The annual “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” football rivalry between the University of Georgia Bulldogs and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets is set to take a significant turn in 2025. Traditionally alternating between the campuses of the two universities, the game will be held at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, November 29, 2025. This marks the first time since 1913 that the contest will not be played at either university’s home stadium.
Historical Context
The Georgia-Georgia Tech rivalry, known as “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate,” has been a staple of college football since 1893. For over a century, the game has alternated between the University of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium in Athens and Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta. This tradition has fostered intense competition and a deep-seated rivalry between the two institutions.
The Move to Mercedes-Benz Stadium
In October 2024, Georgia Tech announced that the 2025 game would be relocated to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. This decision was driven by a substantial financial incentive: Georgia Tech is set to receive a $10 million guarantee from stadium operator AMB Sports and Entertainment. This agreement is part of a broader contract that allows Georgia Tech to play one home game annually at Mercedes-Benz Stadium through 2026.
Implications for the Rivalry
The relocation of the game to a neutral, larger venue introduces several considerations:
- Financial Impact: The $10 million guarantee provides a significant revenue boost for Georgia Tech’s athletic department, which has faced financial challenges in recent years. This funding is expected to support various athletic programs and infrastructure improvements.
- Fan Experience: While Mercedes-Benz Stadium offers state-of-the-art facilities, the move away from the traditional campus settings may alter the game-day atmosphere. Fans accustomed to the collegiate environment of Bobby Dodd Stadium may experience a different dynamic in the NFL venue.
- Competitive Balance: Historically, the game alternated between the two universities’ home stadiums, providing each team with a home-field advantage every other year. The shift to a neutral site could level the playing field, potentially affecting team strategies and fan support.
Future of the Rivalry
Despite the 2025 relocation, the rivalry is expected to return to its traditional campuses in subsequent years. Georgia Tech plans to host the game at a renovated Bobby Dodd Stadium in 2027, maintaining the historic home-and-home format that has defined the rivalry for over a century.
