Category: Atlanta

The 2024 Peach Bowl will once again feature two nationally ranked college football teams squaring off in Atlanta.

The 2025 Peach Bowl, scheduled for January 1, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, will feature the Texas Longhorns facing the Arizona State Sun Devils.

This matchup is part of the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals, with the winner advancing to the semifinals.

Team Overviews:

• Texas Longhorns: Holding a 12–2 record, Texas is ranked No. 3 in the CFP rankings. They secured their spot in the Peach Bowl by defeating Clemson 38–24 in the first round of the playoffs.
• Arizona State Sun Devils: With an 11–2 record, Arizona State is ranked No. 12 in the CFP rankings. They earned a bye into the quarterfinals as the Big 12 Conference champions.

This game marks only the second meeting between these two programs, the first being the 2007 Holiday Bowl, which Texas won.

The Peach Bowl is renowned for hosting top-tier college football matchups and is a significant event in Atlanta’s sports calendar. Tickets and additional information are available through the official Peach Bowl website.

When Is The Peach Bowl This Year?

The Peach Bowl will be played on January 1, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m.

What: Penn State (10-2) vs. Ole Miss (10-2)

Last year, the Peach Bowl featured hometown favorites Georgia vs. Ohio State.

Down six points with less than 5 minutes in the game, quarterback Stetson Bennett engineered a masterful drive that finally put Georgia up for good.

“[I was] just looking at everybody and saying, ‘All right, hey, we haven’t played our best, and we haven’t done our jobs to the best of our ability,'” Bennett told reporters after the game. “But we’re here now. It’s in our hands now. The defense stood up whenever we needed them to. Where else would you rather be? Having the ball with two minutes left, and if you score a touchdown you win the game.”

Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud almost led the Buckeyes to a come-from-behind victory but kicker Noah Ruggles was wide left.

The Peach Bowl is one of the biggest college football bowl games that take place at the end of the season. It is traditionally one of the best and important bowl games in America. This year will be no different, particularly because it’s a part of the College Football Playoff.

Everything You Need To Know About The Peach Bowl

The Peach Bowl, officially known as the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl due to sponsorship, is one of college football’s most prestigious postseason games. Here’s a breakdown of its history:

Founding and Early Years

• Established: 1968, initially as the “Peach Bowl.”
• Location: Originally held at Georgia Tech’s Grant Field in Atlanta before moving to Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium (1971), the Georgia Dome (1992), and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (2017).
• Purpose: Created to promote tourism and economic activity in Atlanta.

Evolution of Prestige

1. Early Reputation:
   • In its early years, the Peach Bowl was considered a lower-tier bowl game, often featuring unranked or regionally popular teams.
2. Sponsorship and Growth:
   • Chick-fil-A became the title sponsor in 1997, boosting the game’s visibility and financial stability.
   • Over time, the Peach Bowl grew into a major destination for teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Southeastern Conference (SEC).
3. College Football Playoff Era:
   • In 2014, the Peach Bowl became part of the New Year’s Six bowl rotation, hosting semifinals for the College Football Playoff (CFP) every three years.

Memorable Games

• 1984: Army defeated Michigan State 10–6, marking Army’s first bowl win.
• 1991: East Carolina staged a dramatic comeback to beat NC State 37–34.
• 2006: Georgia defeated Virginia Tech 31–24 in an intense ACC-SEC matchup.
• 2016: Alabama beat Washington 24–7 in a CFP semifinal.
• 2022: Georgia narrowly defeated Ohio State 42–41 in another CFP semifinal, solidifying its reputation as a venue for thrilling games.

Notable Contributions

• The Peach Bowl has distributed millions to participating schools and local charities.
• It holds the distinction of being the highest-attended bowl game outside the CFP National Championship for several years running.

Historic Firsts

• 1971: Became the first bowl game to host an African-American head coach, Jake Gaither of Florida A&M.
• 1992: Hosted the first-ever game in the newly built Georgia Dome.

Cultural Impact

• The Peach Bowl has become a holiday tradition in Atlanta, boosting local tourism and hosting pregame and postgame events like the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game to start the college football season.

The Peach Bowl’s rise from a modest regional game to a national showcase is a testament to Atlanta’s role in college football and its ability to host high-profile sporting events.

Where Is The Peach Bowl?

The Peach Bowl is always held in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The venue for the Peach Bowl is Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

If you’ve never been to the stadium, the address is 1 AMB Dr., NW Atlanta, GA 30303. Don’t worry. You can’t miss it.

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• Feeling Adventurous? Here Are Some Outdoorsy Things To Do in ATL

Eight-time Grammy Award winner Usher is finally bringing his U.S. tour to his home: Atlanta.

The Atlanta singer added even more dates to his Coming Home tour of the United States. The busy musician is touring after a historic Super Bowl performance and producing a TV series as well.

Usher is on the road after a two-year residency in Las Vegas and performance on the Super Bowl. The tour is rolling through several big U.S. cities including Washington, D.C., Chicago and of course, Atlanta.

When Is Usher’s Tour Coming To Atlanta?

Usher is coming to Atlanta on the following dates:

• Monday, Dec. 9 – Get tickets
• Tuesday, Dec. 10 – Get tickets
• Thursday, Dec. 12 – Get tickets

Both Atlanta dates will be at Philips Arena in downtown Atlanta. Tickets range from $198 to $1,200.

What Are Usher’s Tour Dates?

Here is a list of Usher tour dates:

• 08-20 Washington, D.C. – Capital One Arena
• 08-24 Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
• 08-27 Boston, MA – TD Garden
• 08-30 Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
• 09-02 Toronto, Ontario – Scotiabank Arena
• 09-03 Toronto, Ontario – Scotiabank Arena
• 09-06 Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
• 09-07 Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
• 09-12 Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
• 09-17 Denver, CO – Ball Arena
• 09-21 Inglewood, CA – Intuit Dome
• 09-22 Inglewood, CA – Intuit Dome
• 09-28 Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena
• 09-29 Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena
• 10-03 Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
• 10-04 Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
• 10-07 Austin, TX – Moody Center
• 10-11 Miami, FL – Kaseya Center
• 10-12 Miami, FL – Kaseya Center
• 10-17 Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
• 10-18 Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
• 10-22 Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
• 10-26 St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
• 10-28 Chicago, IL – United Center
• 10-29 Chicago, IL – United Center
• 11-02 Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
• 11-07 Vancouver, British Columbia – Rogers Arena
• 11-10 Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
• 11-15 Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena
• 11-18 Anaheim, CA – Honda Center
• 11-23 Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center
• 11-27 Houston, TX – Toyota Center

Final Word

Usher is one of the biggest music stars in the world right now. Who would think that a 20-year music vet would have his biggest year in 2024? That’s Usher, baby. Peace up, A-Town down.

There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.

Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!

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Do you love new ice cream shops? If so then here’s the scoop: Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is opening in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood.

Known for crafting delicious ice cream since 1945, Handel’s is celebrating the historic moment by hosting a grand opening (its 150th) at Buckhead Landing in Atlanta.

And the good part? There’s freebies involved!

How To Get Free Ice Cream at Handel’s

The first 150 guests in line at the grand opening will receive Free Ice Cream for a Year! Don’t miss the chance to join the celebration and enjoy Handel’s fresh, made-from-scratch flavors.

Where Is Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream in Buckhead?

Handel’s is located at 3330 Piedmont Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305.

Handel’s 150th Grand Opening:

• Date: Thursday, December 12
• Time: Ribbon-Cutting at 10:30 a.m.; Doors Open at 11 a.m.
• Location: Buckhead Landing, 3330 Piedmont Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305

As a bonus, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., guests can spin the prize wheel to win even more sweet surprises!

Final Word

Ice cream aside, Atlanta is a pretty sweet place.

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Once again, the uber-popular SEC Championship is happening in Atlanta, Georgia. This time, it’s between two of college football’s most storied programs: The Georgia Bulldogs and the Texas Longhorns. It’s all going down in Atlanta and here’s what you need to know.

If you’re going to the game, which determines the champion of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), we’ve got some vital information for you. If you’re looking for a bar to support your team, we’ve listed the best Atlanta sports bars to watch Georgia-Alabama.

Here are the deets for the Big Game:

• Georgia Bulldogs vs. Texas Longhorns
• When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 4 p.m. ET kickoff
• Channel: ABC,, FuboTV (streaming)
• Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta, GA

Need streaming options? You can watch the Georgia game for free here.

Who’s Playing In The SEC Championship This Year?

Where Will The SEC Championship Game Be Played?

The SEC Championship Game will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The address is 1 AMB Drive NW Atlanta, GA 3031. If you’re not aware, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is one of the sleekest sports venues in the world and features state-of-the-art amenities and premium restaurants.

Here are 5 key things to know about Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

What Time Will The SEC Championship Game Start?

The game is set to kick off at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

It will be the 33nd edition of the SEC Championship Game. The winner wins the SEC.

How They Got Here: Georgia

The Georgia Bulldogs made it to the 2024 SEC Championship game due to a combination of their successful performance during the regular season and favorable outcomes in other conference games. Specifically, Georgia clinched their place in the title game after a dominant 59-21 victory over Massachusetts.

This win helped them secure a 10-2 overall record and 6-2 in the SEC. Additionally, the last weekend’s losses by other teams, including Alabama, Texas A&M, and Ole Miss, contributed to Georgia’s positioning.

As a result, they will face Texas, who finished the season with an 11-1 record, in the championship game on December 7 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This will mark Texas’s first SEC Championship Game appearance in their inaugural season as a member of the SEC.

How They Got Here: Texas

The Texas Longhorns secured their spot in the 2024 SEC Championship game by finishing the regular season with an impressive overall record of 11-1, including a 7-1 record in the SEC.

Their only loss came against Alabama, which they recovered from to dominate the rest of their games. Texas clinched their place by winning key matches against rival teams and showcasing a strong overall performance throughout the season.

Additionally, they benefitted from other teams’ losses during the final weekend, which helped solidify their position in the standings. The Longhorns will face the Georgia Bulldogs in the championship game on December 7 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, marking their first appearance in this title game since joining the SEC.

Where To Watch The SEC Championship Game In Atlanta

Football fans should strongly consider going to the Copeland’s on Cumberland Parkway. It’s a known Louisiana sports bar for LSU and Saints game during the season, but it’s a true game destination no matter who’s playing.

Copeland’s Of New Orleans

3101 Cobb Pkwy SE #220, Atlanta, GA 30339 | (770) 612-3311

As for the Bulldogs, you’ve got a lot more options, given that Athens is about an hour’s drive away.

Dantanna’s

3400 Around Lenox Rd #304, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 760-8873

Dantanna’s restaurant features an upscale spot to watch the game and enjoy some top-notch food. Located in CNN Center in Buckhead, Dantanna’s has an extensive menu with spirited drinks and a rowdy atmosphere — perfect for watching the games!

BrewDog Atlanta

112 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (470) 261-9787

BrewDog Atlanta, located conveniently off the Eastside Beltline Trail, is always a hot spot when the game is on, but this Saturday will have plenty of beer flowing (traditional AND non-alcoholic), lots to eat – we recommend the Giant Beer Pretzel, honey adobo or lemon + pepper wings, and the spicy meaty pizza to share – and TVs galore. They have also launched the Polar Patios for the season and are ready to bring the festive vibes for the holidays.

STATS Brewpub

300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, (404) 885-1472

What’s There To Do In Atlanta?

If you’re visiting for the game, you may be wondering what is there to do and see in a big city like Atlanta, Georgia. From the World of Coca-Cola exhibits to the scenic settings at Piedmont Park in Midtown, there are so many things to see and do

• Here are fun things to do with kids
• 50+ FREE things to get into in Atlanta
• The absolute best things to do at night

Read Our Guide On What To See And Do In Atlanta

One thing you’ll notice when it comes to moving to Atlanta, Georgia, is how the real estate scene continues to evolve inside the city. What you’ll find there are heavily gentrified neighborhoods with “mini mansions” next to shacks and what not.

Although real estate prices in Atlanta continue to rise, the rush is on to gobble up the city’s remaining cheap homes for sale. Through it all, the gentrification of Atlanta continues.

In this article, we’re going to cover some key aspects of Atlanta’s gentrification and its impacts.

The strict definition of gentrification, according to the dictionary, is “the process of renovating and improving a house or district so that it conforms to middle-class taste.”

The benefits of gentrification are many:

• Economic improvement
• Increases tax base and property values
• Raises the profile of the community

But the major con is that it promotes family displacement, particularly of disenfranchised communities that don’t have the means to rebuild once they relocate or can’t afford other areas of the city.

In July 2019, a Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia study found that Atlanta is the fourth-most gentrified city in the country, only behind these three cities:

• Washington D.C.
• Portland
• Seattle

The bank compiled its results from the 2000 census data and findings from the American Community Survey.

The study highlighted some adverse effects of gentrification but also noted its positive affects on children who are able to stay in the area.

“We find that on average, gentrification decreases their exposure to neighborhood poverty and increases their exposure toneighborhood education and employment levels, all of which have been shown to be correlated with greater economic opportunity,” the study said.

One of the more illustrative ways gentrification in Atlanta can be seen is through a study by the nonprofit National Community Reinvestment Coalition, which is based out of Washington, D.C.

The study and accompanying map shows cities affected the most by gentrification. If you search for this area, you’ll see that Atlanta is one of the most gentrified cities in the United States.

The report looked at over 1,000 American communities that experienced gentrification over a 13-year period beginning in the year 2000.

According to the study, Atlanta was the fifth-most gentrified city in America. Here’s the top 10.

1. Washington, D.C — 40%
2. San Diego, CA — 29%
3. New York, NY — 24%
4. Albuquerque, NM — 23%
5. Atlanta, GA — 22%
6. Baltimore, MD — 22%
7. Portland, OR — 20%
8. Pittsburgh, PA — 20%
9. Seattle, WA — 20%
10. Philadelphia, PA — 17%

Although it is a controversial notion, the truth is that gentrification is quietly championed by urban planners in Atlanta and other parts of Georgia.

It also can create ugly divisions among class. It’s no secret that as affluent people move into the neighborhood, a measure of resentment can arise.

The fact about many large metropolitan areas, Atlanta included, is that developers don’t build low-income housing, they build it for those with money.

To counteract the negative impact of gentrification in Atlanta, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has released the Atlanta Housing Affordability Action Plan, which outlines steps the city will take to provide housing for all.

Here’s A Map Of The Most Gentrified Neighborhoods In Atlanta

The Most Gentrified Areas In Atlanta Include:

The map characterized the following areas of Atlanta as being in “late stage” gentrification:

• Old Fourth Ward
• Edgewood
• Kirkwood
• East Atlanta

The following areas are considered in the “dynamic stage” of gentrification, meaning the neighborhoods are under immense pressure to gentrify:

• Adair Park
• Bankhead
• Benteen Park
• Boulevard Heights
• Capitol View
• Dixie Hills
• Venetian Hills
• Fort McPherson
• Hunter Hills
• Mozley Park
• Venetian Hills
• West End
• West Lake
• West View

In the foreword of the action plan, Bottoms said” “The 45 actions in this Plan provide a roadmap to increase the supply of housing inthe City of Atlanta for a full spectrum of residents.”

One of the goals to to create or preserve 20,000 affordable homes by 2026, a bold but doable plan.

She added: “We will implement these actions in a transparent and open manner and hold ourselves accountable to the milestones, metrics, and goals outlined in this Plan.”

Final Word

Go to almost any part of Atlanta’s inner city and you will see the signs of gentrification, freshly remodeled homes just blocks away from blighted properties and more. While home prices continue to increase, you might want to look into renting at least for a while.

Up next: How to rent an apartment in Atlanta

5 Easy Steps To Rent An Apartment In Atlanta

Even when it’s cold outside, you can get into several cool things in Atlanta. Nearly every night, you can find someplace to your girls that is laid back yet fun, we’ve got some suggestions.

Atlanta, Georgia may be full, but it’s also got so much to do. But where should you go?

Atlanta  offers quite a few vastly different experiences for those who want to go out on the town. But where should you take a friend? This article is going to tell you where to hang out in Atlanta.

Take Your Girlfriend To These Atlanta Spots

Atlanta is one of those cities that has things to do not only on the weekend but on odd days of the week, like a Wednesday!

Let’s take a look at some cool things to get into around the city:

Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark

In one of the most heavily revitalized areas of Midtown Atlanta, Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark still remains a best kept secret of sorts for people with cool skateboards. Situated across the street from Ponce City Market on North Avenue, Fourth Ward Skatepark has turned into a great spot for wedding photos, food truck festivals and of course, skating.

Joystick Gamebar

427 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 | (404) 525-3002

Joystick Gamebar is the perfect place for a couple that just want to have fun. Here’s what one reviewer says about the place: “

Joysticks is an amazing experience in exotic drinks, amazing atmosphere, and games for days. The first time we went we left and had trouble walking back to our car. We didn’t drink a lot and once we looked at our watches we realized we had been there playing the games and having a good time for over 4+ HOURS! We were having so much fun we did not notice the time had passed. Love bringing friends and family here too.”

Krog Street Market

You don’t need a Beer Bible to know that conveniently situated just feet from the Beltline in Inman Park, Krog Street Market is the city’s second-most successful project. The market sits on nine acres and feagures 12,000 square feet of anchor restaurants like Superica, a renown beer and wine store and all kinds of cool restaurants and pop-up shops.

Trap Museum

630 Travis St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 

The Trap Museum is one of the coolest experiences you can have in downtown Atlanta. You’ll enjoy an intimate history of Atlanta hip-hop along with the party vibes.

Here’s what one reviewer says about Trap Museum. “I love this place! Hands down! I really got a chance to see how deep and important trap music history is! However the lines are always wrapped around the door due to its popularity! Paying an extra $20 for the express line was definitely worth it!”

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

Perhaps the most famous site in Atlanta, the MLK National Historical Park comprises the birthplace of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., his family church and tomb where he and wife Coretta Scott King are buried.

You can relive his writings and teachings with a visit to the MLK Center any day of the week.

Across the street, the family’s longtime religious home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, continues to thrive. 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312.

Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company

887 West Marietta St NW # J102, Atlanta, GA 30318  (404) 532-1901

Kenny Leon, formerly at the helm at the Alliance Theatre, opened his own spot at True Colors in Atlanta. A great date night is going to a show at True Colors Theatre. Check out the shows.

2 Urban Licks

820 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

2 Urban Licks is a great date night restaurant for a number of reasons: It’s a chi chi spot, the drinks are amazing and it’s a people-watching place.

Here is what one Google reviewer says about 2 Urban Licks: “It was a great casual place to celebrate our anniversary! Food was great! Beware though, the quantities are large! We decided to share 3 apps and an entree…even that was too much food.”

Go to an Atlanta nightclub

Atlanta’s club scene is full of a lively kaleidoscope of lounges, millennium-magnet clubs, bars, taverns and old-school hangouts. The best Atlanta nightclubs all cater to strong local communities, newcomers or visitors. Here are the best ones.

Final Word

Depending on your style, you might appreciate a more relaxed setting, like a fancy restaurant.

But if you’re a night owl, one of the city’s popular clubs could be your thing. In any case, always remember to be safe.

Because the COVID pandemic is still raging, always remember to:

— Wash your hands frequently

— Observe 6-feet from one another

— Wear a mask when indoors in public spaces

If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.

Here Are The Best New Atlanta

• Where To Eat In Downtown Atlanta
• The Best Restaurants In Midtown Atlanta
• Best Date Night Restaurants In Atlanta