Every week on College Football Country, we take you around the nation to find out more about one of the things that makes Saturdays so great: tailgating.
One of the key games in the ACC this week is a matchup between North Carolina and Georgia Tech, which will take place in the heart of Atlanta. That in itself offers a different setting than most college campuses, but even though Georgia Tech is surrounded by a downtown skyline, on game day it has a unique atmosphere. Because of Georgia Tech’s deep roots in engineering, you can find some of the most souped-up tailgating vehicles in the country! From RVs to converted school buses, Tech fans know how to pull out all the tailgate stops!
One of the most famous pieces of engineering in college football is Tech’s Ramblin’ Wreck—a 1930 Ford Model ‘A’ Sport Coupe—that has been part of the tailgating and game day tradition since 1961. The Ramblin’ Wreck serves as a symbol of tradition as the mascot of Georgia Tech’s student body and a representation of the spirit of engineering. Each week, two and a half hours before kick-off, fans head to Jacket Alley as the Ramblin’ Wreck leads the band, dance squad, coaches and players into the stadium. Tailgaters from all over campus gather for this symbolic event.
The Ramblin’ Wreck got its name in the late 19th century when Georgia Tech engineers were in the first stages of piecing together makeshift motorized vehicles, back before automobiles were available to the American public!
In addition to the awesome tailgating vehicles and the team’s march up Jacket Alley onto Grant Field (the field, by the way, is celebrating its centennial year this fall), Georgia Tech also offers a unique family-oriented tailgating tradition known as WreckFest. Also opening two and a half hours before kick-off, the Yellow Jacket faithful gather for a pregame tailgate party for fans of all ages on Bobby Dodd Way. Here you can check out live music, interactive games and inflatables and also grab some food and purchase some Yellow Jacket game day apparel. The team and the Ramblin’ Wreck even pass by WreckFest on their way to the stadium.
If you happen to the in the Atlanta area this weekend or any home weekend and are in search of a great college atmosphere – be sure check out Georgia Tech and WreckFest…
