As the Gators make their record tenth Southeastern Conference Championship appearance on Dec. 5, Alabama looks to reverse the trends of history. This is the seventh time the teams will meet since the inaugural game in 1992, and the fifth time in Atlanta. In its six appearances, Alabama has faced Florida every time, winning two and losing four. The Gators are 7 – 2 in the conference title game, both losses coming to Alabama. The two will meet as the top-ranked teams in the nation for the second consecutive season, and the Southeastern Conference champion has gone on to win the past three national titles. 
This is great! Now I know where to go this weekend!!
| A Gator's Guide to Atlanta |
| Wednesday, 02 December 2009 19:00 |
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For a Gator used to the small college-town feel of Gainesville, Atlanta is a daunting city to navigate. Even if you manage to avoid the throngs of crimson-clad Alabama fans, you still have the incessant barking of native Georgia Bulldogs to deal with. That being said, here’s how to make the most out of your weekend and stay amongst fellow Gators. By Patrick Annesty; Photo by Rodney Rogers
THE NIGHT BEFORE If you make it the city before sunset, start your night at the Sweetwater Brewery (195 Ottley Drive, midtown area). This Atlanta-based brewery won the “Small Brewery of the Year” award at the 2002 Great American Beer Festival, and specializes in West Coast-style brews. From 5:30p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, the brewery offers “tours” to the public. For $8, you receive a glass to keep, and six tickets, each good for a half-pint of your choice. Touring the brewery is optional (local college students frequently attend just for drinks), and Fridays are popular, so arrive early. When your stomach starts to growl, Atlanta offers a variety of eateries to satisfy your craving. For a gut-busting classic try The Varsity (61 North Avenue, downtown), a Georgia Tech staple since 1928. The Varsity boasts the world’s largest drive-in and serves classics like chili dogs and hamburgers. For those seeking lighter, customizable fare, head to The Real Chow Baby (1016 Howell Mill Road, Suite A, midtown). Here, you pick whichever rice, noodles, spices, meats, veggies, seafood and sauces you desire, and the chefs stir-fry it all together. If not satisfied after the first round, you can repeat the process, buffet-style. For more traditional American fare, check out Taco Mac, made famous for its buffalo wings and large beer selection. With multiple locations around the city, both the food and drink menus are extensive, and the atmosphere is family-friendly. ON GAME DAY If you plan on driving to the game, expect to pay $20 or more for parking. There is ample parking surrounding the Georgia Dome, but the vast majority is inside multiple-story garages. If you’d prefer to tailgate under the open sky, I’d suggest arriving no later that 10 a.m. for the 4 p.m. kickoff. If you plan on exploring multiple tailgates, keep in mind that Atlanta does have an open container law, and walking around with open alcohol is not recommended. The MARTA transit system provides reliable bus and railway transportation between areas of the city and is the best way to get to the game if not hosting a tailgate. Routes and other information can be found at http://www.itsmarta.com. The morning of the game is an interesting scene on MARTA, as you’ll see families lugging coolers and children alongside college students sipping suspect concoctions from large plastic mugs. The subway cars themselves take on a game-day atmosphere as football fans dominate the scene. If you don’t have a planned tailgate to attend, consider visiting the CNN Center, just down the street from the Georgia Dome and attached to the Phillips Arena. The center hosts an atrium-style food court, with vendors and restaurants selling oversized draft beers ($6 for 32 ounces) in addition to their respective food choices. The center frequently draws large crowds of football fans, creating an atmosphere akin to the Jacksonville Landing. DURING THE GAME If you are not fortunate enough to have a ticket, several bars in the city offer Gator-friendly viewing spots. East Andrews Café & Bar (56 East Andrews Drive, in Buckhead) offers outdoor seating and attracts a college-age Gator crowd. Closer to the Georgia Dome, Sidebar (79 NW Poplar St.) is located downtown and offers a more traditional bar atmosphere within walking distance of the stadium. The Atlanta Gator Club, a 3000-plus- member affiliate organization of the University of Florida Alumni Association, hosts viewing parties at both locations. For a unique experience, visit Stats (300 NW Marietta St.), another Gator bar located just north of the Georgia Dome and Phillips Arena. The beer taps at Stats are located in individual booths and automatically track how much you pour. This year’s conference title game promises to once again pit the two best teams against each other in a de facto playoff for the national championship game. In addition, the winner will earn the distinction of conquering the toughest football conference in college football. Enjoy the experience, and Go Gators! P.S. If you need a ride home after the game, try the Atlanta Checker Cab Co. (404) 351-1111, Atlanta Lenox Taxi Company (404) 872-2600, or Zingo Transportation (they drive up on scooters, fold them up and put them in the trunk of your car, and drive you home in your own vehicle so your car isn't left overnight!) (404) 679-4646.
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