The 2025 Georgia–Georgia Tech game is at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium because Georgia Tech agreed to move its home rivalry game there in exchange for a large guaranteed payout and to satisfy its broader stadium partnership obligations.
Money and contracts
Georgia Tech has a contract with AMB Sports & Entertainment and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium that requires it to play at least one game per season in the NFL venue, and shifting the Georgia game there fits that deal. For 2025 specifically, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium/AMB offered Georgia Tech about a $10 million guarantee to move “Clean, Old‑Fashioned Hate” off campus, which was a major financial incentive for the athletic department.
Program strategy and exposure
Administrators have framed the move as a way to generate revenue needed to stay competitive in the current college‑athletics landscape, where media money, NIL, and revenue sharing are putting pressure on budgets. They also emphasize that playing in a high‑profile NFL stadium enhances the rivalry’s visibility, offers a modern game‑day experience, and can be a selling point for recruits and fans.
