The Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering (AE School) and Georgia Tech Athletics Association (GTAA) are joining forces to host the first “Space Game” at Bobby Dodd Stadium when the Yellow Jackets play Boston College on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
The Space Game idea was initiated after Georgia Tech alumnus and NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough (M.S. Operations Research, 1998) commanded SpaceX’s Crew-2 launch to the International Space Station earlier this year. Kimbrough returned to Earth this week after 199 days in orbit. Georgia Tech has 14 graduates who have flown to space.
“This has been an incredibly unique opportunity for the AE School to partake in, and we are so excited to share a glimpse into what makes the AE School so special on such a big stage,” said Mark Costello, William R. T. Oakes Professor & AE School Chair. “We’re also looking forward to hosting the Tuskegee Airmen Global Academy students and their families to the game and hope to inspire all young students in the stands that there’s a place for them at Georgia Tech.”
Before the football game, the Georgia Space Grant Consortium and the AE School will host an interactive space tailgate at Wreckfest, located across from Peters Parking Deck along Brittain Drive. Fans can play space themed games such as Cornhole To Mars, Mars Rover Races, Rings Around Saturn, and Darting Through The Solar System. They can also meet AE School student organizations, the Ramblin’ Rocket Club, the Space Systems Design Lab, and more.
"We are so excited to partner with the AE School for Saturday's game. This wonderful opportunity came from friendly brainstorming between GTAA and the AE School and just kept growing. I am really looking forward to introducing our fans and the AE community to the best of both worlds this weekend," said Donielle White, GTAA assistant athletics director for marketing and fan experience.
The AE School will also host a free space panel open to the public, “The Next Decade in Space: Discovery and Wonder” featuring a panel of four aerospace experts, moderated by Professor Glenn Lightsey. Panelists include Prof. Mariel Borowitz (Georgia Tech’s Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts), Laura Forczyk (Astralytical), Prof. Gabriela González (Louisiana St. University), and Prof. Craig Hardgrove (Arizona St. University).
Before kickoff, Georgia Tech’s Sport Skydiving Club will fly into the stadium with the official game ball. The skydivers will pass the ball to Regents’ Professor Dimitri Mavris, who will be recognized as the Georgia Power Professor of Excellence.
Throughout the game, Yellow Jacket fans can expect interactive space trivia, a drone demonstration during halftime, a free long sleeve t-shirt featuring a special game day patch (while supplies last) – along with a few other surprises.