What does SEC Championship Game ending mean for Atlanta’s economy?

For more than three decades, the SEC Championship has brought thousands of fans to downtown Atlanta each December to fill the stadium and nearby hotels, bars and restaurants.

That will change starting in 2027. The SEC announced Monday that this year will be the final SEC Championship Game to align with the College Football Playoff expanding from 12 teams to 24 teams.

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Atlanta has hosted all but two of the SEC Championship Games, first at the Georgia Dome and now at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

David Epps, CEO of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, says Atlanta will feel economic impact of losing the championship.

“So I would imagine that losing the SEC Championship Game probably has a $45 to $55 million economic impact. So that’s not an insignificant loss for Atlanta, but Atlanta as a city performs best when it’s under stress,” Epps told Channel 2’s Ashlyn Webb.

WHY IS ATLANTA LOSING THE SEC CHAMPIONSHIP?

One of college football’s traditions is coming to an end because of the playoff expansion.

The College Football Playoff and ESPN agreed to a deal to expand to 24 teams and swift the entire calendar.

The weekend that has been reserved for conference championships will likely become the first round of the playoff.

“And ultimately there was just no room left in the schedule for it,” Epp said.

While Atlanta is losing the SEC Championship Game, Epps says the Chick-fil-A Playoff will continue hosting their playoff game.

“Things evolve, and I think we’re all going to love college football in the future as much as we love it now,” Epps said.

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