ACC announces historic move with 2027 college football kickoff game

ACC announces historic move with 2027 college football kickoff game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The 2027 college football kickoff games will have more international flavor.

Syracuse will play Wake Forest in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, per an announcement by the ACC on Thursday. This will be the first time two NCAA teams battle at BMO Field. 
The Week 0 matchup is slated to take place either August 28 or August 29. Kickoff time and broadcast details will be finalized at a later date, with the game set to air nationally on either ABC or ESPN, according to the release.

This will count as a home game for Wake Forest, but is expected to draw attention from Syracuse fans on the other side of the border.

“We are thrilled to bring ACC football to an international stage in Toronto,” ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips said in a statement. “This conference game represents an exciting opportunity to showcase our student-athletes and our member institutions, as well as put on full display the energy of college football to a new and diverse audience. Building on our successful history of international games – from Dublin to our upcoming game in Brazil – this matchup reflects the ACC’s continued commitment to giving our student-athletes a first-class experience, as well as memorable experiences for our fans and alumni, all while helping to grow the game globally.”

This came together with the help of the NHL as well. The Maple Leafs management group will be hosting both ACC teams.

“We’re grateful to Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment for hosting this college football game in Toronto to kick off the 2027 season and look forward to collaborating with them on future details,” said Kristen Shaver, ESPN Director of Events and Football Operations.