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Game day guide for College Football Playoff National Championship

Published  January 8, 2018 3:10pm EST
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FOX 5 Atlanta

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ATLANTA - The College Football Playoff National Championship has finally arrived! Tonight, the Georgia Bulldogs will take on the Alabama Crimson Tide inside Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and there are a few things fans should know before heading to the big game. 

GAME DAY SCHEDULE: 

  • 3 PM: Box office and ticket windows open
  • 5 PM: Stadium gates open 
  • 7:30 PM: Pregame show
  • 8 PM: Kickoff! 

ENTRANCES: 

  • Gate 1: Off Northside Dr., across from Vine City Marta Station
  • Gate 2: Off International Plaza, at entrance to the Front Porch
  • Gate 3: Off International Plaza, at entrance to the Front Porch
  • Gate 4: Off MLK Dr., at entrance to the Front Porch
  • Silver Deck Bridge
  • ***The CFP is advising fans to enter through Gate 4 because a lot of people will be coming in at Gate 2

PARKING & TAILGATING: Parking lots around the stadium will open at various times. 

Atlanta Police are urging fans to take advantage of public transportation. College Football Playoff officials said it would be ideal for fans to get to the area by 4 p.m. Monday, or well in advance. Major traffic delays are expected, including President Donald Trump's presidential motorcade. 

MORE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS:

  • Rideshare: Designated Rideshare drop-off & pick-up location will be on Martin Luther King Jr. Dr outside Gate 1 of MBS
  • Taxis will pick up on Centennial Olympic Park Dr., curbside near Philips Arena 
  • MARTA will offer additional rail service beginning at 5 a.m. Monday until 2 a.m. Tuesday. Preferred stations for arrival and departure are the GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center and Vine City 

BAG POLICY: Everyone will be subject to search upon entry into the stadium. Complimentary CFP-branded bags will be distributed at the following locations: All bag valet locations, Championship Campus parking lots, Downtown hotels, Outside CNN Center & Vine City MARTA stations, and via volunteers positioned throughout Championship Campus & Downtown Hotel District. Click here for more

RELATED: Security, traffic will increase ahead of CFP National Championship

Approved bags:

  • Clear tote (plastic, vinyl, or PVC) not exceeding 12" x 6" x 12"
  • Plastic storage bag, no larger than one gallon (re-sealable, clear)
  • Small clutch/purse (with or without strap), no larger than 4.5" x 6.5"
  • Diaper bag no larger than 4.5" x 6.5"

PROHIBITED ITEMS: These items will not be allowed inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium

  • Alcohol
  • Animals (Except service animals) 
  • Bags that don't meet bag policy
  • Bottles, cans, cups or beverage containers
  • Cameras with lens longer than 8"
  • Chairs, stools or other seating
  • Food items
  • Inflated balls
  • Knives of any length
  • Large umbrellas (must be under 33")
  • Laser pointers
  • Noisemakers
  • Pyrotechnics, firearms or weapons
  • Signs or flags larger than 3' x 5' and no poles or sticks 
  • Thermoses 
  • Tripods, monopods or selfie-sticks
  • Any other item deemed dangerous or inappropriate 

For more information on the CFP National Championship, click here. #GoDawgsFOX5

DON'T MISS: List of events for College Football Playoff National Championship