Date: Sept. 29, 2007

Opponent: Clemson (13-3 GT)

Tailgating/Pregame: Walked through the school campus up to kickoff. In the middle of Atlanta, the campus provides a nice oasis in the city.

Crowd: See photos below. Keep in mind, Tech was ranked #13 at the time, so I was shocked to see how small the crowd was, especially the student section. The seats facing the TV side near the 50 yard-line are actually painted gold (to make it look like they are filled?). The Clemson fans were dominant, as far as noise, until one part in the fourth quarter when there was an organized cheer during the fight song.

Stadium experience: Seeing the Atlanta skyline from the stadium is actually pretty incredible. Also, the band, enhanced through the stadium speakers, do a great job throughout the game. The pure white uniforms add to their effect. However, leaving was just... difficult. It was the slowest exit I've experienced at a stadium, even up to now.

Overall: While it was a sad result for me as a Clemson fan, I'm glad to have been to the stadium. Interestingly, I believe I was also at the 2009 game where Tech also won, and remember a better crowd. Sadly, the 2009 Georgia Tech team beat Clemson twice, once in Atlanta, and then again in the ACC Championship game in Tampa, which I also attended. This provided a fairly healthy "frustration" with the Yellow Jackets.