Story by Lance Hanlin

In the South, college football isn’t just a game. It’s a way of life, steeped in tradition and celebrated with passion. It’s marked by chandeliers in tailgate tents, boats turned into floating fan zones and stadiums that shake with energy. Around here, the spectacle matters just as much as the scoreboard. The teams are championship-caliber and so is the atmosphere. Rivalries run deep, fashion is intentional and the food is so good, you might forget there’s a game at all. Whether you’re drawn to the pregame pageantry, the marching bands, the quarterback drama or just an excuse to eat your weight in wings, the South delivers a game-day experience like no other. Here are 10 must-do Southern football traditions to check off before you head to that big tailgate in the sky.

Clemson Tigers

All in, all orange, all heart

Clemson transforms on game day. The energy starts early with the Tiger Walk where players step off the buses and walk a brick path lined with the names of past team captains while fans pack in close, cheering and high-fiving. Just before kickoff, players gather above The Hill. Then they rub Howard’s Rock and sprint down the hill into a sea of orange and the crowd explodes. Tailgating spreads across campus with barbecue, cornhole and plenty of orange and purple flair. After the game, the celebration continues on the field with fans linking arms at The Paw to sing the alma mater.

Tailgating tips: Bring a roll of toilet paper; trust us, the port-a-johns will run out. Skip the glass dishes and opt for something sturdy (and disposable); a Chick-fil-A nugget tray will outshine your homemade casserole every time. If you’re hoofing it across campus, a cooler with wheels is your best friend. Don’t let the calendar fool you. Early “fall” in Upstate can still feel like summer, so pack water and sunscreen. Know the traffic rules, expect delays and keep your cool. Welcome to Tiger Town.

Get there: Drive northwest via I-95 and I-26, then take I-385 and US-76 to Clemson. Approximate drive time is 4.5 hours

Hottest ticket: LSU at Clemson, Aug. 30

South Carolina Gamecocks

Sandstorm, spirit and Saturday pride

Columbia turns game day into a full-blown celebration. By sunrise, Gamecock Park is alive with tailgaters setting up tents along Bluff Road and the iconic Cockaboose Railroad, with its vintage train cars turned luxury suites, welcomes diehard fans with Southern hospitality and big-screen TVs. The Gamecock Walk cranks up the energy as the team arrives, high-fiving their way through a crowd of roaring supporters. Inside Williams-Brice Stadium, the lights dim, the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey builds and then Sandstorm drops. The adrenaline-pumping track by Finnish DJ Darude debuted at a 2009 game and has since become a battle cry. Thousands of fans whip white towels overhead like helicopter blades, turning the stands into a sea of motion. Win or lose, the game ends with tradition as fans link arms to sing the alma mater, shoulder to shoulder.

Tailgating tips: Leave for the game early and brace for traffic because game day around Williams-Brice gets congested fast. Pack a roll of toilet paper, since porta-potties won’t stay stocked. Skip the fancy dishes and go for disposable trays with tailgate staples like fried chicken and pimento cheese dip. On warm Saturdays, which are frequent, choose white or garnet gear instead of all-black to stay cooler. Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen and plenty of water. You’ll thank yourself by kickoff.

Get there: Head north on I-95, then west on I-26 to Columbia. The trip takes about 2.5 hours.

Hottest ticket: Clemson at South Carolina, Nov. 29

Georgia Bulldogs

Barks and brass on Broad Street

In Athens, the celebration starts well before kickoff. The Dawg Walk is a scene as the team makes its way through a crowd of screaming fans, led by the Redcoat Band and Hairy Dawg himself. North Campus becomes a sea of tents and lawn chairs where fried chicken, sweet tea and Georgia pride are always on the menu. Uga, the live mascot, often makes an appearance near the field, usually resting on a bag of ice like the celebrity he is. After the final whistle, fans flood downtown Athens, where bars, music and post-game cheers keep the party alive into the night.

Tailgating tips: Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be doing a lot of walking between North Campus, the stadium and downtown. Brush up on this year’s team since football is the default conversation topic in Athens. North Campus fills quickly, so arrive early to claim a shady spot under the oaks. Take time to explore the Athens Beer Trail, which features six local breweries with great drinks and atmosphere. Be sure to try local favorites like fried chicken, barbecue, shrimp and grits and live music while you’re in town.

Get there: Drive west via I-95 and US-278 to I-16, then north on US-441 to Athens. It takes about 4.5 hours.

Hottest ticket: Alabama at Georgia, Sept. 27 

Florida Gators

Swamp things

Game day at The Swamp starts with the Gator Walk, where fans pack Stadium Road and cheer players on their way into Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Tailgates often include Cuban sandwiches, citrus coolers and lots of sunscreen. The Florida heat can be brutal, but the energy is just as intense. Inside, the Gator Chomp gets the crowd moving and the noise level can catch visiting teams off guard.

Tailgating tips: Dress in light, breathable fabrics because The Swamp lives up to its name. Bring a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen, especially if you’re attending an early-season game. Hydration is essential, so keep a full cooler of water and sports drinks close by. Tailgates often include Cuban sandwiches, fresh fruit and citrus drinks that reflect Florida’s flavors. Walk along Stadium Road to catch the Gator Walk and cheer on the team as they head to the field. After the game, stick around for the singalong of “We Are the Boys from Old Florida,” it’s a favorite tradition for fans young and old.

Get there: Drive south on I-95 to I-10 west and US-301 south to Gainesville. Travel time is about 4 hours.

Hottest ticket: Texas at Florida, Oct. 4 

Auburn Tigers

Roll with it

The Auburn tradition starts with the Tiger Walk, where fans pack Donahue Drive to welcome the players with cheers and chants. Inside Jordan-Hare Stadium, the eagle flight is a jaw-dropping moment of calm before the roar. After a win, everyone flocks to Toomer’s Corner to toss toilet paper into the trees in celebration. The rolling of Toomer’s is joyful, silly and completely unifying. And no trip is complete without a glass of lemonade from Toomer’s Drugs on the corner.

Tailgating tips: Bring a roll of toilet paper for the postgame tradition and don’t forget your camera; the pregame eagle flight is one of the most spectacular sights in college football. It can be sunny and hot, especially in the early part of the season, so bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. If you want to catch the Tiger Walk, arrive early and find a good spot along Donahue Drive. 

Get there: Drive west via I-95 to I-16, then I-85 north to Auburn. It’s about a 5.5-hour trip.

Hottest ticket: Alabama at Auburn, Nov. 29

Tennessee Volunteers

The only game-day flotilla in football

Neyland Stadium sits on the banks of the Tennessee River, which becomes a floating tailgate party on game days. The Vol Navy stretches for blocks, with boats decorated in orange and white and grills smoking on the decks. Even fans on land can walk the waterfront to soak it all in. The team arrives with a police escort for the Vol Walk, where the band and fans create a lively welcome along Peyton Manning Pass. Inside the stadium, expect to hear “Rocky Top” more times than you can count.

Tailgating tips: If you’re not arriving by boat, park near Volunteer Landing early and take a walk along the riverfront to soak in the atmosphere of the Vol Navy. Bring your camera; the orange-and-white boats and lively scene along the Tennessee River are perfect for photos. Learn the lyrics to “Rocky Top.” Wear light clothing and stay hydrated, especially early in the season when the heat can be intense. Don’t miss the Vol Walk on Peyton Manning Pass.

Get there: Drive northwest on I-95 to I-26, then I-40 west to Knoxville. Drive time is about 6.5 hours, or fly into McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). 

Hottest ticket: Georgia at Tennessee, Sept. 13

Alabama Crimson Tide

Where legends walk

In Tuscaloosa, the Walk of Champions is a reverent tradition. Fans line the walkway leading to Bryant-Denny Stadium, which is flanked by statues of legendary coaches. Tailgates around the Quad are meticulous with white tablecloths, floral arrangements and full barbecue spreads. The Paul W. Bryant Museum, just steps from the stadium, offers a crash course in Crimson Tide greatness. On game day, everyone from toddlers to grandmas knows how to say “Roll Tide” at exactly the right moment.

Tailgating tips: Visit the museum on Friday to avoid the game day rush and get a sense of Alabama’s football legacy. Game day fashion leans polished and preppy, so dress accordingly. Tailgating on the Quad is an all-day affair, so pack plenty of snacks, cold drinks and sunscreen. Comfortable walking shoes are a must and be prepared for some mud; those iconic oak-lined lawns turn to dirt quickly under thousands of feet. If you’re going to the game, bring a clear stadium-approved bag and some cash for parking, which fills up fast. Cell phone service near the stadium can be unreliable, so make plans with your group in advance. Expect long lines at nearby restaurants and packed campus bars. Don’t miss the Walk of Champions before kickoff. 

Get there: Drive west via I-95 to I-16 and I-20 west to Tuscaloosa. Trip time is about 7.5 hours, or fly into Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) and drive one hour.

Hottest ticket: Oklahoma at Alabama, Nov. 15 

Mississippi State Bulldogs

Ring the bell, feed the soul

The Junction at Mississippi State is a cowbell symphony of Southern hospitality. What used to be a train hub is now a sprawling tailgate scene with tents, big-screen TVs and the constant clang of cowbells. The tradition started with a stray cow that wandered onto the field decades ago and turned into a good luck charm. Today, ringing a cowbell is a badge of honor. Food is front and center here with smoked sausage, pulled pork and lots of homemade sides.

Tailgating tips: Pick up a cowbell before game day or buy one in Starkville; you’ll want to join in when the ringing starts. It gets loud in The Junction, so bring earplugs if you’re sensitive to noise. Arrive early to claim a prime tailgating spot and make sure your setup includes shade, since Mississippi heat can linger deep into the fall. 

Get there: Drive west on I-95 to I-16 and I-75, then US-82 west to Starkville. Total drive time is about 8 hours, or fly into Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR).

Hottest ticket: Ole Miss at Mississippi State, Nov. 28 

Ole Miss Rebels

Glamour in The Grove

Tailgating here can feel more like a Southern wedding reception than a football party. In The Grove, 10 acres of campus become a sea of fine china, chandeliers, bowties and seersucker. There’s no driving allowed in The Grove, so everything gets carried in by wagon or cart. The Walk of Champions runs through the middle, where the team parades through a tunnel of fans and cheers. Even if you don’t have a tent, someone will likely invite you in for a plate of food and a cold drink. Just be sure to compliment their setup.

Tailgating tips: Dress to impress and bring a wagon or rolling cart to haul your gear in and out. A portable fan or cooling towel can help you stay comfortable in the Mississippi heat. Make sure to walk the Walk of Champions and soak in one of the best tailgating atmospheres in college football.

Get there: Drive west on I-95 and I-16 to I-22, or fly into Memphis and drive 1.5 hours to Oxford. Total travel time is around 8.5 hours by car.

Hottest ticket: LSU at Ole Miss, Sept. 27 

LSU Tigers

Let the good times boil

LSU doesn’t mess around when it comes to tailgating. By Thursday night, RVs line campus streets and the aroma of Cajun cooking hangs thick in the air. Expect gumbo, jambalaya, boudin and plenty of beer. Fans blast zydeco music, dance in the streets and debate football history with complete strangers. When night falls, Tiger Stadium becomes a wild and intimidating environment where chants echo and the student section never sits.

Tailgating tips: Show up hungry and ready to eat. If you’re invited to a tailgate, bring something to contribute; a six-pack, some homemade snacks or even just ice is always appreciated. Don’t wear opposing team colors unless you’re looking for trouble. Night games are the norm here, so pack layers for the temperature drop and bring something to sit on. 

Get there: Best to fly from SAV to Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR), or into New Orleans (MSY) and drive 1.5 hours.

Hottest ticket: Florida at LSU, Sept. 13