Georgia fans will hope to see the Bulldogs tangle in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Monday, Jan. 8, in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but no matter which two teams wind up competing for the sport’s biggest prize, there will be plenty to do for fans who make the trip to Atlanta.
Media day is set for Saturday, Jan. 6 at Philips Arena, and Playoff Fan Central will run from Saturday through Monday, Jan. 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Media day, as the name implies, is a chance for fans to watch and listen as the throng of assembled media — more than 1,000 strong last year — conducts interviews of coaches and players.
Organizers will hand out earpieces to allow fans to listen in, and because those were in short supply in 2017, there probably will be a few more available in Atlanta.
Sometimes, this occasion can provide a bit of unintended humor, like when someone gave Alabama quarterback Jake Coker a “Jay” Coker nameplate before the 2016 College Football Playoff title game in Glendale, Ariz.
Coker, of course, went on to toss a pair of touchdown passes in Alabama’s 45-40 win over Clemson.
The official website describes Playoff Fan Central this way:
A 300,000 square-foot interactive experience, Playoff Fan Central will give fans the opportunity to be a part of championship week while creating memories that last a lifetime. The three-day, family-friendly event features games, youth sports clinics, pep rallies and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. Playoff Fan Central will also include sponsor activations, special guest appearances and autograph signings.
At the 2017 event in Tampa, fans could try their hand at throwing footballs through a bus window, kicking field goals or running a 40-yard dash in a mock scouting combine.
There will be photo opportunities with the National Championship trophy, youth sports clinics, band performances and plenty more for fans to enjoy.
Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Kids 12 and under are free with a ticketed adult.
