Yellow Jackets Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Brent Key

Team Mascot: Buzz, The Ramblin' Wreck

Year Opened: 1913

Capacity: 60316

City / State: Atlanta / Georgia

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate

Rival Team: Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia Tech and Georgia have a heated rivalry as the schools are separated by only 70 miles, but have very different cultures and academics. Georgia Tech is a science and technology research university while Georgia is a liberal arts research university. The schools first met in 1893 when Yellow Jackets beat the Bulldogs 28-6. However, Georgia leads the all-time series 64-40-5. If you can only make it to one Georgia Tech football game, this one is a must see.

Georgia Tech vs Clemson

Rival Team: Clemson Tigers

The Tigers and Yellow Jackets rivalry began in 1898 when Clemson shut out Georgia Tech 23-0. Since then Tech has owned the rivalry racking up a 50-27-2 record against the Tigers. The two schools have met every year since 1983, often deciding the ACC champion. The Yellow Jackets will look to extend their current winning streak this season when the two schools meet in Clemson.

Georgia Tech vs Virginia Tech

Rival Team: Virginia Tech Hokies

The two teams first met in 1990 when Georgia Tech edged out Virginia Tech 6-3. However, the rivalry did not become a regular thing until the Hokies joined the ACC in 2004. The Hokies and Yellow Jackets have traded off winning the ACC Coastal Division since then further fueling this budding rivalry.

Georgia Tech vs Notre Dame

Rival Team: Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Thie rivalry between Georgia Tech and Notre Dame is more known for poor behavior off the field than the games themselves. However, one of the most famous meetings between these two schools happened in 1980 when a 3-3 tie at Bobby Dodd Stadium ended the Fighting Irish’s national championship hope. The Yellow Jackets trail the all-time series 27-6-1 but hope to change that in the near future.

Yellow Jackets Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Tailgating at Georgia Tech is intense and takes place in virtually any grassy spot you can find. The campus is located right in the heart of Atlanta allowing for a large variety of tailgating options both on campus and off campus. On campus you’ll find tents splayed all over the grassy commons with fans dressed in both dresses and ties as well as more casual attire such as t-shirts.

After filling up on some delicious food at the tailgate head over to Yellow Jacket Alley for a chance to get up close and personal with the team as well as the school’s famous mascot the Ramblin’ Wreck. Here you’ll get a chance to join in with the crowd as they cheer on the Yellow Jackets to victory.

Another excellent pregame tradition to take part in is The Varsity. This famed restaurant is a staple for Yellow Jacket fans and is a must for anyone visiting Atlanta for a game. Don’t let the quick service fool you just because you’ll receive your food at The Varsity fast doesn’t mean that it isn’t some of the best eats you’ll find around campus.

Whether you’re grilling out on the commons or grabbing a burger at The Varsity, you’ll have an outstanding time during your visit to Georgia Tech.

Traditions

Ramblin' Wreck

The Ramblin’ Wreck is a 1930 Ford Model A and the official mascot of the Georgia Tech student body. It can be found at all Georgia Tech sporting events and student functions, including tailgates.

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Wreck Parade

The Wreck Parade is a must see for all you car buffs out there. The parade is held before the homecoming football game and features a variety of classic cars and engineering oddities.

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The Varsity

One of the pre-game traditions at Georgia Tech is going to the Varsity. The restaurant originally opened by a former Georgia Tech student primarily caters to Tech students and is famous for its quick service and ability to get fans to the game on time. If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat before a Yellow Jackets game, look no further than The Varsity.

Yellow Jacket Alley

Before every Georgia Tech game, fans line Yellow Jacket Alley to cheer on the players and coaches before they enter the stadium. Yellow Jacket Alley provides a great chance for fans to get up close and personal with the players and coaches before they take the field.

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Where to tailgate

Yellow Jackets Stadium Guide

In Game

Bobby Dodd Stadium is the oldest football stadium in the Southern United States and as such it offers a unique atmosphere that is steeped in pride and tradition. While Georgia Tech may not provide as loud of an atmosphere as some of their SEC neighbors, there is a certain aura here that cannot be matched at any other stadium. Football is entrenched in the fabric of Georgia Tech and its students, which makes every game here seem like a matter of life or death.

One of the most famous traditions is the Ramblin’ Wreck. This 1930 Ford Model A can be found at every football game and is an integral part of many GT traditions;it even leads the team onto the field to the thunderous applause of Tech fans. Keep your eyes peeled for the Ramblin’ Wreck and snap a pic or video to commemorate your trip to Georgia Tech.

At Georgia Tech you’ll find that the fans love their football. The most intense group of fans at Georgia Tech are the Goldfellas, who paint their entire bodies gold and spell out different phrases on their chests. These superfans typically can be found in the south end zone between the goalposts. Look for these fans to provide entertainment in the stands during games.

Things to check out

Bobby Dodd Stadium

Bobby Dodd Stadium is a unique place to watch a football game as it is the oldest continuously used football stadium in the Southern United States. The stadium also has a one of a kind location as not only is it on the Georgia Tech campus it is also set right downtown in Atlanta. Bobby Dodd Stadium is a great place to catch a game, and a must see for all true college football fans.

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The Ramblin' Wreck

The Ramblin’ Wreck is a 1930 Ford Model A and the official mascot of the Georgia Tech student body. Before every game, the Ramblin’ Wreck leads the team onto the field as the Yellow Jackets look to take down their opponents.

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Buzz

Buzz is an anthropomorphized yellow jacket and Georgia Tech’s other mascot. His signature move is called the “Buzz Flip,” which is a suicide front flip. At games, Buzz can be seen crowd surfing and doing push ups whenever the Yellow Jackets score.

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Goldfellas

Goldfellas are a group who paint their entire bodies gold and spell out different phrases on their chests. These superfans typically can be found in the south end zone between the goalposts. Look out for these fans to provide entertainment in the stands during games.

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RAT Caps

Freshmen at Georgia Tech are called RATS, which stands for Recruits at Tech. They wear gold beanies with upturned bills to football games that state their name, hometown, major, and class year. After each game, RATs should record the score of the game on their side of their cap with wins being written upright and losses upside down.

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Steam Whistle

Georgia Tech has a steam whistle on campus, which they play whenever the Yellow Jackets score and after every victory. Keep your ears peeled for the steam whistle if you’re around campus on game day.

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Fight Songs

  1. Georgia Tech Alma Mater

    Oh, sons of Tech, arise, behold!

    The Banner as it reigns supreme,

    For from on high the White and Gold

    Waves in its triumphant gleam.

    The spirit of the cheering throng

    Resounds with joy revealing

    A brotherhood in praise and song,

    In memory of the days gone by.

    Oh, Scion of the Southland!

    In our hearts you shall forever fly.

    We cherish thoughts so dear for thee,

    Oh, Alma Mater in our prayer.

    We plead for you in victory,

    And in the victory we share!

    But when the battle seems in vain

    Our spirits never falter,

    We’re ever one in joy or pain

    And our union is a lasting bond.

    Oh! May we be united.

  2. Ramblin' Wreck of Georgia Tech

    Played after every score

    I’m a Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech, and a hell of an engineer—

    A helluva, helluva, helluva, helluva, hell of an engineer.

    Like all the jolly good fellows, I drink my whiskey clear.

    I’m a Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech and a hell of an engineer.  

     

    Oh! If I had a daughter, sir, I’d dress her in White and Gold,

    And put her on the campus to cheer the brave and bold.

    But if I had a son, sir, I’ll tell you what he’d do—

    He would yell, ‘To hell with Georgia!’ like his daddy used to do.  

     

    Oh, I wish I had a barrel of rum and sugar three thousand pounds,

    A college bell to put it in and a clapper to stir it round.

    I’d drink to all the good fellows who come from far and near.

    I’m a ramblin’, gamblin’, hell of an engineer!

    (SAY)

    GO JACKETS!

    GO JACKETS!

    GO JACKETS!

    GO JACKETS! FIGHT! WIN!

  3. Up with the White and Gold

    Played after touchdowns.

    So then it’s up with the White and Gold

    Down with the Red and the Black

    Georgia Tech is out for a victory

    We’ll drop our battle axe on Georgia’s head, CHOP!

    When we meet her our team will surely beat her

    Down on old Georgia’s farm there’ll be no sound

    When our bow wows rip through the air

    When the battle is over Georgia’s team will be found

    With the Yellow Jackets swarming around.

  4. Budweiser Song

    Go Georgia Tech!

    Go Georgia Tech!

    Go Georgia Tech!

    Go Georgia Tech!

    When you say Bud…weiser, you’ve said it all!

Yellow Jackets Bars & Restaurants

  1. Majestic Diner

    beer

    Landmark diner serving classics including blue-plate specials & grits 24/7 since 1929.

    1031 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, USA

    404-875-0276

    Bar website

    american - $

  2. Mountain Biscuits

    Thirsty Dog Pub and Grille

    Quaint, old-school country kitchen supplying down-home Southern breakfasts until afternoon.

    1718 Old 41 Hwy NW, Marietta, GA 30060, USA

    770-419-3311

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  3. Fox Brothers BBQ

    Fox Bros BBQ

    Texan brothers' slow-roast ribs, pulled pork & Southern sides in an informal space with a patio.

    1238 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA

    404-577-4030

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  4. Flip Burger Boutique

    Flip Burger

    Leave your typical burger joint notions at the door. They take the American classic and flip it on its head to deliver a unique culinary experience on a bun.

    1587 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA

    404-343-1609

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Fat Matt’s Rib Shack

    House of Wings Sportsbar Beer 3rd Base Sports Bar Beer Kilroys Beer

    No-frills counter-service beer & BBQ joint with nightly live blues music.

    1811 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, USA

    404-607-1622

    Bar website

    bbq - $

  6. Farm Burger

    Farm Burger

    Casual-chic spot has counter service for grass-fed beef burgers, fries, veggie options, beer & wine.

    410 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030, USA

    404-378-5077

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. Publik

    Publik

    Publik Draft House is a bar whose mission is to provide guests with a warm and fun environment.

    654 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA

    404-885-7505

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. The Nook

    Tequila

    Tater tots with toppings are on the menu at popular neighborhood bar with park views.

    1144 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA

    404-745-9222

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Cypress Street Pint and Plate

    Mike Speedway Lounge Beer Northstar Bar and Grill Beer Shipleys Tavern Beer Press Box Sports Bar Beer

    A rotating lineup of beers on tap pairs with hearty American grub at a relaxed tavern with a patio.

    817 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA

    404-815-9243

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery

    Max Lager's

    Fresh, natural and varied are the themes of the menus of Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery.

    320 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA

    404-525-4400

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Taco Mac Metropolis

    Taco Mac

    Branch of a sports grill chain offering Buffalo wings, chili, sandwiches & lots of draft beer.

    933 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA

    770-692-0006

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  12. Taqueria del Sol

    Tacqueria Del Sol

    Local counter-serve chain offering a short menu of soft tacos & enchiladas in a relaxed space.

    1200 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA

    615-499-4293

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  13. Sublime Doughnuts

    Sublime Doughnuts

    Eat one that's worth it.

    535 10th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA

    404-897-1801

    Bar website

    american - $

  14. Delia’s Chicken Sausage Stand

    Delias Chicken Sausage Stand

    Counter-serve spot with outdoor tables serves all-natural chicken sausage hot dogs & sliders

    489 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, USA

    404-254-0408

    Bar website

    american - $

  15. Antico Pizza

    Antico Pizza

    Busy family-run pizzeria near Georgia Tech known for brick-oven pies, with communal seating & BYOB.

    1093 Hemphill Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA

    404-724-2333

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  16. The Vortex

    The Vortex

    The Vortex’s award-winning food, extensive selection of booze and lively, non-conformist atmosphere keep their loyal fans coming back for more.

    878 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA

    404-875-1667

    Bar website

    american - $$

  17. The Varsity

    Varsity

    Whether you have a school group out on a field trip, or taking a tour group to see the Braves, The Varsity is the fun, fast, and delicious place to stop.

    61 North Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA

    404-881-1706

    Bar website

    american - $

  18. Marlow’s Tavern

    Marlows Tavern

    Local bar & grill chain offering a classic setting for American pub fare & sports on TV.

    950 W Peachtree St NW #215, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA

    404-815-0323

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  19. Hudson Grille

    Hudson Grille

    Local sports-bar chain serving a menu of burgers, wings, steaks & seafood in a stylish setting.

    942 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA

    404-892-0892

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$