DRAFT Magazine

ATHENS, Ga. — The oldest rivalry in the SEC, the Auburn-Georgia game riveted fans at Sanford Stadium Saturday night. And, though no beer was served inside the 92,746-seat facility, beverages flowed off the field.

Sidewalks were packed in downtown Athens hours before the 7 p.m. kickoff. Co-eds wearing black dresses and boots walked by alums sporting Bulldogs’ colors in the 75-degree sunshine. At the Mellow Mushroom, even in mid-afternoon there was a 30-minute wait for its excellent pizza, and the bar was filled by those watching the University of Tennessee game. Everything from light beer to Newcastle Ale was poured by the bartenders.

A swarm of student partyers, armed with boxes of beer, roamed the campus; no one took advantage of the area designated fan-friendly and alcohol-free. By 6:30, nearly all had started to march in to Sanford Stadium, where — after 14 quick Auburn points — the Bulldogs roared back to win, 31-24.

Many students then returned to the streets, enjoying Paulaner and other beers at spots such as The Globe on Lumpkin Street, which was tame compared to other joints. Little can beat a college town like Athens, with its slew of inviting bars over many blocks and the gorgeous Georgia campus nearby, on a fall Saturday.