Alabama and Florida State will meet in the 2017 season opener at Atlanta's new stadium.
The matchup in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game was announced Thursday. The teams will meet on Sept. 2, 2017.
It will be the first regular-season college game at the $1.4 billion stadium, which will be home to the NFL's Falcons and Major League Soccer's Atlanta United FC.
“These teams represent the best in our sport,” said Gary Stokan, Peach Bowl, Inc. President and CEO. “The best players, the best coaches, the best fans. It’s going to be a memorable start to the season and there is no better place to host this than in Atlanta, the capital of college football.”
It's the 10th edition of the kickoff game.
Alabama holds a 2-1-1 advantage against the Seminoles, who won the last meeting in 2007.
“The game with Alabama will be one of the highlights of the college football season,” said Florida State Director of Athletics Stan Wilcox. “Both schools have significant alumni bases in Atlanta, and we would expect the media coverage of the game to be on par with some of the biggest non-conference games in recent history. The exposure for our University and our athletics program will be invaluable. We look forward to the game and playing in a fantastic venue.”
“We are very excited to be opening the 2017 season against Alabama at the new Falcons stadium in Atlanta,” Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher said. “Scheduling top non-conference opponents is critical in today’s day and age. These are two great football programs and there will be a tremendous atmosphere. It’s a great matchup for our fans and for college football. We are looking forward to the opportunity.”
“This game with Florida State fits our scheduling philosophy of playing outstanding opponents in great venues in games that create great exposure for our program,” said Bill Battle, Alabama Director of Athletics. “Of course, it also continues our tremendous relationship with the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game which goes back to the 2008 season opener. This game with the Seminoles will be an excellent start to the 2017 season and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”
“This is a great opportunity to open the 2017 season against an outstanding Florida State program,” Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban said. “Jimbo has done an excellent job there and this will provide a great challenge for our team. Having this game first on the schedule will give our players plenty to look forward to and prepare for in the offseason.”
The Crimson Tide is 4-0 in the Atlanta game. It will be the first time Florida State has opened a season in Atlanta.