By Sam Draut–
Despite falling to Auburn 31-24 on Saturday in the Georgia Dome, over 30,000 U of L fans traveled to Atlanta for the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game.
Louisville sold out their ticket allotment weeks before the game and sent tremendous support for the season opener.
Some students paid $20 and traveled on a bus trip arranged by the University of Louisville Student Government Association.
A large contingent of alumni took a chartered bus trip on Friday morning for the game.
Another larger portion of Louisville fans made the six-hour drive either on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning.
“We had extended family outside of Atlanta, so it made sense for us to travel down for the game and enjoy the long weekend,” junior John Hart said.
Opened in 1992, the Georgia Dome houses the Atlanta Falcons but hosts the Chick-Fil-A kickoff game and SEC Championship game annually. The 80,000 seat stadium had nearly 74,000 fans fill it on Saturday.
“The Georgia Dome had a live environment. I was really impressed by the hospitality from the city of Atlanta,” Gloria Cassel said.
Byron Davis graduated from the University of Louisville in 1992 and relocated to the Atlanta area a few years later. He made the 30-minute trip with his family to watch the Cardinals play for the first time since he was a student.
“When we found out about Louisville playing in Atlanta for the season opener in 2015, we jumped on the chance to see them play,” Davis said.
Cardinal fans enjoyed their time in Atlanta but will return home for Louisville’s home opener next Saturday against Houston at noon.
