Uber down, but that won't be a bad ride. Straight shot down I-75 or US41 (Northside Pkwy) if traffic is bad. I used to take Northside from Cumberland (Akers Mill) to Campus every evening for class after work, it was never too bad.
Tailgating might be hit-or-miss on a Thursday night. Atlanta isn't a college town, won't shut down for a weeknight game. I'd bet most of us will be headed down from work, arriving late. Worst case, there's the 404 Tailgate. Supersize suggested 'avoid it' above. I'd agree finding a real tailgate group would be better, but there's food and drink and a nice location near the stadium.
https://ramblinwreck.com/georgia-tech-introduces-404-tailgate/
You can easily walk to the stadium from the Varsity, FYI. I hope you enjoy the Varsity. If you go in with the right expectations, it really is a cool place. Lot of history there. But the food is greasy lowbrow slop... dang it, now I'm thinking about it and I'm gonna have to go get my vitamin V fix for lunch tomorrow.
This thread may be of interest:
https://gtswarm.com/threads/“what’ll-ya-have.15148/
That's a great looking itinerary for a weekend in Atlanta.
Right next the the expensive seats! That's the visitor's side. So, at some point walk up and to your right (if you're looking at the field). The big tall stands at the North end (above the student section) will have a great view of the city. Worth the walk/stairs.