College football Saturdays in the South are about much more than what happens on the field. From wearing your favorite team’s colors to grilling with friends, enjoying the pregame atmosphere and cheering in the stands, a great game day is an experience worth planning.
Whether you’re cheering for the Clemson Tigers at Death Valley, the Furman Paladins at Paladin Stadium, the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium, or the Georgia Bulldogs between the hedges at Sanford Stadium, a little preparation can make your football weekend smoother, more enjoyable and less stressful.
Tony Drives is sharing this college football game day planning guide to help fans prepare for tailgating, stadium transportation, parking and the trip home after the final whistle.
Start Planning Your Football Game Day Early
The best football game days begin before Saturday morning. Once you know the game date and kickoff time, start planning how you’ll get there, where you’ll meet friends and what you’ll do before the game.
Check your tickets, stadium entry requirements, parking arrangements and local traffic information in advance. College football crowds can create significant congestion, especially around popular stadiums and major rivalry games.
If you’re traveling from Anderson, Greenville or elsewhere in the Upstate, allow extra time for the drive. Consider construction, road closures, event traffic and the possibility that your GPS may need to adjust your route.
Make sure everyone in your group knows the meeting location, departure time and plan for getting home. A little coordination can prevent unnecessary confusion when thousands of fans are heading in the same direction.
Make Tailgating Part of the Experience
For many fans, tailgating is one of the best parts of college football season. It’s a chance to catch up with friends, meet other fans, enjoy good food and build excitement before kickoff.
You don’t need an elaborate setup to have a great tailgate. A simple, organized gathering can be just as memorable as a large parking-lot party.
Build Your Tailgate Checklist
Before leaving home, consider packing:
- A cooler with food, drinks and plenty of water
- Folding chairs and a portable table
- Team shirts, jerseys, flags and decorations
- Burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, snacks or other easy-to-serve food
- Plates, napkins, utensils and condiments
- Trash bags and paper towels for cleanup
- Sunscreen, hats, rain gear and weather-appropriate clothing
- A portable phone charger or battery pack and your digital game tickets
- Cornhole or other games, if permitted at your location
If you’re bringing a grill, canopy, generator or other equipment, check the rules for your specific parking area before packing. Tailgating policies can vary by university, stadium and parking lot.
Plan your menu around food that is easy to prepare and serve. Prepare as much as possible at home, keep perishable items properly chilled and make sure everyone has access to water throughout the day.
Most importantly, leave your tailgating area clean and respect other fans around you.
Clemson Tigers: Plan a Day at Death Valley
Clemson football brings fans to Memorial Stadium for the atmosphere, traditions and excitement that make game days in Clemson, South Carolina, special.
If you’re attending a Tigers home game, review the official Clemson football game-day guide before you leave. Confirm your parking arrangements, check for traffic updates and pay attention to any road closures or restrictions that could affect your route.
Parking can be limited during major home games, so don’t assume you’ll be able to find a space when you arrive. Investigate available parking and shuttle options in advance, and allow time to get from your parking area to the stadium.
For tailgating, coordinate with your group about where everyone will meet and what each person will bring. If you’re joining friends who already have a setup, find out whether you need to bring chairs, food or other supplies.
After the game, expect traffic around campus and along the roads leading away from Clemson. Agree on a pickup location that is legal, safe and accessible, and be prepared for your departure to take longer than usual.
Official planning resource: Clemson Tigers Football Game Day Guide.
Furman Paladins: Enjoy College Football in Greenville
Furman University offers another great way to experience college football in the Upstate. The Furman Paladins play their home games at Paladin Stadium on the university’s scenic campus in Greenville, South Carolina.
Compared with the atmosphere surrounding some of the region’s largest football programs, a Furman game can offer a different college football experience while still delivering plenty of school spirit, competitive football and opportunities to enjoy time with family and friends.
Before heading to a Paladins home game, check the official Furman Athletics football schedule, ticket information and current game-day policies. Review parking instructions and any available information about tailgating, stadium entry and accessibility.
If you’re meeting friends or family, decide where to gather before arriving on campus. Pack your team gear, refreshments and other essentials, and confirm whether your chosen parking area permits tailgating.
Greenville traffic can also affect your arrival and departure, particularly when other events are taking place around the city. Give yourself enough time to park, walk to the stadium and enjoy the pregame atmosphere without rushing.
After the game, be patient when leaving campus and make sure your group knows where to meet if you’re using separate vehicles or arranging a ride.
Official planning resource: Furman Paladins Athletics Football Schedule and Furman University game-day information.
South Carolina Gamecocks: Get Ready for Game Day in Columbia
Gamecock football weekends bring garnet-and-black spirit to Columbia, with Williams-Brice Stadium serving as the center of the action.
A successful Gamecocks game day starts with knowing where you’re going before you reach Columbia. Review your parking options, stadium entry rules and current transportation information before setting out.
Fans may choose to tailgate, meet friends around campus, enjoy pregame activities or head straight to the stadium. Whatever your plans, build enough time into your schedule to enjoy the atmosphere without rushing.
If you’re planning a tailgate, check the rules for your designated location. Don’t assume that every parking lot allows grilling, tents or tailgating equipment.
The University of South Carolina also publishes game-day shuttle information for eligible routes and parking areas. Review the latest schedule and pickup locations to see whether a shuttle fits your plans.
Once the game ends, heavy traffic and crowds can make leaving the stadium area challenging. Decide on a meeting point before the game and keep your phone charged so your group can coordinate.
Official planning resource: University of South Carolina Game Day Guide and Gameday Shuttles information.
Georgia Bulldogs: Make the Most of a Saturday in Athens
A Georgia Bulldogs game day in Athens, Georgia, offers its own traditions, excitement and busy pregame atmosphere. Sanford Stadium draws fans from across Georgia and beyond, making advance planning especially important for visitors.
Before heading to Athens, check your tickets, parking arrangements and the latest University of Georgia football transportation guidance. Parking availability, shuttle service and traffic restrictions can differ by game.
If you’re tailgating, decide where your group will gather and arrive with enough time to set up. Bring the essentials, follow the rules for your assigned parking area and plan a simple menu that won’t keep you occupied all afternoon.
Remember that your parking space may not be close to the stadium. Give yourself enough time to walk or use an approved shuttle service, and check the university’s current guidance for the best route.
After the game, be patient with the traffic leaving Athens. Choose a clear meeting point away from restricted roadways and pedestrian bottlenecks, and keep your group informed if plans change.
Official planning resource: University of Georgia Football Gameday FAQ and Football Parking information.
Plan Your Ride to and From the Game
Transportation deserves just as much attention as tickets and tailgating. When thousands of fans arrive and leave at approximately the same time, driving and parking can become some of the most frustrating parts of the day.
Consider your transportation options before game day. Depending on the stadium, your location and your plans, you may be able to drive and park, use an official shuttle, arrange a designated driver or use a rideshare service.
Getting to the Stadium
If you’re driving yourself, research parking options and follow official event directions. Don’t rely on finding a convenient parking space at the last minute.
If you’re using a rideshare service, arrange your plans early and check the designated pickup and drop-off instructions for the event. Stadium-area restrictions may prevent a driver from reaching the exact entrance you have in mind.
Share your destination with everyone in your group and choose a practical meeting point. Allow extra time for traffic, and remember that rideshare prices and availability can change during high-demand events.
Getting Home After the Final Whistle
The trip home deserves a plan of its own. Traffic may be heavy, pickup zones may be crowded and mobile service can become less reliable when large numbers of people leave an event together.
Confirm your transportation arrangements before kickoff rather than waiting until the game ends. Keep your phone charged, stay in contact with your group and follow instructions from event staff.
If alcohol is part of your celebration, don’t drive afterward. Choose a sober designated driver or arrange appropriate transportation. Never get behind the wheel if you are impaired.
Consider Tony Drives for Your Transportation Plans
For football fans planning game days around the Upstate and neighboring areas, Tony Drives serves Anderson, Greenville and surrounding areas, with transportation needs involving destinations such as Clemson, Columbia, South Carolina, and Athens, Georgia, subject to availability and trip arrangements.
Whether you’re planning to attend a Clemson game, cheer on the Furman Paladins in Greenville, support the Gamecocks in Columbia or make the trip to Athens for Georgia football, contact Tony Drives in advance to discuss your transportation needs, destination and schedule.
Advance coordination is particularly useful when your group has a specific pickup location or a longer trip to plan.
Service availability, trip details and pricing should be confirmed directly before making arrangements. Stadium access, event traffic and local restrictions can affect pickup locations and travel times, so always allow flexibility.
Visit https://tonydrives.com/ to learn more about available services and get in touch.
Watching the Game Somewhere Else? Plan a Football Watch Party
Not every fan wants to attend a game in person. Sometimes the best plan is to gather with friends at home, watch from a sports bar or organize a backyard football party.
Set up a comfortable viewing area, confirm which games will be televised and prepare food before kickoff. Ask guests to bring a dish or snack if you want to keep the menu simple.
If your group plans to enjoy alcoholic beverages, arrange a safe ride home before the celebration begins. A little planning helps everyone enjoy the game without worrying about transportation afterward.
Your College Football Game Day Checklist
Before you leave, run through this quick checklist:
- Tickets are purchased and accessible on your phone.
- Parking, shuttle or transportation arrangements are confirmed.
- Tailgating supplies, food, water and weather gear are packed.
- Your group knows where and when to meet.
- Your phone is charged, and you have a backup power source.
- Your return trip is planned, including a safe option if anyone drinks alcohol.
- You have checked the latest official stadium rules and traffic updates.
- You have allowed extra time for congestion before and after the game.
Make This Football Season One to Remember
Whether you’re supporting Clemson in Death Valley, the Gamecocks in Columbia or the Bulldogs in Athens, the best college football game days combine team spirit, good company, great food and thoughtful planning.
Prepare your tailgate, confirm your parking and transportation arrangements, and decide how everyone will get home before kickoff. Those simple steps can make a big difference when the crowds arrive.
For game day transportation services in Anderson, Greenville, Clemson South Carolina and Athens, Georgia consider visiting https://tonydrives.com/ to learn more and discuss your needs
Enjoy the tailgate, cheer on your team and make every Saturday count!