COLLEGE TOWN

Welcome to College Town, the Saturday Down South series that explores the heart and soul of Southern football culture, hosted by Wes Blankenship, and presented by the powerhouse Toyota Tundra.

This is an 1800-mile journey across five iconic college towns from Gainesville to Clemson with stops in Athens, Tuscaloosa and Chapel Hill, that uncovers the rich traditions, passionate communities, and game-day rituals that keep college football fans coming back for generations.

Join us as we delve into the local hotspots, meet the dedicated fans, and experience the excitement that turns these towns into legends every fall. Buckle up—it’s time to hit the road and discover what makes Southern college football truly unique.

EP2 • GAINESVILLE, FL

A Unique Blend of City, Town, and Swamp

Welcome to Gainesville, Florida, our first stop in the ‘College Town’ series presented by the powerhouse Toyota Tundra. Gainesville, Florida is a special place that is a unique blend of town, city and swamp. Known for its natural beauty, music scene and college football legacy, it’s home to gators that crawl and gators that wear orange and blue. From a visit to the game day staple Swamp Restaurant to a sit down with local legend Chris Doering, we’re crawling every corner of Gainesville to understand why that Gator sprit runs so deep and spans generations.

• What makes Game Day at The Swamp a destination for every college football fan
• 10 things you must do when visiting Gainesville

EP2 • CLEMSON, SC

Welcome To Death Valley

Clemson embodies a unique mix of small-town charm and college football excitement. Nestled on Lake Hartwell, this town thrives on a strong football legacy with the tiger paw symbolizing community pride. Experience the transformation of Clemson on game days, where the lakefront turns into a festive scene reminiscent of a lively carnival and journey to local favourites like the ESSO Club and Tiger Town Tavern.

• 10 things every college football fan must do when visiting Clemson
• Welcome to Death Valley: What makes Game Day at Clemson so special

EP3 • TUSCALOOSA, AL

Cornerstone of College Football

Experience the electric atmosphere of the Quad on game day, get a taste of local favorites like Gallettes and Rama Jama’s, visit iconic spots like Archibald’s BBQ for a true taste of Southern hospitality and soak up the storied traditions that make Tuscaloosa a cornerstone of college football. From the historical Bryant-Denny Stadium to the intimate streets of downtown, discover why Tuscaloosa’s Roll Tide spirit runs incredibly deep.

• 10 places every fan must visit in Tuscaloosa
• What makes Game Day in Tuscaloosa’s Bryant-Denny Stadium so special

EP4 • ATHENS, GA

The Bulldog Spirit

Athens pulses with the spirit of the Georgia Bulldogs, especially after recent national championship victories in 2021 & 2022. Here, the passion for football blends seamlessly with a vibrant cultural scene, making it a true haven for both fans of sports and fans of cultural.

• 10 things every fan must do when visiting Athens
• Why a Georgia Game Day in Athens is a peak-college football experience

EP5 • CHAPEL HILL, NC

The Heart of Tar Heel Country

In the heart of Tar Heel country, Chapel Hill is not just a backdrop for university life; it’s a vibrant community where the Carolina blue runs deep through its veins. This town is a blend of historic charm and youthful energy, shaped by the students, faculty, and countless fans who bring it to life each day. From tailgates to touchdowns, this picturesque college town thrives on the energy of game.

• Why nothing is finer than Game Days at North Carolina
• 10 things every fan must do when visiting Chapel Hill