Hotlanta

DESTINATION ATLANTA

The City of Atlanta is recognized throughout the nation for a number of reasons. The International Olympic Committee named Atlanta the site of the 1996 Summer Olympics. Cable News Network, formerly owned by media mogul Ted Turner, makes its home in the city. For the past few years, the brethren that follow Southeastern Conference basketball call Atlanta home for five fascinating days as the 12 member institutions fight to be crowned the SEC basketball champions.

For many of the fans, it’s a chance to experience a city rich in history. In 1961, former Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr. is remembered by coining the phrase in his quest for segregation, “A city too busy to hate.” Mayor Allen was white. “We have come a long way,” he later added.

As you travel into the city that was incorporated in 1847 as the central hub for the Georgia Railroad, the fans known as the “Big Blue Nation” will be close by. Actually, the chances you are not engulfed by the phenomena are quite slim. The State of Kentucky love their Cats and it’s quite evident inside the Georgia Dome, the facility that houses multiple events that include the SEC Basketball Tournament.

The Wildcats will outnumber the remainder of the SEC fans two-to-one. Sylvester Croom, current head football coach at Mississippi State once said,” Maroon is the only color that matters.” If you happen to be in the Georgia Dome any this week, UK Blue is the only color that will matter.

Another storied tradition surrounds a program that entered the SEC in 1992. The Arkansas Razorbacks, former members of the now defunct Southwest Conference, were crowned National Champions in 1994. When the cheerleaders enter the floor before the Hogs take the court, fans rise and do exactly as choirs do in church when the Minister waves his hands. In this case, the Razorback faithful raise their hands and ”Call the Hogs.” It is truly a sight to see.

Many of the teams playing this week are biding its time until the NCAA Tournament, ie: Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Mississippi State. For many others, a positive showing in the SEC Tourney is imperative to secure a spot in the “Big Dance.”

ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi has the following teams in from the SEC: Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, Arkansas and Kentucky. Absent from the list are two-time defending National Champion Florida Gators and the Ole Miss Rebels.

Many say Atlanta is the city of lights. By Sunday, Ole Miss and Florida hope it is referred to as the city where dreams come true.

You can reach Brad Logan at: brad.logan@myeweb.com