Daily
Athens
Friday, January 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Athens. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 2nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Keep Athens Local has expressed concerns over Capstone Property Group's hotel proposal at the historic President's House site on Prince Avenue. The developers reduced the size from 88,000 to 54,000 sqft, but the group argues that the plan fails to protect the 5-acre property and it will be reviewed by the Athens-Clarke County Planning Commission on Jan. 8. Athens Banner-Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UGA announced on Jan. 1 it will demolish its nearly 90-year-old Legion Pool, off South Lumpkin Street near Baxter Street, to build a new outdoor recreation area for 4,600 people. Officials cited high maintenance costs and low student use, and state agencies will review the plan. Athens Banner-Herald
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Photos from the first half of the Sugar Bowl show Georgia leading Ole Miss 21-12 at the Caesars Superdome (New Orleans) on Thursday, Jan. 1. The Red & Black
- ➤ Kirby Smart said the fourth-down call backfired in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1 — a miscommunication hampered a momentum comeback. Georgia lost 39-34 to Ole Miss after the play did not work. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Georgia running back Nate Frazier returned 8 carries for 56 yards at halftime to help the Bulldogs lead 21-12 in the Sugar Bowl against Ole Miss in New Orleans. Frazier, a standout from Compton, has been powering through a strong 2025 season. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ College football wide receiver Zachariah Branch broke the Bulldogs' single-season receptions record in the Sugar Bowl when his 77th catch (from quarterback Gunner Stockton with 58 seconds left) passed Brice Hunter's 76. He helped the team lead Ole Miss 21-12 at the time. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ On Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, Georgia played in the Allstate Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans and lost 39-34 to Ole Miss. Photos captured key plays during the second half. The Red & Black
- ➤ Georgia football DB JaCorey Thomas was ejected on Jan. 1 for a targeting call against Ole Miss and was replaced by junior safety Zion Branch. He will resume play in the first half of the Fiesta Bowl if the Bulldogs advance. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Georgia fans returned to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl despite memories of last year’s terrorist attack (which had left streets unusually quiet). Several fans, including former residents and newcomers, made travel plans and readied for the game while hoping for a win that could change the team’s record. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Georgia football lost 39-34 to Ole Miss on Jan. 1 in the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal at Caesars Superdome (New Orleans), ending the season with mixed grades for offense, defense and special teams. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Georgia football players ended their season with a 39-34 Sugar Bowl loss to Ole Miss on Jan. 1. The team expressed strong emotion as they returned to Athens (their final game marked a bittersweet season end). Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Georgia football junior linebacker Raylen Wilson left the game after showing pain in his right leg during the Sugar Bowl against Ole Miss on Jan. 1. Sophomore linebacker Chris Cole replaced him as the Bulldogs continued play. Athens Banner-Herald
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Workhorses of the Entertainment/Recreational Industry with Scott Low
7-9 p.m. — The Foundry — $10 adv / $15 door — Experience a soulful night of Americana & Blues with traditional folk and lonesome bluegrass melodies.
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Don Toberman: Ping-Pong Champ
8-10 p.m. — Canopy Studio — Tickets required — Experience an absurd and hilarious clown showdown featuring pantomime ping-pong antics.
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LSU Tigers at Georgia Bulldogs Women's Gymnastics
7-9 p.m. — Stegeman Coliseum — Stream available — Watch a thrilling women's gymnastics showdown as LSU visits Georgia.
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Leif Ove Andsnes Piano Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — University of Georgia Performing Arts Center — $10 (w/ UGA ID), $42–96 — Renowned Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes captivates audiences with works by Kurtág and Janáček.
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Dead Beat Club Live Band Karaoke
7-10 p.m. — The Foundry — $15-$50 — Experience the thrill of singing with a live rock band in a fun karaoke night.
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