As college football teams prepare to kick off their season on Labor Day weekend, Augusta fans may already have tickets and tailgate party essentials packed.
Most locals will either head to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to watch No. 1 Georgia vs. No. 14 Clemson Saturday at noon or to Williams-Brice Stadium to cheer on unranked South Carolina against Old Dominion at 4:15 p.m.
But you don’t have to wait until you’re in Atlanta or Columbia to find the perfect game day outfit—local business owners in Augusta have their shelves stocked ahead of the big day, carrying everything from clothing and accessories to tailgating decor.
Bryan Kirkland, owner of The Fan Zone in Evans, said as a local family, investing in his business means investing in the community.
“What I get from the local people who shop with us, I shop locally,” Kirkland said. “So it seems like working locally and spending your money locally makes the world a little bit easier.”
Here you can buy the hottest fan merchandise in Augusta.
Need a UGA football WWE belt? They exist, but they are not cheap. Here is how to get one
The Fan Zone – Evans
The Fan Zone at 4460 Washington Road in Evans has perhaps the largest selection of college sports equipment in the Augusta area.
“I’ve overdone it a little bit this year,” said owner Kirkland. “We’re excited, it’s football season. We’re ready to get going again.”
Offering everything from hand-drawn charcoal portraits by local artist David Wheeler to clothing by local T-shirt maker Pine Empire Apparel Co., the store makes a point of offering local, unique items that you won’t find in a run-down college town.
“I buy stuff that I think is cool,” Kirkland said. “I’m not a fanatic who sells the same T-shirts and hats (year after year). I was in Athens last week looking around and there’s the same stuff everywhere, even in the bookstore. I’m a fan, so I look for stuff that I would wear myself or that I think my wife would look good in. It seems to be working really well because we’ve been really busy this year.”
Five bold predictions for UGA football: Mykel Williams, Carson Beck, CFP and more
The Swank Company – Martinez
The Swank Company, which recently moved to 1020 Westlake Commons Dr. in Martinez, offers women’s game-day apparel and accessories.
The boutique’s most popular items include beaded handbag straps and headbands, as well as Georgia-style nutcrackers.
“We think our beaded game day purse straps really set us apart from the crowd because we represent a lot of teams and they’re just the perfect accessory to any outfit,” said sales associate Carrington Beggs. “Nobody wants to have to carry a clear bag to the stadium, but a pretty purse strap makes it more fun. We also have little buttons that have been really popular over the last few years, and each button has a different saying, like ‘Get up, it’s game day’ or ‘In my game day era.'”
Swank also offers pre-order scrunchies from the “Teleties” college teams that went viral on TikTok in recent weeks during Alabama sorority recruitment.
According to Beggs, the store carries items featuring representatives from numerous SEC schools, including Georgia, South Carolina, Clemson, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Auburn and Florida (Gators).
Surrey Center Pharmacy – Augusta
Located in Surrey Center near Augusta National Golf Club, the Surrey Center Pharmacy not only serves as a pharmacy and U.S. Post Office, but is also a small boutique and carries a number of UGA and South Carolina items.
Owner Courtnee Russ said this year the store will offer handbags, jewelry, tailgate games, home goods, grilling supplies, baby toys, fan apparel and handmade items from local artists.
“We have a great selection, with new items coming in every day,” Russ said. “We also have a local artist who makes loom potholders and oven mitts. This year we have some from Georgia, so we’re really excited to add those to our line.”
Cudos2u – Evans
Cudos2u, 400 Town Park Blvd. in Evans, offers a wide selection of UGA items, including jewelry, hats, lounge pants, door hangers and paintings.
Executive Director Judy Moody said UGA cups have been the most popular item this year, but that they will soon be releasing melamine serving platters, perfect for house parties and tailgating.
High School Football: The 11 most important Augusta-area rivalry games to watch in the 2024 season
