ATLANTA – College football’s premier Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship Game will continue to call Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium home for years to come. An exciting announcement confirmed that the championship will be held at the iconic venue, often referred to by fans as “Sec Benz” due to its prominent Mercedes-Benz branding, through at least 2031. This agreement, revealed on Thursday, November 30, 2023, is a collaborative effort between the SEC, AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE), and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), ensuring Atlanta remains the heart of SEC football championships.
This extension builds upon the existing contract, which was originally set to expire in 2026. Adding to the positive news for Atlanta and SEC fans, the agreement includes an option for the SEC to extend for an additional five years, potentially securing the game in Atlanta all the way through 2036. For nearly three decades, Atlanta has been synonymous with the SEC Championship Game. From 1994 to 2016, the Georgia Dome proudly hosted the event, and since 2017, the mantle has been passed to the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This year’s highly anticipated matchup between Alabama and Georgia will mark the 30th time Atlanta has welcomed the SEC title game, solidifying its legacy as the championship’s consistent location.
Alt: Exterior view of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, highlighting its modern design as the home of the SEC Championship.
“The SEC Football Championship Game is a pinnacle event in college sports, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or ‘sec benz’ as many know it, stands as a world-class sports facility. This combination makes Atlanta the ideal and perfect venue for our annual championship game,” stated SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. He further emphasized the strong relationship with Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Georgia World Congress Center, expressing enthusiasm for continuing their partnership as the long-term home for this prestigious football championship.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s reputation as a leading sports and entertainment venue extends beyond the SEC Championship. It annually hosts the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and the Celebration Bowl, a championship game dedicated to Historically Black Colleges and Universities conferences. The stadium also serves as the proud home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United, making it a central hub for diverse sporting events.
Alt: Aerial shot of a packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the SEC Championship Game, emphasizing the scale of the event at ‘sec benz’.
Rich McKay, CEO of AMB Sports and Entertainment, echoed Commissioner Sankey’s sentiments, stating, “Commissioner Sankey and the SEC have been exceptional partners, and we are thrilled to ensure that this significant championship game remains in Atlanta and at Mercedes-Benz Stadium – its rightful home.” Tim Zulawski, president of AMB Sports and Entertainment, added, “We are excited for Mercedes-Benz Stadium to continue as the home of the SEC Football Championship. This game is a marquee event on the college football calendar each season, and we are proud to collaborate with the SEC to guarantee its presence in Atlanta for many years into the future.”
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or “sec benz”, has consistently demonstrated its capacity to host major sporting events. Its impressive resume includes the 2018 College Football Playoff Championship Game, the 2018 MLS Cup and All-Star Game, and Super Bowl LIII in 2019. While the 2020 NCAA Men’s Final Four scheduled for the stadium was unfortunately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the venue is poised to host the 2025 CFP title game and 2026 FIFA World Cup games, further cementing its status as a global sports destination.
Alt: Detailed image of the SEC Championship trophy at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, symbolizing the prestigious event hosted at ‘sec benz’.
Frank Poe, Executive Director of GWCCA, highlighted the broader impact of the agreement, stating, “Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s championship campus is the premier destination for live events, including the nation’s leading collegiate football championship.” He emphasized that the contract extension with the Southeastern Conference signifies more than just continuing a strong partnership and a prestigious sporting event. It represents an “unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences for football fans across the Southeast while simultaneously creating significant economic opportunities for both the city of Atlanta and the state of Georgia.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens proudly concluded, “For three decades, Atlanta has been the proud home of the SEC Championship. And now, we are honored to extend this legacy by hosting this prestigious championship game through at least 2031.” He recognized this achievement as “a testament to our city’s ability to successfully host large-scale events” and acknowledged the vital contributions of “small businesses, restaurants, service industry, and hospitality workers who ensure that visiting Atlanta is always a world-class experience.” Mayor Dickens expressed gratitude to the entire Atlanta community for securing “another big win for the new sports capital of the nation,” reinforcing Atlanta’s position as the long-term home of the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or “sec benz”.
