buckhead is the place to be. Dantanna’s “Upscale Sports Restaurant” is alleged to be an excellent place for steaks and flat screen TVs. Eclipse Di Luna is a nice place for tapas and drinks.
Post-dinner in Buckhead, you can satisfy your inner frat guy at East Andrews Cafe and Bar. Friday night features Big Wooly Mammoth (a Widespread Panic Cover Band) and Saturday night is the Dave Matthews Cover Band. Also in the neighborhood is the Five Paces Inn - billed as Atlanta’s Number One Dive Bar.
Those are our thoughts… a few more notes:
- Southern Saturday in the South has their Atlanta recommendations. Good post from them.
- Additionally, the AJC has a list of place you can go to watch Georgia-Georgia Southern. If you’re interested in watching this, just hang around the MARTA Hightower station around 2:00 am. You’ll see a mugging there too.
- Finally, the Alumni Association has a weekend of festivities planned.
Here’s the entire e-mail from the UA alumni association:
Dear Alabama Supporters,
With just a few days remaining until the 2008 BAMA football season kicks off, we know that many of you are planning a trip to Atlanta this weekend. We hope you will take advantage of any or all of the opportunities that are listed below, all brought to you by the Atlanta Chapter of the University of Alabama Alumni Association. For more information on any of the events listed, visit their website at www.atlabama.com. We hope to see you there!
Join Former Football Players including Quarterback Scott Hunter for a Kick-Off Event at Cheyenne Grill on Friday, August 29th
Join us Friday night from 7:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m. at Cheyenne Grill, the official viewing site for Alabama football in Atlanta, as we kick-off the football season in style. Former players, including UA quarterback and Green Bay Packer, Scott Hunter, will join us for an evening of Alabama football and fun. Cheyenne Grill is a family friendly restaurant with an outdoor patio and big screen TVs. We will be raffling off great prizes too, so don’t miss out!
Cheyenne Grill
2391 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30305
Phone: (404) 842-1010
http://www.cheyennegrille.com
Head to Smith’s Olde Bar for Live Entertainment on Friday, August 29th
After a great meal at Cheyenne Grill, head to Smith’s Olde Bar to relive your college days! Doors open at 8:00 p.m. Receive $2 off your entry fee with an alumni card. They will also have drink specials all night long. See below for the line-up.
SMITH’S OLDE BAR
1578 Piedmont Ave
Atlanta, GA 30324
Phone: (404) 875-1522
http://www.smithsoldebar.com
Watch the Game with the Bama In Atlanta Alumni Chapter at Cheyenne Grille
Don’t have tickets to the game? Watch the Alabama /Clemson Game with the Bama in Atlanta Alumni Chapter at Cheyenne Grille. Be sure to arrive early as we always pack the house. The party starts at 6:00 p.m.
Cheyenne Grill
2391 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30305
Phone: (404) 842-1010
http://www.cheyennegrille.com
Get Your Bama Bucket at Guthrie’s of Dunwoody and Peachtree Corners
Stop by Guthrie’s before the big game and pick up a Bama Bucket perfect for tailgating. Guthrie’s is offering $4 off a bucket of chicken, which includes 1 bucket, 6 sauces, basket of fries, 4 cole slaws, 4 toasts, 1 gallon of ice tea and a bag of ice. Just mention you saw this ad on our website or the NAA website to receive the discount August 29-31.
Stop by with your membership card anytime and receive a free drink with any meal!
Guthrie’s of Dunwoody
Located at 285 and Chamblee Dunwoody in the Georgetown Shopping Center
4474 Chamblee Dunwoody Road
Atlanta, GA 30338
Phone: (770) 817-0182
www.guthriesofdunwoody.comGuthrie’s of Peachtree Corners
Located inside the split between 141 and Peachtree Industrial
3219 Holcomb Bridge Road
Norcross, GA 30092
Phone: (770) 248-4245
Discount Tickets for the Georgia Aquarium All Weekend
Whether you are coming from out of town for the big game or live here in the Atlanta area, now is the time to take advantage of the 10% discount Alabama alumni receive at the Georgia Aquarium. Whether you can make the Friday night jazz performance (included in the cost of a general admission ticket) or just want to see these magnificent creatures before the game, be sure to purchase your tickets at http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/acb/stores/1/conv_ed.aspx?CouponCode=PS1UA0608
Hours of Operation
Friday, August 29 – 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31 – 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker Street
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phonw: (404) 581-4000
http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/
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