What an exciting end to the college football season as Clemson edged Alabama on Monday night in the College Football Playoff National Championship. That was in Tampa, but the next college football champion will be crowned in Atlanta.
The city of Atlanta has officially been given the College Football Playoff National Championship host city rights. At a press conference following the national championship game in Tampa, Florida, the College Football Playoff put Atlanta “on the clock.” The handoff begins a full year of celebrations and events surrounding the national championship game throughout the year led by the Atlanta Football Host Committee. The events will culminate on Monday, January 8, 2018, when the game is held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“We look forward to continuing Tampa’s momentum and carrying it forward to Atlanta,” said Dan Corso, President, Atlanta Sports Council and President, Atlanta Football Host Committee. “Downtown Atlanta is built to host events like this. The walkable, compact district around Mercedes-Benz Stadium sets up perfectly for the College Football Playoff. Plus, Atlanta has a passion every day for college football.”
At the press conference, College Football Playoff Executive Director Bill Hancock gave Mayor Kasim Reed and the Atlanta Football Host Committee a College Football Playoff helmet, symbolizing that the national championship game will call Atlanta home for the upcoming year. Now college football’s biggest game heads seven hours north and is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the city of Atlanta.
“We believe that college football is a way of life in the South, but especially in our city,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. “We are well positioned to host major events like this for many reasons, but the real secret element in attracting visitors and events to our city is our people. We are thrilled to host next year’s national championship game.”
The game will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and will showcase the NFL’s newest stadium in a city known for its passion for college football.
“We will welcome you next year to Mercedes-Benz Stadium,” said Rich McKay, President & CEO, Atlanta Falcons. “We feel we are setting the bar when it comes to stadiums, not just in design, but in the way fans will experience the game and venue. Our stadium will be second to none and was built for events like this.”
In addition to a new stadium, Atlanta also boasts downtown walkability and a compact “Championship Campus” which features 10,000 hotels and restaurants within walking distance. Visitors and those that call Atlanta home can expect concerts, culinary events and educational opportunities leading up to the 2018 game.
Atlantans who are interested in being a part of the volunteer team for the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship, can sign up for more information at www.ATLChampGame.com.
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