River Region Times

ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, this week unveiled its schedule for the 2023 college football season, including the first nationally televised college game of the season, which will air live from Montgomery, Alabama's historic Cramton Bowl!

The early-season ESPN Events schedule features the FCS Kickoff between North Alabama and Mercer at the historic Cramton Bowl in Montgomery at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN in Week 0 on Saturday, Aug. 26. One week later, ESPN Events will be back in Montgomery to honor the legendary Tuskegee Airmen and celebrate the tradition, legacy and values of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with the 3rd Annual Boeing Red Tails Classic on Sunday, Sept. 3 between Fort Valley State and Tuskegee (7 p.m. ET ESPNU).

"We are excited to build on our successful partnership with ESPN," Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed said. "As the host city for the FCS Kickoff, Boeing Red Tails Classic and the Camellia Bowl, we have implemented a strategy that will help us not only welcome players and fans but offer an exceptional gameday experience – whether they join us in person or over the airwaves."

The partnership between ESPN and Montgomery has been fruitful for both parties -- as well as the teams and fans. ESPN’s 2021 Montgomery Kickoff and the inaugural Boeing Red Tails Classic brought approximately 24,000 fans to historic Cramton Bowl. The Kickoff, which aired in primetime on ESPN, received the highest viewership ratings of any Wednesday night college football broadcast on ESPN in the last decade.

Officials from the City, County, ESPN and the Central Alabama Sports Commission plan to announce more details on gameday activities in coming weeks.

For more information, visit https://montgomerykickoffgames.com/.

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