Expectation high for Chick-fil-A Kickoff game

By SEKOU SMITH

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Coaching his team to 16 consecutive postseason appearances qualifies Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer as an expert on bowl games.

So when he talks about the atmosphere for Saturday’s Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game between his seventh-ranked Hokies and No. 5 Alabama being like no other, he knows where of he speaks.

And he’s not the only one who feels that way.

“I was with [ESPN College Game Day host] Chris Fowler this summer and he said it’s like no other atmosphere he can remember during the regular season,” Beamer said Monday. “We’re playing in a great city that really supports football. We’ve sold all of our tickets. They’ve sold all of their tickets. It’s going to be an exciting opener.”

For fans who can’t wait until Saturday’s 8 p.m. kickoff at the Georgia Dome, there’s plenty going in the hours leading up to the game:

GAME DAY CREW IN TOWN

Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso and Desmond Howard will kick off the college football season live from Centennial Olympic Park from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday on ESPN’s College Game Day Built by The Home Depot. A large throng always makes the atmosphere better. And admission is on a first come, first serve basis.

FAN ZONE

The opening weekend festivities wouldnít be complete without a pep rally. And Building A of the Georgia World Congress Center will host what’s being billed as the World’s Largest Indoor Pep Rally from noon until 6 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are available in advance and at the door for $5. Team bands, cheerleaders, mascots and other special guests are scheduled to appear at the event, which promises to fill fans up with food, music, games and the official radio shows for both teams. The official event merchandise store will also be open to those that attend.

KICKOFF COOK-OFF

Tailgating will take on a new meaning for some from noon to 5 p.m. on the East Plaza of the Georgia World Congress Center. Fans can enjoy the sights and sounds and taste the flavors with six grill specialists set to compete in the cook off challenge, presented by Texas Pete. Some of Atlanta’s top executive chefs will be on hand to show fans how to grill the perfect burger, steak and other tailgate favorites.

TEAM PARTIES

Both teams will host their own tailgate parties at the Georgia World Congress Center from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Bama Bash and Tech Tailgate will include live entertainment, appearances from cheerleaders, a full-course meal and drink one drink coupon per person. Tickets are $65.

FAN NIGHT AT GEORGIA AQUARIUM

The world’s largest aquarium is opening its doors to fans during special hours (6 p.m. to 10 p.m.) for just $17 per person. All tickets must be purchased in advance.

• For more information on the day's schedule including maps and directions and to purchase tickets for weekend events, visit the official Kickoff Web site. Advance purchase of tickets is required for Fan Night at the Aquarium and is encouraged for team tailgates as space is limited.