8 College Towns You Can’t Miss This Football Season

Fans of all ages love to travel to see their favorite sports team compete. Discover seven college towns, known for their football games and school spirit, that will make the football fan in your life want to book their next trip and experience a new town or city.

1. Athens, Georgia

Known as home to the University of Georgia Bulldogs, Athens is a quintessential college town. Athens boasts more than eighty bars and a bustling music scene to enjoy before heading to a game at Sanford Stadium.

 2. Auburn, Alabama

Auburn University is located in the small, friendly college town of Auburn, among the rolling hills of Alabama. The university has several game day traditions that keep Tigers fans energized, including the “Tiger Walk,” a spirit march and pep rally hosted by the Auburn University Marching Band and cheerleaders.

 3. Boulder, Colorado

Boulder is a Colorado favorite when it comes to college towns, offering 300 days of sunshine. If you’re planning to head to the state this college football season, take advantage of Colorado’s four professional sports teams located in Denver, just a thirty-minute drive from Boulder.

 4. Gainesville, Florida

Gator fans flock to Gainesville, Florida for The Swamp – the largest stadium located in the Sunshine State. Are you noticing an alligator trend? The swamp-themed sports team gets its name and mascot from the hundreds of gators known for walking along campus after taking a swim in neighboring Lake Alice. Fun fact: Gatorade was invented for University of Florida football players in 1965.

 5. Ithaca, New York

This New York town doubles in population every school year thanks to two major colleges, Ithaca College and Cornell University. This college-centric city offers a nightlife scene tailored to students, collectively known as “Collegetown.” Ithaca also boasts a wide array of local bites, a booming music scene and great local breweries.

 6. Lawrence, Kansas

This college town is known for its quirky personality and unique atmosphere. To start, University of Kansas is known for its unique mascot, a made-up mythical bird known as the Kansas Jayhawk. Lawrence has also been rated one of the top places to live, largely in thanks to its college atmosphere.

 7. Tucson, Arizona

Are you ready to “Bear Down?” Tucson, located about an hour-and-a-half from Phoenix, is one of Arizona’s famous college towns. This celebrated city has much to offer, from delicious, local eateries to dozens of hiking trails. After you tour Tucson, head north to spend 48 hours in Scottsdale.

8.Norman, Oklahoma

Located 20 miles south of downtown Oklahoma City, Norman is home to the University of Oklahoma’s main campus. This classic college football town isfull of great food, artists and music. Norman also offers a charming downtown, where you’ll find monthly markets, breweries and world-class museums.

No matter which team you’re cheering for, there are so many reasons to travel this football season. Book your next trip at Today’s Best Western using Best Western Rewards to start earning points that never expire, free nights and so much more.