College football fans across the nation gear up for unforgettable road trips now that the 2024 season has kicked off. The game is just one part of college football; there are traditions, tailgates and gaming like no place else in the world. In this comprehensive 2024 college football top destinations guide, we help guide you through the best places to go, how to plan them, and what to expect.
Why to plan a college football trip?
College football is bigger than a sport, it’s a culture. Every fan should attend a game at a legendary stadium, feel the roar from the passionate fans, and enjoy the legendary tailgates. A well planned trip includes football live football, and trip of college towns, the opportunity to soak in the local traditions, and the opportunity to meet fellow fans.
Here’s why college football trips are worth it in 2024:
Iconic Venues: These are historic landmarks like the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, or the “Big House” in Ann Arbor.
Unmatched Atmosphere: There is no marching band like college football, no student section like college football, no school spirit like college football.
Cultural Experience: Every college town has their unique traditions, food and places to go.
Top College Football Trips to Head to in 2024.
The Big HouseAnn Arbor, Michigan
Team: Michigan Wolverines
Why Visit: The U.S.’s largest stadium is the Big House, capable of over 107,000. Ann Arbor’s downtown is an epicenter of restaurants, breweries and live music, the game day atmosphere here is electric.
Must-See Games: Michigan vs. Ohio State – College football’s fiercest rivalry.
Bryant-Denny Stadium – Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Team: Alabama Crimson Tide
Why Visit: Satiate yourself with the Alabama under Nick Saban dominance in a stadium where chants run the gamut from Roll Tide to the Crimson Tide. Its game day complement, barbecue joints, and the Tuscaloosa Southern charm are the perfect additions to game day.
Must-See Games: SEC showdown: Alabama vs LSU.
Notre Dame Stadium – South Bend, Indiana
Team: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Why Visit: The list is long of Notre Dame’s storied history and its iconic traditions like the players touching ‘Play Like a Champion Today’ sign, but this makes it a bucket list trip.
Must-See Games: USC Notre Dame Fight – A whopping rivalry underneath the Golden Dome.
Sanford Stadium, Athens, Georgia
Team: Georgia Bulldogs
Why Visit: Sanford Stadium is the home to the Bulldogs because, of course, they are the reigning national champions. Athens is a music town and a food town.
Must-See Games: “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” Georgia vs. Florida.
Darrell K Royal- Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas
Team: Texas Longhorns
Why Visit: Something about Austin and football, it’s football and live music turned into the one of a kind thing in itself. Fans of the Longhorns bring incredible energy and are a powerhouse.
Must-See Games: The Red River Rivalry – Texas vs. Oklahoma.
Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin
Team: Wisconsin Badgers
Why Visit: The one thing about Camp Randall that everybody knows about, and everybody knows it’s a good thing, is being forced to ‘Jump Around’ if the team scores a touchdown. The appeal only increases with more lakeside setting and farm to table dining.
Must-See Games: Classic Big Ten showdown: Wisconsin vs. Iowa.
The perfect 2024 College Football Trip Planning Guide
Choose the Right Game
Choose rivalries over or ranked matchups or games that fit in your travel schedule.
Get your tickets to check out the 2024 college football schedule early.
Book Accommodations Early
Big games attract a lot of fans, college towns often sell out months in advance. For convenience, book hotels or Airbnb’s near stadium.
If you’re driving an RV, there are also other options besides right by the River; alternatives are nearby cities or campgrounds.
Embrace Tailgating Culture
Tailgating tradition at each school. For example:
LSU: There is Cajun food like gumbo and jambalaya that is generally known.
Ole Miss: The Grove is famous for its pretty swanky tailgates.
Penn State: There’s a sea of energy in the parking lot created by white out games.
Pack Accordingly
Dress in team colors, and bring essentials such as sunscreen, portable chargers and comfortable shoes.
Fall can be unpredictable, don’t forget to take weather appropriate clothing.
Explore Beyond the Stadium
Time to explore a college town. There are a lot of towns with local surprises, like breweries, historical landmarks, and natural parks.
2024 College Football Franchise Calendar Highlights
Key Matchups to Watch
The Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl: Texas vs. Oklahoma (October).
The tradition laden Army vs. Navy (December) game is patriotism and passion.
Ohio State vs. Michigan (November) – The Big Ten’s biggest rivalry.
Ole Miss at Mississippi State (October) – You can never go wrong with a good Hump Day rivalry, especially in the men’s game.
Bowl Games and Playoffs
Around the time to plan trips to College Football Playoff games and the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, and Orange Bowl.
5 Ways to Cut College Football Trip Costs
Buy Tickets Early
When all else fails, reach out to SeatGeek or StubHub to find the best deals. Or you can look for face value tickets through the university.
Travel Smart
Save your money on airfare by considering carpooling or road tripping.
If you’re traveling country to country, try to find budget airlines or train options.
Budget for Food and Drinks
Fans agree that if they don’t get to tailgate with friends, they will probably spend less money on meals.
Instead, try exploration of affordable local diners and food trucks over high end restaurants.
Bundle Packages
Many schools, or third party providers, offer travel packages including tickets, lodging and tours.
Traditions You Can’t Miss
Watch as a sousaphone player dots the ‘I’ in ‘Script Ohio’ during Ohio State’s pregame show.
Colorado Watch Ralphie’s Run: Ralphie, the live buffalo, race across the field at Folsom Field.
Majestic flight of the War Eagle at Auburn Before every AU kickoff.
Kyle Field is sold out Join Texas A&M fans with as many arms as you can bring, all in unison, to “The Aggie
War Hymn.”
Families And College Football Trips
Some destinations are more kid friendly for families. There are schools with family zones, interactive fan activities and nearby attractions. Examples include:
Clemson: Bringing you closer to natural attractions like Lake Hartwell and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Penn State: General good time that also includes activities for all ages.
Conclusion:
Let’s make 2024 a Season to Remember.
There is no better than a 2024 college football trip to serve as a mix of sports, adventure and camaraderie. These trips create memories that last a lifetime, whether you are making the pilgrimage to a famous stadium, taking a behind the scenes tour of a famous custom or meeting fellow fans. Begin to plan early, dive headfirst into the culture, soak up the magic of college football as early as 2024.
Are you ready to head over on the road? Roll up the team colors, get your tickets, and get excited for some amazing things that are going to happen!
