Rick Limpert, an Atlanta-based Yahoo sports and technology writer, brings both areas together as CBS Atlanta’s “Tailgate Fan” columnist.
These are his picks for smartphone apps and websites to help navigate and have fun during, before and after the Chick-fil-A Bowl.
For the Game:
Chick-fil-A Bowl app (Free)
As bowl-game apps go, this is one of the better ones. Get information on both Clemson and LSU and a schedule of bowl events. A superb fan resource center.
MARTA app (Free)
Need help getting to and from the game, or around Atlanta? This app gives you access to bus and rail schedules. See real-time information on where your bus or train is, and get station-by-station instructions to Atlanta’s hot spots.
Georgia Traffic Advisor ($2.99)
The best way to stay aware of ever-changing Atlanta traffic conditions. A must-have for getting around on New Year’s Eve and leaving the Georgia Dome after a football game. Well worth the $2.99.
Atlanta Checker Cab (Free)
Available for both iOS and Android, you can now hail a cab with your smartphone. The largest cab company in Atlanta is also the first to have its own app. You can order your taxi in three clicks and watch it approaching on your screen. You can also pay online. It’s better to be safe than sorry on New Year’s Eve, and you can do that with this app.
Breaking News app from The Atlanta Journal Constitution (Free)
This newly released app will give you breaking news and sports and local entertainment updates. It’s easy to navigate, and there are photo galleries and integration with Facebook and Twitter.
Before and After the Game
Rivalizer. http://www.chickfilabowl.com/Rivalizer.aspx. A fun online activity that lets you upload photos of fans or players on the opposite team and outfit them in your team’s gear or colors.
Underground Atlanta at http://www.underground-atlanta.com/
See what’s going on for New Year’s Eve at Underground Atlanta. After the game, you can attend the 24th annual Peach Drop where bands and name entertainment will take the stage.
Georgia Aquarium app (free)
Take a virtual tour of the Georgia Aquarium with this app that will show you “Underwater Atlanta” on your iPhone, iPod or iPad. It allows you to interact with fish and animals that live in this popular neighbor to the Dome. Don’t miss the Georgia Aquarium while in Atlanta.
World of Coca-Cola online at http://www.worldofcoca-cola.com/
With more than 1,200 Coca-Cola artifacts from around the world, the World of Coke is both interactive and educational. Try more than 60 Coke products from countries all over the world. One of the most popular attractions downtown.
Big Zombie Tour online at http://atlantamovietours.com/tours/
Numerous movies and television shows are filmed in the metro area. The most popular show currently in production is “The Walking Dead.” Each weekend, Atlanta Movie Tours offers its Big Zombie Tour for $45, which takes fans to filming locations. Sports fans love this cult show, and who knows, you may stumble on some action being shot.
Central Atlanta Progress online at http://atlantadowntown.com/fun/holidays
Check out a complete listing of downtown holiday events, from ice skating in Centennial Olympic Park to New Year’s Eve at Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint on Peachtree Street. Click on Downtown Interactive Map in the right column to find local dining and parking lots.