Get ready! The 2018 Atlanta National Championship fan events are rolling into town this week. The only thing left to be decided is which teams will make it to the big game. Don’t have thousands of dollars to pay for tickets? No problem. There are TONS of things for fans to experience this exciting event.
The 2018 College Football National Championship game will take place on Monday, January 7, 2018 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. But that is just the last event on a long list of fan events that will help everyone get pumped to have this pivotal game held in Atlanta. From high-brow culinary experiences to interactive football events for the whole family, there really is something for everything.
2018 Atlanta National Championship Fan Events
1. Playoff Fan Central: Sat, January 6 – Mon, January 8, 2018
One of the most exciting family friendly 2018 Atlanta National Championship fan events is Playoff Fan Central. Held at the Georgia World Congress Center, Playoff Fan Central is a 300,000 square-foot interactive experience. It will give fans the opportunity to be a part of championship week while creating memories that last a lifetime. You don’t have to be a fan of the teams playing in the College Football National Championship, or even a football fan in general. This will be a unique experience you won’t want to miss. And kids 12 and under are FREE with a paying adult!
The three-day, family-friendly event features games, youth sports clinics, pep rallies and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. Playoff Fan Central will also include sponsor activations, special guest appearances and autograph signings.
Tickets:
- Click here to purchase Fan Central tickets
- $8 in advance | $10 at the door | Kids 12 and under FREE with ticketed adult
Currently unavailable. Chick-fil-A Family Fun Pack:
Click here to buy your Family Fun Pack and use promo code CFAFamilyDeal includes four Playoff Fan Central tickets + four Chick-fil-A meal cards ($50 value for only $25)
2. AT&T Playoff Playlist Live!: Sat, January 6 – Mon, January 8, 2018
AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! is the ultimate soundtrack of the 2018 Atlanta National Championship fan events. Held at Centennial Olympic Park, these are all FREE events. Fans will get to see performances by Jason Derulo and Charlie Puth with special guest Lizzo on Saturday, January 6. The Chainsmokers will headline on Sunday, January 7, with additional performances by Bebe Rexha and Spencer Ludwig. On game day, Monday, January 8, Darius Rucker will headline the pregame event from the Capital One Quicksilver® Music Stage, along with opening act Brett Young. In addition to great hits, AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! features daily ESPN broadcasts and firework shows.
The gates will open at 4pm on Saturday and Sunday and 12noon on Monday. The “Clear Bag” policy will be enforced at all events so save yourself some time and sanity by leaving your purse at home and/or carrying a clear bag with all your must haves.
3. Championship Tailgate Plaza: Sat, January 6 – Mon, January 8, 2018
Is extreme tailgating your idea of a good time? Want to be surrounded by your “own kind”? Come on down to Championship Tailgate Plaza. This is one of the most unusual of all of the 2018 Atlanta National Championship fan events. It is the gathering place for fans who want to experience tailgating at its best during the College Football National Championship weekend. There will be three days of outdoor activities, so be prepared for winter weather! Fans will have the opportunity to zip line, participate in free-fall stunt jumps and more. You do NOT need a ticket to have fun at Tailgate Plaza.
4. Media Day: Saturday, January 6, 2018
Did you know that Media Day is FREE and open to the public? It will be held at Phillips Arena and is for fans as much as for the media. Bring the whole family down to watch as both teams and coaching staffs participate in media interviews prior to the College Football National Championship game. Attendees can watch their favorite players and listen in on interviews via free headsets. It will also be exciting for any wanna be sports reporters to watch more than 1,000 journalists interact with the teams.
5. Extra Yard 5K: Sunday, January 7, 2018
The Extra Yard 5K is the official road race of the College Football Playoff. I love how these 2018 Atlanta National Championship fan events really let you get active and engaged! The 5K includes the race (obviously) as well as live entertainment, activities with race sponsors and a post-race awards ceremony. All proceeds benefit Extra Yard for Teachers, the College Football Playoff Foundation’s primary platform that elevates the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering quality teachers. What a great way to give back to those who give so much to our children!
Event registration includes a ticket to Playoff Fan Central, a long-sleeved Mizuno t-shirt, and a medal. The race is for ages 8 and over. The College Football Playoff Foundation has secured discounted parking for Extra Yard 5K participants. The Red Deck rate will be $15 for a limited time race morning. You must Pre-purchase your parking in the red deck here. Use code CFPTEACHER to access.
Registration:
- Click here to register for the Extra Yard 5K. Cost: through January 3, 2018: $35. Race day: $45. Educators with valid ID will receive $15 discount!
6. Taste of the Championship: Sunday, January 7, 2018
Think all of the 2018 Atlanta National Championship fan events mean you have to know how to throw a spiral or even like football? Not so! Taste of the Championship is a foodie’s dream. Held at the acclaimed Georgia Aquarium, you can sample gourmet food and beverages from Atlanta’s most notable restaurants and breweries while celebrating teachers from across the United States. Proceeds from the event support the College Football Playoff Foundation and its Extra Yard for Teachers platform. Tickets to this posh event are $250 each.
Tickets:
- Click here to purchase tickets to Taste of the Championship
7. Extra Yard for Teachers Summit and Lounge, Saturday, January 6, 2018
The Extra Yard for Teachers Summit, a two-hour, fast-paced stage show. It will take place on Saturday, January 6, 2018 in Atlanta, GA in conjunction with the College Football National Championship. Teachers will hear from awesome speakers and special guests who come with one mission: to honor, inspire, celebrate and empower teachers.
In addition to the Summit, ALL teachers or educators can get free admission to the Extra Yard for Teachers Lounge in the Georgia World Congress Center. The Lounge is a come-and-go space for educators to network, be pampered, gain exposure to cool education-minded initiatives and offerings, see celebrity appearances, win giveaways, and celebrate their chosen profession.
Both the Summit and Lounge are FREE for attendees but you must register beforehand!
8. College Football Hall of Fame
The College Football Hall of Fame is in the right place! Get ready for an extremely fun and interactive time. This will also be a gathering place for fans of the schools playing in the College Football National Championship as well as just fans of football in general. Plus, it is amazing for kids!
Paige says
Thank you for reiterating that the clear bag policy is for the entire weekend! I heard on the radio about it but they also said only posters could be signed, but I can’t find any info on that! Do you kniw if merchandise cam be brought in for autographs during the fan Central celebration?
Maria Smith says
As far as I know, merchandise can be brought in but it must be in a clear bag.
Deb says
The link to buy the chik fil a family four pack for $25.00 is not working. Has anyone else had a problem buying those tickets?
Sarah Keller says
I’m having trouble purchasing them as well. Did you have any luck?
Maria Smith says
Me too! Just reached out to the organization. I will update when I hear back. My guess is that they are sold out. 🙁