With college football season only weeks away, students are amping up for what is sure to be another exciting year for SEC football. The SEC is home to not only the most dominant football teams, but also the best college towns.
We have estimated the cost of the ultimate college football road trip for 2015 to be a whomping $7k! But don’t fret!
One of the best tools to help you and your friends fund these awesome memories is Tilt, a group-oriented app that helps you collect money from other students and friends for free. More than 100 college campuses nationwide have also been using Tilt to do everything from coordinate nights out with friends, rent houses for fall and spring breaks, paying their chapter dues, and buying birthday gifts. In the app, students can decide what to collect money for and set a minimum amount to achieve the goal. No one is charged unless that goal is met making fundraising easier to manage and risk-free.
Whether you are a college student on a budget or a committed SEC fan, it’s time to get a group together and start saving for these priceless trips. Here are the top 10 college towns you and your friends must visit in 2015.
10. Gainesville, Florida
A game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium — "The Swamp” — is a can’t-miss experience for any college football fan. With its unmistakably prideful town and enthusiastic fan-base, it’s no wonder their rivalry game against Georgia is played at a neutral site! The Gators’ 2015 schedule looks to be one for the books, as they host some of the biggest names in the game, like the Tennessee Vols and the Florida State Seminoles. While you’re there, hitting the iconic spots like Satchel's Pizza, some of the local breweries or the famous 34th street wall, are a must. If you're lucky, some locals might even take you to Ginnie Springs for a day of rafting and day-drinking.
Hotel: from $320 for 2-night stay
Food & Drink: $150
Florida v. Tennessee tickets: from $55
9. Starkville, Mississippi
"Stark Vegas": What started out as a joke has slowly turned into a fitting name for this growing college town. Starkville is small with an old south vibe and plenty of passion for Bulldog football. Main Street and the Cotton District never fail to ensure a good time for any native or traveler. But, let’s be real, no Starkville visit would be complete without a serenade of cowbells in Davis Wade Stadium. Be sure and look into any potential rivalry games happening during your visit. *cough*cough* Ole Miss *cough*cough*
Hotel: from $220 for 2-night stay
Food & Drink: $150
Miss. St. v. Ole Miss tickets: from $59
8. College Station, Texas
The Texas A&M fan base has a spirit like no other, traditionally calling themselves "The 12th Man." The recently renovated Kyle Field will now hold 102,500 fans(!), making it the largest in the SEC. Texas A&M recently developed a rivalry with the Alabama Crimson Tide, and will host them in Kyle Field for the 2015 season. While in College Station a visit to the famous Dixie Chicken (which claims to sell the most beer per square foot in the nation) and a lesson on how to play "42,” is a must. Don't forgot to take a picture in the Oval Office at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.
Hotel: from $600 for a 2-night stay
Food & Drink: $150
Texas A&M v. Alabama Crimson Tide tickets: from $209
7. Knoxville, Tennessee
Home to the Tennessee Vols, Knoxville has a small-town feel with a Vols pride atmosphere. Until recently, Neyland Stadium was the largest in the SEC, holding 102,455 fans, and is located right next to the Tennessee River. While you're there, check out the famous Market Square and take a ride on the Three Rivers Rambler. Knoxville is also home to beautiful historic homes and
gorgeous mountain scenery.
Hotel: from $180 for 2-night stay
Food & Drink: $150
Tennessee v. Vanderbilt tickets: from $22
6. Auburn, Alabama
Auburn is consistently listed as one of the most beautiful college campuses. With one of the most spirited fan bases in the nation, football tickets are hard to come by. Getting to watch them play their notorious rivals, Alabama, at home in Jordan-Hare Stadium this year would be an accomplishment in itself. Don't forget to take a picture of Samford Hall and grab a Toomer's lemonade while you're there! You can also visit Skybar or 17-16 (literally named after the score of an Auburn-won Iron Bowl game) for drinks and live music.
Hotel: from $236 for 2-night stay
Food & Drink: $150
Iron Bowl tickets: from $263
5. Oxford, Mississippi
You haven't done college gameday right if you haven't spent the day exploring the maze of tents on The Grove. Your next chance to visit Ole Miss when they play their rival, Mississippi State, at home in Vaught-Hemingway stadium isn’t until 2016. But other SEC match-ups will make for exciting games. Fans also have designated colors to wear each game, so make sure you check ahead of time to see if it’s a red or navy game. After the game, hit up The Square for great food and an awesome bar scene. And if you're a college student don't worry, you can tell your parents you were at The Library all weekend.
Hotel: from $338 for 2-night stay
Food & Drink: $150
Ole Miss v. Arkansas tickets: from $71
4. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville AKA Music City is home to Vanderbilt University as well as many legendary music venues. It isn't exactly known for being a college town, but that is one of its many attractions. Watching SEC football is only one small reason to visit Nashville. The endless list of things to do include visiting the Grand Ole Opry House and The County Music Hall of Fame. And you can’t visit without taking part in the famous touristy nightlife on Lower Broadway. After taking in a Vanderbilt Commodores game, of course.
Hotel: from $260 for 2-night stay
Food & Drink: $150
Vanderbilt v. Mizzou tickets: from $44
3. Athens, Georgia
The town of Athens, Georgia has that intense SEC football vibe we all know and love. I think you could argue that football comes second in a town with over 80 bars within one square mile! In a town flowing with football, pride and parties, its tradition is unwavered. Whether it be the age-old ritual of walking under the Chapel Bell (or the Arch) only upon graduating, or participating in the “Dawg Walk” to the stadium, tradition is rich is alive and constantly growing. After a game in Sanford Stadium and before you hit those 80 bars, make sure you grab some fried chicken and biscuits at Weaver D's.
P.S. The stadium has served a cemetery to each deceased mascot dog "Uga" since 1956. *chills*
Hotel: from $238 for 2-night stay
Food & Drink: let's make it $250 for this one...
Georgia v. South Carolina Tickets: from $145
2. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Every crazy story you have ever heard about Baton Rouge is, without a doubt, true. LSU fans take their tailgating seriously, and their football even more serious. But you haven’t really experienced Baton Rouge until you’ve taken the time to “ooh” and “ahh” at their live Bengal tiger mascot and the famous LSU Golden Girls. With fans who readily admit they are crazy (they have overturned an Alabama Football bus before) and a stadium nicknamed Death Valley, it is an intimidating place for any visitor. But don’t let the rumors discourage you! Louisiana is home to some of the best hospitality, tradition and food in the nation. Seriously, do not leave without getting some jambalaya. The Baton Rouge atmosphere on game day is second only to one (see #1) and truly embodies the SEC spirit. When you're done with the game, take the hour drive to New Orleans and experience Bourbon Street -- you won’t regret it.
Hotel: from $378 for 2-night stay
Food & Drink: and let's make it $300 for this one...
LSU v. Auburn tickets: from $152
1. Tuscaloosa, Alabama
If you have experienced game day in Tuscaloosa, a.k.a Title Town, you know it belongs in the number one spot. The Alabama Crimson Tide fan base is unmatched and the spirit of their 15 national championships is always in the air. Fans swarm The Quad to have a good time and eat some of the best barbecue in the south, every Saturday. No game day in Tuscaloosa is complete without a Yellow Hammer from Gallettes or a view of the Walk of Champions right before the game. Bryant-Denny stadium seats 101,821 screaming fans and is one of the largest in the SEC. With a great football team comes many intense rivalries including Auburn, LSU and Tennessee. Win or lose, great food and drinks on The Strip and downtown round out any Crimson Tide gameday. Tuscaloosa is full of down-right southern hospitality and reeks of championship tradition.
Hotel: from $476 for 2-night stay
Food & Drink: $150
Alabama Crimson Tide v. LSU tickets: from $231
