The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl began the celebration of its 50th season Friday by unveiling an almost 30-foot-tall peach sculpture near the bowl’s new home.
The metal artwork was commissioned by the bowl from Greg Johnson, a Forsyth County artist and sculptor. Completed this summer, it is located in a Georgia World Congress Center plaza, not far from Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Peach Bowl president and CEO Gary Stokan said the bowl spent almost $300,000 on the sculpture.
The project began, Stokan said, when former University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley suggested he contact Johnson.
“We were looking for something to kick off our 50th anniversary, our golden season,” Stokan said.
Stokan said he expects the peach’s hollow middle, reflective quality and LED lighting to make it a popular spot for selfie photos as people make their way over the years to the stadium, Philips Arena or the Congress Center.
The 50th Peach Bowl game will be played Jan. 1. The bowl plans to commemorate the milestone throughout the season.
The celebration will include: on-field presentations at games involving former Peach Bowl teams; a “Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Day” and temporary exhibit showcasing the bowl’s history at the College Football Hall of Fame; an honorary 50th-anniversary team featuring players with the best performances in the bowl’s past 49 games; and philanthropic programs with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Atlanta Public Schools.
About the Author
