UGA schedules future football game with Clemson

ATHENS, GA -- Georgia and Clemson have signed a contract to play football in 2024 as part of the Chick-fil-A Kickoff game in Atlanta.

The game will take place August 31, 2024 in Mercedes Benz Stadium.

“We’re thrilled to be able to renew a storied rivalry between two historic programs that are within such a close proximity to Atlanta,” said Bob Somers, Peach Bowl, Inc. chairman. “Both Georgia and Clemson are two of the most well-represented fan bases in our city, so we’re expecting an electric atmosphere for this one.”

The two programs have been rumored to be in talks for some time about getting each  other back on the football schedule. The rivalry is an historic one with 64 previous meetings, the most recent games played as a home and home series in 2013 and 2014.

“Many of the players on both teams know each other and the proximity of the two schools makes it especially competitive,” said UGA head football coach Kirby Smart. “This is another great opportunity for our team and our fans to play an outstanding team in an extraordinary city and venue. We are appreciative of the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game staff for their hard work in putting the game together.”

Georgia will be making its fifth appearance in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff game. The program recently announced another future appearance in the game against Oregon in 2022. Clemson will be making its third appearance in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. The Tigers fell 34-10 to Alabama in the inaugural Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in 2008, but later defeated Auburn 26-19 in the 2012 game.

“It is great to be able to renew our rivalry with Clemson in Mercedes Benz Stadium in 2024,” said UGA J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Greg McGarity. “We know our fans will enjoy another outstanding experience in Atlanta, and will look forward to a great game.”

The teams will battle for The Old Leather Helmet Trophy, one of college football’s newest rivalry-style icons. Traditionally, winners of The Old Leather Helmet don the helmet on the field after the game, starting with the head coach and then rotating from player to player as the team celebrates its victory.

The Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game averages more than 68,887 fans for each game – higher than 36 bowl games from last year – and an additional 67 million television viewers since 2008. Total team payouts average $5.2 million – higher than 26 bowl games last season – with more than $67 million in payouts over its history.

Past and Future Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game match-ups include:

Year: Match-Up: Winner: 

2008 (9) Clemson vs. (24) Alabama Alabama 34-10

2009 (5) Alabama vs. (7) Virginia Tech Alabama 34-24

2010 (16) LSU vs. (18) North Carolina LSU 30-24

2011 (5) Boise State vs. (19) Georgia Boise State 35-21

2012 (25) N.C. State vs. Tennessee Tennessee 35-21

2012 (14) Clemson vs. (24) Auburn Clemson 26-19

2013 (1) Alabama vs. Virginia Tech Alabama 35-10

2014 (18) Ole Miss vs. Boise State Ole Miss 35-13

2014 (2) Alabama vs. West Virginia Alabama 33-23

2015 (25) Louisville vs. (6) Auburn Auburn 31-24

2016 (18) Georgia vs. (22) North Carolina Georgia 33-24

2017 (3) Florida State vs. (1) Alabama Alabama 24-7

2017 (25) Tennessee vs. Georgia Tech Tennessee 42-41 (2 OT)

2018 (6) Washington vs. (9) Auburn

2019 Alabama vs. Duke

2020 West Virginia vs. Florida State

2020 Georgia vs. Virginia

2020 Auburn vs. North Carolina

2021 Alabama vs. Miami

2021 Louisville vs. Ole Miss

2022 Oregon vs. Georgia

2024 Georgia vs. Clemson