re: 2 Games, 2 States, 1 Long Weekend - Columbia/Athens

It is not a horrendous walk to downtown from there, but it would probably take at least 30-40 minutes to walk to stadium from there. There is also this thing called a bus system in Athens. I would imagine there is a campus bus running from the health science campus to the main campus, but not late at night. However, just make friends while there and I bet most would be happy to drop you back off near your place. Also the main hospital, Athens Regional, is near there and so one should be able to grab a cab fairly easily from there.

You can always find tickets on Gameday, no matter how big the game. You will be paying out the nose for lower bowl or club seats, but they are always there to be had. Honestly, though, I don't think there is a bad seat in Sanford as far as seeing the field well. I have sat just about everywhere. I guess the Tech Deck is a bit steep, but I still think it is closer to the field than most other upper decks I have been to.

I would recommend making friends at the tailgates. You can often find extra tickets that way. You definitely will find free alcohol and food. And most have a TV with earlier games going.

Normaltown is sort of a trendy area. It is usually fine, but I wouldn't go walking around at night looking obviously drunk. Right near there is an awesome place for Sunday Brunch called Heirloom.

Also fairly close to that area is Big City Bread. In general there are so many incredibly good Sunday brunch places in Athens, I feel it is criminal to leave town on a football weekend without eating brunch.

Restaurants/bars downtown you might like: The National, Clocked, The Last Resort, The Globe, etc etc. Really there are so many and they often come and go. But yes, getting to Athens by 3 PM on Friday would be perfect. The traffic will just be picking up and the downtown will be rockin'. There are usually plenty of great live bands as well.

5 points is a bit out of your way, but I love The Royal Peasant. Also the best restaurant in AThens, 5 and 10. is there as well.

I too am jealous, as I have to work that weekend and will have to miss being at the game. Alas, my tickets have already been promised to friends or you could have bought them.