ATLANTA — In an effort to increase revenue, Georgia Tech is relocating its upcoming game against rival Georgia to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.
The much-anticipated matchup will take place on November 29, 2025, at the 75,000-seat stadium, breaking an established tradition of alternating games between campus venues.
Traditionally held at Bobby Dodd Stadium, which accommodates just under 52,000 fans and is located only two miles from the new venue, this game marks a significant shift in the rivalry known as “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate.”
Since Bobby Dodd Stadium’s opening in 1913, the rivalry has been hosted exclusively on college campuses, with Georgia’s Sanford Stadium, which opened in 1929, also sharing the responsibilities of hosting the annual contest.
“Some fans might feel uneasy about taking the game off-campus,” stated Georgia Tech athletic director J Batt in a letter addressed to supporters.
“We acknowledge those concerns, and please understand that this decision was made after considerable thought.”
Georgia Tech has secured a contract to hold one home game each year at Mercedes-Benz Stadium through 2026, although the Georgia matchup wasn’t included in the original agreement.
Batt mentioned that the revised contract offers considerable financial benefits, especially in light of the increasing demands for revenue in the name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era.
Recently, Georgia Tech announced a $500 million fundraising initiative aimed at renovating its historic stadium and supporting other campus projects.
“Under the new agreement, AMBSE will guarantee us $10 million for the 2025 Georgia Tech-Georgia game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which is a significant revenue boost for our athletic department,” Batt explained.
Although labeled as a home game for Georgia Tech, this contest will not be part of the Yellow Jackets’ season-ticket offerings.
Batt assured fans that they would have priority access to ticket sales, but the Bulldogs’ larger following is expected to create an atmosphere more akin to a home game for them.
“We are currently limited to playing Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2025,” Batt clarified.
“The Georgia Tech-Georgia contest will return to a renovated Bobby Dodd Stadium in 2027.”
Georgia’s familiarity with Mercedes-Benz Stadium is noteworthy, as it hosts the Southeastern Conference championship game annually.
The Bulldogs recently opened their current season with a commanding 34-3 victory against Clemson at this prominent venue.
“Playing in such a top-notch facility like Mercedes-Benz Stadium is always a pleasure,” said Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks.
“This transition will certainly enhance the historic Georgia-Georgia Tech rivalry and provide a memorable experience for our supporters.”
The upcoming matchup between Georgia and Georgia Tech will take place at Sanford Stadium on November 29, the Friday following Thanksgiving.
The Bulldogs, currently ranked No. 5, will face No. 1 Texas in an exciting game this Saturday. They have maintained a dominant position in the rivalry since the mid-1960s, boasting a six-game winning streak over Georgia Tech and holding a 71-41-5 advantage overall in the series.