Nightmare travel stories are akin to bad sports betting or fantasy football tales; everyone has one, and when you hear someone lamenting, it’s easy to tune out because they all sound the same. However, when it comes to Scott Van Pelt’s ordeal escaping Atlanta after the national championship game, an exception might be warranted.
In a scene reminiscent of the pilot episode of The Walking Dead, sports media personalities in Atlanta for the Ohio State versus Notre Dame national championship found themselves stranded in the chaotic Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Among them was SportsCenter anchor Scott Van Pelt, who shared his nightmare travel experience on social media. He also utilized his podcast to elaborate on the situation, showcasing his trademark self-deprecating humor.
Two words to describe @notthefakeSVP‘s Atlanta Airport experience Tuesday:
Never. Again. pic.twitter.com/qrJd2Wnowq
— SVPod (@_SVPod) January 23, 2025
Van Pelt recounted his experience: “I get there, I look, I just ask the guy, I’m like ‘Washington?’ ‘That plane’s been gone.’ And now I just sort of spin around in a circle and just go ‘F—!’ At that point, I realize I’m 6’6″, I don’t blend in well, and there are a lot of people looking at me, and I feel like, ‘oh, that probably wasn’t the way to go.’” He added, “I look like a crazy European wearing regular pants but fancy boy shoes. My bags are all asunder; I’m laying down, I’ve just screamed an obscenity in front of everybody, I’m 51 in line, and I start firing off texts to bosses, ‘I’m never going to make it for the TGL tonight, I’m not sure what to tell you, I’m sorry!’ At this point, I say, ‘Never Again! From this point forward it’s the PJ life for me exclusively, that’s it.”
The image of Scott Van Pelt, towering over everyone in the Atlanta airport, venting at the travel gods in such a recognizable fashion is quite a striking visual. For the record, SVP did miraculously make it back to his DC studio in time for the TGL broadcast that night. However, one has to wonder why he wasn’t on a private jet initially, especially since he was scheduled to host TGL on ESPN the following night. At least next year’s title game is in Miami, offering hope for a smoother journey.
In any case, the sight of Scott Van Pelt shouting obscenities in the heart of the Atlanta airport is a story that will be memorable for those who witnessed it firsthand, something to share with future generations.
