Excitement is building in Atlanta for the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Georgia Bulldogs made the playoffs when they defeated the Auburn Tigers on Dec. 2. In addition, Georgia and Alabama did not play each other in 2017.
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The championship game will take place Monday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. In the meantime, thousands of fans will converge on downtown Atlanta for these various events leading up to the big game.
Saturday:
Media Day
Time: 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Place: Philips Arena
Media Day is a free event — and open to the public — featuring one-hour sessions with both teams and coaching staffs, live sets from ESPN, interviews with top players and more. At the end, each attendee will receive a ticket to Playoff Fan Central.
Sunday:
Taste of the Championship
Place: Georgia Aquarium
Attendees will sample food and beverages from some of Atlanta’s restaurants and breweries. General admission is $250, and VIP tickets are $350 each. Proceeds will go to the College Football Playoff Foundation and its Extra Yard for Teachers platform.
Extra Yard 5K
Time: Race starts Sunday at 8 a.m.
The race circles the “Championship Campus” in downtown Atlanta. Hosted in partnership with the Atlanta Track Club, the event will also feature live entertainment, an awards ceremony and other activities. The proceeds will go to Extra Yard for Teachers, which helps address challenges that teachers face. Tickets are $45 on race day.
Monday:
Kendrick Lamar Halftime Show
Place: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
According to ESPN, Kendrick Lamar will be performing outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the halftime portion of the game. The concert is free to the public.
All weekend:
These events will take place Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Championship Tailgate
Place: International Plaza
Experience “extreme tailgating” all weekend at the National Championship Game. Outdoor activities include zip lines, free-fall stunt jumps and more.
Playoff Fan Central
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Playoff Fan Central is an ongoing family-friendly event that features a variety of activities including pep rallies, sports clinics, games, band performances, autograph signings and more. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Children 12 and under can get in for free with a ticketed adult.
AT&T Playoff Playlist Live
Time: The gates will open at 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and at noon Monday. All events are free.
Place: Centennial Olympic Park
On Saturday, Jason Derulo, Charlie Puth and special guest Lizzo will perform in the park. The Chainsmokers will headline Sunday along with performances by Bebe Rexha and Spencer Ludwig. On Monday, Darius Rucker will perform during the pregame event along with Brett Young.
