ATHENS — Georgia football coach Kirby Smart and athletic director Greg McGarity had plenty to say about the Bulldogs adding Clemson to the 2021 schedule on Tuesday.

Smart, always an advocate for his players and the UGA fans, pointed to the unique experience the game creates.

“This is another great opportunity to schedule a national non-conference game with a top level opponent,” Smart said in the school release. 

“Playing a regular season game in Charlotte will give our fans the opportunity for a completely new experience in a great city and top level stadium. I know our coaches and players will be excited for the challenge to kick off the season in this kind of environment.”

Smart said last summer he wanted the Bulldogs on the national stage via scheduling.

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McGarity is already thinking about the national television exposure and branding the University of Georgia will receive coast to coast and perhaps even globally with a game like this.

“The eyes of the nation will be on Charlotte as we start the 2021 season,” McGarity said in the release.

“It is yet another opportunity to strengthen our schedule and provide an opportunity for our supporters to enjoy another huge matchup. We will now have at least two Power 5 opponents on our schedule through 2033.”

Georgia’s previously announced home-and-home series with Power 5 non-conference opponents include:

• Two with Clemson (2029 at Clemson and 2030 in Athens, and 2032 in Athens and 2033 at Clemson); 

• Texas (2028 at Austin and 2029 in Athens)

• UCLA (2025 in Pasadena and 2026 in Athens)

• Florida State (2027 in Tallahassee and 2028 in Athens)

• Oklahoma (2023 in Norman and 2031 in Athens)

• Ohio State (2030 in Athens and 2031 in Columbus). 

The Bulldogs also have three neutral site Power 5 games in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium:  2020 vs. Virginia; 2022 vs. Oregon; and 2024 vs. Clemson.