ACC announces historic move with 2027 college football kickoff game

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ACC announces historic move with 2027 college football kickoff game

ACC announces historic move with 2027 college football kickoff game

Two teams will head north of the border.

ACC announces historic move with 2027 college football kickoff game

Two teams will head north of the border.

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is taking college football north of the border, and it's shaping up to be a historic kickoff to the 2027 season. In a move that blends tradition with international flair, the ACC announced that Syracuse will face Wake Forest at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario, Canada—marking the first time two NCAA teams will ever battle on that field.

Scheduled for Week 0, the game is set for either August 28 or August 29, with kickoff time and broadcast details to be announced later. Fans can expect to catch the action nationally on ABC or ESPN. While this counts as a home game for Wake Forest, the proximity to Syracuse—just a short trip across the border—means the Orange faithful are likely to make their presence felt in the stands.

ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips expressed excitement about the international stage. "We are thrilled to bring ACC football to an international stage in Toronto," he 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." Phillips also highlighted the ACC's growing global footprint, noting previous international games in Dublin and an upcoming matchup in Brazil.

The game came together with some unexpected help from the NHL. Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment—the group behind the Toronto Maple Leafs—will host both teams, adding a unique cross-sport collaboration to the event. "We're grateful to Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment for hosting this college football game in Toronto to kick off the 2027 season," said Kristen Shaver, ESPN Director of Events and Football Operations. "This relationship sets the stage for a truly historic moment—the first time two American universities will open their season in Canada."

For fans of college football and sports apparel alike, this game is more than just a matchup—it's a celebration of the sport's growing reach. Whether you're repping Syracuse orange or Wake Forest black and gold, this international kickoff is a reminder that football fandom knows no borders. So mark your calendars, grab your gear, and get ready for a game that's breaking new ground—literally and figuratively.

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