Clemson - Alabama Game Announced

The Clemson Tigers will open the 2008 season in the Georgia Dome against SEC power Alabama.

Matt Garvey, Director of Communications for the Atlanta Sports Council, made the announcement Friday afternoon in a conference call with the media.

"Alabama and Clemson represent two of the most tradition rich programs in college football. We have never had Alabama in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl," Garvey said. "The Chick-Fil-A Bowl and Chick-Fil-A will sponsor this contest. We are excited about this. We think the fan base of the two teams will support this game in a favorable way."

The game, which is part of a one-year agreement, will be broadcast at 8 o'clock and be televised by either ABC or ESPN.

33,000 tickets will be made available to both Clemson and Alabama. The Tigers will be the home team as a result of a coinflip between the athletic directors of the two schools.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Clemson and Alabama to the rest of the nation on the Labor Day Saturday. We think it's a great matchup," Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips said.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who will start his second year with the Crimson Tide in 2008, said it will be a great chance to put his program in the national spotlight.

"It's a great opportunity for a football team and our fans and to play an outstanding opponent like Clemson. For Alabama to be able to play in Atlanta, a great city in the south, it's something we certainly look forward to.

"The benefits are tremendous," Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden added. "I think it is a win-win for both schools."

Clemson finished the 2007 season at 9-4, including an overtime loss to Auburn in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. Alabama ended its first year under Saban at 7-6, including a win over Colorado in the Independence Bowl.

Alabama last played in a neutral site game this past season against Florida State in Jacksonville. The game set an Alltel Stadium attendance record at over 85,000 people.

Clemson played Temple in Charlotte in the 2006 season.