How to get to, park and tailgate at Saturday’s SEC Championship

It’s the biggest game of the year, as Georgia takes on LSU in the 2019 SEC Championship game at 4 p.m. Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

If you’re going to the game, here’s what you should know.

What you can take into the stadium

Security will abide by the NFL’s clear bag policy, where fans are encouraged to not bring any type of bags into the stadium. Each person, including children, are allowed one large, clear bag and a small clutch.

Here’s what security will allow into the stadium: 

• Bags and totes that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12"x6"x12"
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar);
• Small clutch bags, about the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap

Exceptions are made for medically necessary items after inspection. Diapers can be carried in a clear bag, as opposed to a traditional diaper bag. Binoculars, cameras and smartphones are allowed as long as the item is not in its own bag.

Clear seat cushions and seat pads without pockets, zippers, compartments or covers are permitted. Blankets are allowed to be carried in. If a guest has an item that isn’t allowed in the stadium, bag valet locations are available for a fee near entry gates.

Here are prohibited items:  

• Coolers
• Briefcases
• Backpacks
• Fanny packs
• Cinch bags
• Non-approved seat cushions, including large traditional seat cushions that have pockets, zippers, compartments or covers.
• Luggage of any kind
• Computer bags
• Camera bags
• Purses larger than a clutch bag.

»MORE: SEC Fanfare offers celebrity appearances, team pep rallies and attractions

Tailgating

The Gulch — that vast tangle of parking lots and rail lines that sits below State Farm Arena and stretches to Five Points — still has a thriving tailgate scene, and lots alongside Northside Drive are still the primary options for traditional tailgating.

»MORE: A few rules every Mercedes-Benz Stadium tailgater should know

These parking lots allow tailgating:

• 134 and 135 Forsyth St.
• 17 Baker
• 305 Ted Turner
• AJC Lot
• Blue Lot
• City Plaza
• Dome 2
• Lots 6, 18, 36, 37, 43, 44, 57, 77 and 81
• Lots A (The Gulch), B, C, D, F, G, H, K, L, M, P, R and U
• Marshalling Yard and Marshalling Yard 4 - Cars
• Nelson Street
• North Gate 1
• State Farm Drive
• The Home Depot Backyard and The Home Depot Backyard West
• Yellow Lot

Getting to the game by car

To avoid driving around the stadium looking for parking Saturday, drivers should purchase a spot in advance through Parkmobile.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium has partnered with Waze, which the stadium said “is the only GPS program with event day traffic plans and street closures incorporated, providing you with accurate directions and real-time traffic alerts. Please do not use Google Maps, Apple Maps, or any other mapping software.”

Using Waze, drivers only need to type in the lot name, not the address.

Taking MARTA

From the north: Take the red or gold line heading toward the Airport Station. Get off at Five Points Station, where you’ll transfer onto either the green line heading toward Bankhead or the blue line heading toward Hamilton E. Holmes. Get off at Vine City or Dome/ GWCC/Philips Arena (State Farm Arena)/CNN Center.

From the south: Take the red line heading toward North Springs or the gold line heading toward Doraville. Get off at Five Points Station, where you’ll transfer onto either the green line heading toward Bankhead or the blue line heading toward Hamilton E. Holmes. Get off at Vine City or Dome/ GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center.

From the west: Take the green line heading toward Edgewood/Candler Park or the blue line heading toward Indian Creek. Get off at Vine City or Dome/ GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center.

From the east: Take either the green line heading toward Bankhead or the blue line heading toward Hamilton E. Holmes. Get off at Vine City or Dome/ GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center.

Once you’re at Vine City or Dome/ GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center, exit the station and walk toward Northside Drive. You’ll see the stadium.