Find a Hotel

There is nothing quite like a college football game in the South. The traditions, the rivalries, the championships, the tailgating, the experience of it all – it is truly something to behold. And it’s no wonder people travel from all over to take part in the annual fall rituals that have gripped our region for over 100 years.

In and around northeast Georgia alone there are two huge draws with a rabid and committed fanbase in the University of Georgia and Clemson University. And tens of thousands of fans and alumni descend on these incredible college settings every home gameday.

Yet while these picturesque towns can handle almost 90,000-plus extra citizens for an event, handling that many for an overnight stay is something quite different. And that is why many fans of each team have a well-kept secret that they turn to each fall that allows them to enjoy the game while staying well-rested and also not breaking the bank.

So, what is the secret? Well, if you’ve ever tried to find a hotel room in either Athens or Clemson on a college gameday, you know it is almost impossible – unless you want to pay through the roof or stay in a facility that your family might consider undesirable.

What are your other options?

Hopping back in the car for the long ride home is an exhausting thought – especially if you only came up on Saturday morning. And with the Bulldogs and Tigers offering so many late kickoffs these days it can be downright dangerous to try and make the long drive home after the final whistle.

OK, so an overnight stay is your best option. But just scan the internet for a hotel room in either town and see what you can find.

  • As of Aug. 25, in Athens:

On Sept. 18 (home game versus South Carolina), one well-known travel website offers one available room for a family of four that is actually in Athens. The asking price? $1,199.

On Nov. 6 (home game versus Missouri), the same site shows just one hotel in town with openings for a family of four. And while the asking price is much more reasonable, $299, you can expect that offer to be snapped up and gone within days.

  • As of Aug. 25, in Clemson:

On Sept. 18 (home game versus Georgia Tech), according to popular travel websites, there is not a single room available in Clemson.

On Oct. 30 (home game versus Florida State), there is not a single room in Clemson available, and the ones nearby are running out fast.

Even if you did manage to find a room in either town, there are other factors to consider. If you have ever been to a college football game, you know that plenty of fans enjoy themselves to the utmost before, during, and after the game. And if you are traveling with kids and prefer something a little less intense and relaxed before and after kickoff, you might find yourself out of luck as you attempt to find a good meal that does not require an interminable wait or deal with overserved fans that introduce your kids to words and sights best left for a later date.

OK, so what’s the solution then? Well, here it comes, the secret of countless Bulldog and Tiger fans:

Stay in Banks Crossing.

Located along four-lane highways and expressways and just a quick drive from Athens and a convenient half-way point if you’re headed back toward Atlanta from Clemson, Banks Crossing offers a host of affordable and appealing lodging. Our hotel options include nationally recognized chains, as well as local options that even include unique bed and breakfast selections. And all of them offer competitive rates that will not strain your wallet.

On top of that, Banks Crossing and its surrounding communities offer weary college football fans a host of tasty dining selections that promise not to be chock full of restless fellow fans.

And the best part? The next morning – after a hearty breakfast at another one of our establishments – you will be on the hub of Interstate 85 and US Highway 441, meaning you can easily access the rest of the state and southeast without having to wind through backroads or crowded side streets. For instance, if you’re trying to make it to an NFL game on Sunday in Atlanta or Charlotte, Banks Crossing allows you a quick shot to either city.

And those same roads allow you to easily access our community on Saturday morning and Friday night, as your drop your bags and head on to your college gameday destination.

There are also plenty of shopping and entertainment options in and around Banks Crossing, so if you aren’t quite ready to hightail it home on Sunday, there is plenty to keep your attention and fit your needs.

There is a reason why so many Bulldogs and Tigers have gotten to know us. And there is a reason why they do not trumpet that knowledge. But you can’t keep something so good a secret for forever. So, think of us the next time you cast your attention toward a fall Saturday. Banks Crossing can make the entire experience something you will be glad you discovered.