Fans of Tennessee Vols and Georgia Bulldogs Can Now Begin Tailgating Plans Ahead of Anticipated September Showdown in Athens

The countdown is on, and fans of the Tennessee Volunteers and Georgia Bulldogs can now officially begin mapping out their tailgating plans for one of the most anticipated college football games of the 2025 season. With kickoff details finalized for the early-season SEC clash, both fanbases can start circling the date, loading up their grills, and strategizing the perfect pregame setups for what promises to be a massive showdown in Athens.

The September meeting between Tennessee and Georgia will once again command national attention, continuing a rivalry that has surged in relevance in recent years. For Tennessee fans, it’s another shot at claiming supremacy over a program that has become the gold standard in college football under Kirby Smart. For Georgia fans, it’s a chance to reassert dominance over a resurgent Volunteer squad trying to claw its way into the SEC’s elite tier.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 21, at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, and the game will be broadcast nationally on CBS. This time slot—often reserved for the conference’s premier weekly matchup—reflects the importance of the contest and the widespread interest from fans, analysts, and recruits alike. With a definitive start time and national TV coverage now set, the green light has been given to fanbases on both sides to make their travel, tailgate, and ticket plans official.

For the Volunteers, the trip to Athens presents both a daunting challenge and a golden opportunity. Under head coach Josh Heupel, Tennessee has made major strides, especially on offense, where explosive playmaking has become the hallmark of the program. Yet, the Vols have struggled to get over the Georgia hump in recent years. In 2024, the Volunteers came close to shocking the Bulldogs in Knoxville but fell short in the final quarter, undone by turnovers and the inability to stop Georgia’s relentless rushing attack.

That narrow loss still stings among the Tennessee faithful, who have grown increasingly confident in their team’s upward trajectory. Many fans view the 2025 contest as the defining early moment of the season—a chance to prove they can compete and win in one of the most hostile environments in the country. A road win in Athens could set the tone for a special season in Knoxville, especially given the momentum the Vols have been building on the recruiting trail and with a now fully retooled defense that is expected to take a leap this fall.

Tennessee’s defense, often the Achilles’ heel in high-stakes games, has been a major point of offseason focus. The Volunteers return several key starters and have added impact transfers in the secondary and linebacker corps, a much-needed boost considering the gauntlet they’ll face in SEC play. More importantly, with Nico Iamaleava now firmly entrenched as the team’s starting quarterback, expectations are sky-high. Iamaleava’s raw talent, combined with another offseason of growth under Heupel’s system, could be the X-factor the Vols need to finally flip the script on Georgia.

But the Bulldogs have no plans to relinquish their throne. Georgia remains the class of the conference and a perennial national title contender. Even with roster turnover—something the Bulldogs seem to absorb effortlessly—Kirby Smart’s machine continues to roll. Carson Beck is back at quarterback, offering experience, composure, and the ability to beat defenses through the air. Georgia’s offensive line remains a strength, and the running back rotation, though youthful, is already drawing praise from spring practices.

Defensively, Georgia is as menacing as ever. The Bulldogs may have lost a few stars to the NFL Draft, but the replacements are blue-chip recruits who have been waiting their turn. That’s the beauty of Smart’s program: no rebuilding, just reloading. By the time September rolls around, Georgia’s front seven will likely be fully formed into yet another immovable force, making the Vols’ offensive execution all the more critical.

Fans planning their tailgates know the stakes, and for many, the preparations begin months in advance. In Athens, tailgating is an art form. Bulldog fans take pride in setting up shop early on game day, claiming prime locations across campus, and transforming the heart of the university into a sea of red and black. Expect the 2025 edition to be even more intense, with Tennessee fans expected to travel in large numbers. The Vols have a passionate road fanbase, and with Sanford Stadium just a short drive from the Tennessee border, the visitor’s section should be full and lively.

Georgia’s athletic department has already begun coordinating with local officials to prepare for the influx of fans. Parking, traffic management, and stadium entry logistics are all being addressed early to ensure a smooth experience on game day. Tennessee’s alumni groups are also working behind the scenes to coordinate caravans, watch parties, and pregame meetups in Athens. For many fans, especially those who make this trip annually, it’s more than just a football game—it’s a fall tradition built on community, rivalry, and the shared love of college football.

In Knoxville, the early kickoff announcement was met with excitement and a rush to secure accommodations. Hotels along the route to Athens are already seeing increased bookings, with many fans opting to make a full weekend of the trip. Meanwhile, Athens-area rental properties are in high demand, with fans using the confirmed game time to finalize Airbnbs and other short-term stays well in advance.

The 3:30 p.m. kickoff time also means optimal tailgating conditions. Unlike early noon games that force fans to rush their pregame rituals, or late-night kickoffs that stretch into the early morning hours, a mid-afternoon start offers the best of both worlds. Fans can enjoy a full morning of food, drinks, and socializing before heading into the stadium, and still get home—or back to their lodging—at a reasonable hour afterward. It’s ideal for television audiences, too, who often mark the CBS SEC Game of the Week as a can’t-miss event.

Though the kickoff is still months away, both coaching staffs are undoubtedly using the announcement as a key mile marker in their summer prep. Scouting reports, game plans, and player development schedules will begin to revolve around the Week 4 showdown. For Tennessee, it’s about being ready to seize the moment. For Georgia, it’s about protecting their home turf and sending a message that they’re still the team to beat in the SEC East—if divisions were still around.

This year’s contest will also have national implications. Both teams are expected to begin the season ranked inside the Top 15, with Georgia likely in the Top 5 and Tennessee somewhere between No. 10 and No. 15. A win for the Volunteers would catapult them into College Football Playoff conversations, while a Georgia victory would further solidify their dominance heading into the heart of the SEC schedule.

There’s also the personal storylines to follow. Former high school teammates now on opposite sidelines. Coaches with long-standing ties. Fanbases who know each other well. That familiarity only adds fuel to the fire of an already intense rivalry.

But for now, it’s about the build-up. The buzz. The speculation. The perfect playlist for the drive. The recipe tweaks to the family chili. The double-checking of grill gear and coolers. Fans from Knoxville to Athens and everywhere in between are once again reminded that college football is more than just Saturdays—it’s a year-round passion. And with the kickoff time now locked in, the next chapter in the Georgia-Tennessee saga can begin to take shape, one tailgate plan at a time.