Atlanta will remain the home of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Football Championship Game for years to come, with Mercedes-Benz Stadium securing the hosting rights through at least 2031. This exciting announcement, made jointly by the SEC, AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE), and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), extends the current agreement, initially set to expire in 2026. The new contract also includes an option for the SEC to further extend the partnership for an additional five years, potentially keeping the championship game in Atlanta until 2036.
Atlanta’s Georgia Dome first welcomed the SEC Championship Game in 1994 and continued to host it until 2016. Since 2017, the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium has been the proud venue for this prestigious college football event. This year marks the 30th time Atlanta has hosted the SEC title game, with a highly anticipated match-up between Alabama and Georgia scheduled.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey emphasized the significance of the location, stating, “The SEC Football Championship Game is a pinnacle event in college sports, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium stands as one of the world’s premier sports facilities. This combination makes Atlanta the ideal location for our annual championship showdown. We value our strong relationship with Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Georgia World Congress Center and are thrilled to continue hosting our football championship here.”
Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s reputation as a top-tier sports venue extends beyond the SEC Championship. It annually hosts the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and the Celebration Bowl, a championship game spotlighting Historically Black Colleges and Universities conferences. Furthermore, it is the home field for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United, highlighting its versatility and importance in the national sports landscape.
Rich McKay, CEO of AMB Sports and Entertainment, echoed the enthusiasm: “Commissioner Sankey and the SEC are exceptional partners, and we are delighted to ensure the SEC Championship Game remains in its rightful home – Atlanta and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.”
Tim Zulawski, president of AMB Sports and Entertainment, added, “We are incredibly proud that Mercedes-Benz Stadium will continue to host the SEC Football Championship. This game is a highlight of the college football season, and we, along with our SEC partners, are committed to keeping this title game a cherished tradition in Atlanta for many years.”
Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s impressive resume includes hosting the 2018 College Football Playoff Championship Game, the 2018 MLS Cup, the 2018 MLS All-Star Game, and Super Bowl LIII in 2019. While the 2020 NCAA Men’s Final Four, scheduled for the stadium, was unfortunately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set to host the 2025 CFP title game and games for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further cementing its status as a global sports destination.
Frank Poe, Executive Director of the GWCCA, highlighted the broader impact: “The Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s championship campus is the ultimate destination for live events, including the nation’s leading collegiate football championship. This contract extension with the Southeastern Conference is more than just continuing a strong partnership and a prestigious sporting event. It demonstrates our unwavering dedication to providing outstanding experiences for football fans throughout the Southeast and generating significant economic opportunities for both the city of Atlanta and the state of Georgia.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens celebrated the announcement, stating, “For three decades, Atlanta has been synonymous with the SEC Championship. Now, we are honored to extend our hosting duties for this prestigious championship game through at least 2031. This achievement reflects our city’s proven ability to host large-scale events and the dedication of our small businesses, restaurants, service industry, and hospitality workers who ensure Atlanta provides a world-class experience for every visitor. We thank everyone in the Atlanta community for securing another major win for the new sports capital of the nation.”
