Sports
Sports

Georgia-Alabama: What you should know the weekend before the big game

Roquan Smith, linebacker, Georgia: He’s quick, powerful and always seems aware of where the ball is. Minkah Fitzpatrick, defensive back, Alabama: He’s listed as a strong safety, but has logged time at free safety, cornerback and even linebacker in some packages. Calvin Ridley, wide receiver, Alabama: While no other Tide receiver had more than 16 catches, Ridley had 59 for 935 yards. Sony Michel, running back, Georgia: A threat is open space and pass game. Da’Ron Payne, defensive lineman, Alabama: Th
By The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jan 5, 2018

> How college football's biggest game landed in Atlanta

It’s three days and counting until the kickoff of the College Football Playoff championship Monday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Here’s what you should know heading into the weekend before the big game, and check back throughout the day for news updates:

> Today is 'UGA Football Friday': Gov. Nathan Deal proclaimed a "UGA Football Friday" and encouraged state employees – and Georgia fans across the state – to wear red and black ahead of the college football title game.

> Teams set to arrive Friday: Georgia and Alabama are expected to arrive in Atlanta at some point today, likely in the late afternoon or early evening. Both will participate in Media Day activities Saturday morning. Here's the UGA roster for Monday's game.

> 'Pronounced' police downtown: Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields said "off days are canceled" through Tuesday for every one of the city's nearly 1,800 law enforcement officers, who are working 12-hour shifts.

> Ticket prices dropping dramatically: Tickets to Monday's matchup between Georgia and Alabama aren't exactly a steal yet but the prices posted on ticket broker sites have dropped quite a bit from their stratospheric starting point.

> Looking for a hotel room? Better hurry: Many hotel managers downtown said their properties are filling up fast — or are already sold out.

Centennial Olympic Park undergoes preparation Thursday for The 2018 National Championship football game played in The Mercedes-Benz Stadium In Atlanta.
icon to expand image

> Free concerts this weekend: Jason Derulo, The Chainsmokers and Darius Rucker headline the trio of shows during AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! Saturday through Monday at Centennial Olympic Park.

>  Road to the national championship: The latest news on the Bulldogs and Crimson Tide | Follow UGA to Atlanta

> Weekend events at a glance: Everything you need to know about what's going in town beginning today. | Fans guide

Channel 2 Action News, News 95.5 and AM 750 and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution are your homes for everything College Football Playoff National Championship. Make sure to follow @WSBTVand @AJCSports for updates on Twitter.

For much more on the Georgia Bulldogs, CLICK HERE to download and listen to Channel 2 Sports Director Zach Klein & AJC's Jeff Schultz on the 'We Never Played the Game' podcast.

About the Author

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
More Stories

Keep Reading

Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner (42) fights for possession during the first half of a WNBA basketball first-round playoff game against the Indiana Fever at Gateway Center Arena on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Atlanta.  (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

‘Whole new ballgame’: Dream’s defense cools down Fever in Game 1 win

Second and fourth quarters prove to be the difference in first playoff win in seven years.

Dream’s mission continues: Defeat the Fever, avoid do-or-die Game 3

With semifinals within reach, Atlanta seeks to handle business Tuesday in Indiana instead of risking a winner-take-all game back home.

Howard, Gray help Dream open playoffs the right way

The Latest

The Atlanta Dream logo is seen on display on the center court at the Gateway Center Arena before the first-round playoff game between the Atlanta Dream and the Indiana Fever on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Dream’s mission continues: Defeat the Fever, avoid do-or-die Game 3

Atlanta TV sports listings

‘Whole new ballgame’: Dream’s defense cools down Fever in Game 1 win

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com

A Braves fan took a ball to the face. The team may be liable, judges say.

The Atlanta Braves and former right fielder Jorge Soler face a lawsuit by a fan hit in the eye with a ball during a World Series game at Truist Park in 2021.

Joro spiders multiply across Georgia, spinning their pesky webs

The invasive species has multiplied rapidly in Atlanta in the last three years, research shows.

Ford settles billion-dollar Georgia lawsuits over fatal wrecks

Ford Motor Co. has settled two Georgia lawsuits that elicited record-setting jury verdicts of $1.7 billion and $2.5 billion, ending more than a decade of litigation.