[Bamabeachlivin]

How about some more mid-summer football news? This time, it's about the 2009 season. Alabama is in negotiations with the Atlanta Sports Council to open next season in the Georgia Dome against Virginia Tech.Think coach Nick Saban is serious about high-profile nonconference games? Think he's serious about recruiting the ATL? Remember, UA could also play Duke there in 2010.
Alabama is in negotiations to open the 2009 season against Virginia Tech in Atlanta's Georgia Dome, Atlanta Sports Council president Gary Stokan told The Birmingham News.
With a goal of putting on a high-profile nonconference game to open every season for its Chick-Fil-A College Kickoff, Stokan said the coach Frank Beamer and the Hokies have already agreed to become one team in the 2009 game. The goal is for coach Nick Saban's Crimson Tide to become the other.
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[Lefty Noob]

I like the idea of Bama playing Va. Tech. That'd be a good game.
But I don't know about them opening the season in Atlanta in back-to-back seasons. The Sports Council should let someone else into the mix.

[Bamabeachlivin]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

I like the idea of Bama playing Va. Tech. That'd be a good game.
But I don't know about them opening the season in Atlanta in back-to-back seasons. The Sports Council should let someone else into the mix.

Lefty the reason, most of all that they want Alabama is for the money that Bama fans bring in cause just about every where Bama goes a huge following comes. Bama fans spend lots of $.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by Bamabeachlivin

Lefty the reason, most of all that they want Alabama is for the money that Bama fans bring in cause just about every where Bama goes a huge following comes. Bama fans spend lots of $.

Very true, but it's not like they're the only program that travels well, either, you know?

[Stoney]

It remids me of the Daytona 500...a bowl game to start the season off. Hey Lefty maybe other schools should follow suit. Say How about Tennesee -vs- Texas in the Superdome first thing? Maybe Ohio State plays The Florida Gators in Panthers Stadium in Charlotte?

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by Stoney

It remids me of the Daytona 500...a bowl game to start the season off. Hey Lefty maybe other schools should follow suit. Say How about Tennesee -vs- Texas in the Superdome first thing? Maybe Ohio State plays The Florida Gators in Panthers Stadium in Charlotte?

Stoney, that's a wonderful idea. I'd love to see it happen.

[Stoney]

It would be TV worth watching... oh yeah Ohio State doesn't want to play anybody from the SEC.

[crimsonlass]

Originally Posted by Bamabeachlivin

Lefty the reason, most of all that they want Alabama is for the money that Bama fans bring in cause just about every where Bama goes a huge following comes. Bama fans spend lots of $.

Very true, and there is another plus, too. Alabama fans are mostly in close proximity to ATL, therefore it is easy for them to travel. They won't have to struggle to sell tickets. Alabama will sell out a game no matter who the opponent is.

[bamaga]

aren't we re inventing the wheel? isn't this just another kickoff classic and all of its clones? by the way, Bama is the draw, they helped revitalize the concept. so they should be invited. Bama has been linked to Bama-Texas in the superdome, Bama- USC in Dallas, and Bama- ND in Indy. there is a reason Bama keeps being mentioned......and a reason the rest of the SEC downplays the Tides importance to the conference.

[crimsonlass]

Originally Posted by bamaga

aren't we re inventing the wheel? isn't this just another kickoff classic and all of its clones? by the way, Bama is the draw, they helped revitalize the concept. so they should be invited. Bama has been linked to Bama-Texas in the superdome, Bama- USC in Dallas, and Bama- ND in Indy. there is a reason Bama keeps being mentioned......and a reason the rest of the SEC downplays the Tides importance to the conference.

You have got this soooo right. There has always been a reason why we are mentioned. We can fill a stadium, and if they want to make money, they call us. We draw a big TV audience as well. The CrimsonTide has got star power.

[JRL]

The Sports Counsel is pushing the games in Alabama so the fans can experience and see first hand what paved roads are all about

Actually the difficulty is finding teams with a schedule that can be changed to accommodate the game.

I think as the years go on we will see some top quality teams making visits to Atlanta - good for the city and fans.

[Stoney]

Not to mention the hotbed of Atlanta needs some raiding... Richt won't be the only coach rolling around the suburbs.