ATLANTA (Aug. 27, 2025) – Fans will have a full weekend filled with free activities around Mercedes-Benz Stadium before attending this year’s Aflac Kickoff Games featuring Syracuse vs. No. 18 Tennessee on Saturday, Aug. 30 and Virginia Tech vs. No. 13 South Carolina on Sunday, Aug. 31. Fans can attend an outdoor extravaganza at
Tailgate Town Presented by PNC and
Team Walks built by The Home Depot to celebrate the start of the season in Atlanta.
Tailgate Town Presented by PNC is the ultimate pregame tailgate destination for fans on game day. Located in International Plaza just outside Gates Two and Three of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, fans can enjoy live entertainment, food and interactive activations, as well as a variety of contests and giveaways.
The
Aflac Fan Experience at Tailgate Town will let fans test their football skills at the Aflac Combine Challenge, play Aflac Trivia for a chance to win game day gear or cool off at the New Aflac Lounge that features misters and shade. Commemorative Aflac Kickoff Game plush ducks will also be available for fans to take home.
The
United States Marine Corps will host a static display of military vehicles and equipment as part of Marine Week Atlanta in celebration of the Marine Corps' 250th Birthday. The public is welcome to try on gear, climb aboard the vehicles, and enjoy performances by the Silent Drill Platoon and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band. There will also be three aircraft conducting flyovers over the Team Walks and Tailgate Town for both games featuring a KC-130 out in front, followed by two MV-22s in a wedge formation.
SEC Nation, Marty & McGee and The Paul Finebaum Show will all air live from Tailgate Town outside Gate Two of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, bringing fans all the insight ahead of the weekend’s games and offering fans a chance to watch the broadcasts live and in-person.
On Friday, Aug. 29,
The Paul Finebaum Show will be live from 3-7 p.m. ET, showcasing Paul Finebaum's compelling opinions and deep knowledge of the SEC.
Saturday’s coverage begins at 9 a.m. ET with
Marty & McGee, as Marty Smith and Ryan McGee bring viewers the latest headlines across the SEC landscape.
The 12th season of
SEC Nation then kicks off at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday. Fans can catch host Laura Rutledge, along with Paul Finebaum, Roman Harper, Jordan Rodgers and Tim Tebow live on set as they preview the season ahead.
Fans will also have the opportunity to cheer on their team during the
Team Walks built by The Home Depot. Players from each team will make their traditional team walks through The Home Depot Backyard and into Mercedes-Benz Stadium a little more than two hours before kickoff. Team buses will arrive and an area that stretches into the stadium will be sectioned off so that fans, cheerleaders and team marching bands can welcome the teams.
The Orange and the Volunteers will then face off at noon ET on Saturday, followed by the Hokies and Gamecocks at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday. Gates to Mercedes-Benz Stadium will open two hours prior to kickoff for both games.
Game Day Schedule:
Saturday, Aug. 30: Syracuse vs. Tennessee
8 – 11:30 a.m. ET: Tailgate Town Presented by PNC
(GWCC: International Plaza)
9 a.m. ET: Marty & McGee live from Tailgate Town
(GWCC: International Plaza)
9:40 – 10 a.m. ET: Syracuse and Tennessee Team Walks built by The Home Depot
(Inside The Home Depot Backyard)
9:45 a.m. ET: United States Marine Corps Flyover
(Over The Home Depot Backyard and Tailgate Town)
10 a.m. ET: SEC Nation live from Tailgate Town
(GWCC: International Plaza)
10 a.m. ET: Gates Open
(Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Noon ET: Aflac Kickoff Game
(Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Sunday, Aug. 31: Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. ET: Tailgate Town Presented by PNC
(GWCC: International Plaza)
12:40 – 1 p.m. ET: Virginia Tech and South Carolina Team Walks built by The Home Depot
(Inside The Home Depot Backyard)
12:45 p.m. ET: United States Marine Corps Flyover
(Over The Home Depot Backyard and Tailgate Town)
1 p.m. ET: Gates Open
(Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
3 p.m. ET: Aflac Kickoff Game
(Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
[Times Subject to change]