ATLANTA — The SEC Championship Game is staying in The A, at least through 2031.
The Southeastern Conference made the announcement on Thursday, ensuring that Mercedes-Benz Stadium remains the home of one of college football's biggest events for roughly the next decade.
The league's contract with the stadium was set to expire in 2026. Now, with the option of a five-year extension, the game could return to Atlanta through 2036 at the latest.
The city has hosted the game since all the way back in 1994, with Mercedes-Benz Stadium being the prime spot since 2017.
"The SEC Football Championship Game is one of the premier events in college sports and Mercedes-Benz Stadium is one of the finest sports facilities on the globe, making Atlanta the perfect venue for our annual title game,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. "We look forward to continuing a very positive relationship with Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Georgia World Congress Center as the home of our football championship."
In addition to the SEC Football Championship Game, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has also become the annual site of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and the Celebration Bowl.
“For three decades, Atlanta has been the home of the SEC Championship. Now, we have the honor of hosting this prestigious championship game through at least 2031,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “This is a testament to our ability to host large-scale events—and all the small businesses, restaurants, service industry and hospitality workers who ensure that visiting Atlanta is a world-class experience. Thank you to everyone in the Atlanta community responsible for another big win for the new sports capital of the nation. “
This year's SEC Championship Game will see UGA face off against Alabama.