Atlanta’s SEC championship tradition ends with 24-team playoff expansion

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — For more than three decades, December in Atlanta has meant packed stands, passionate fans and a football game with a habit of delivering national championship-sized drama. From the Georgia Dome to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the SEC Football Championship Game has brought some of college football’s biggest teams — and most unforgettable moments — to Atlanta. But on Monday, college football leaders announced the expansion of the College Football Playoffs from 12 to 24 teams next season, bringing an end to the Power Four conference championship games, including the SEC Championship Game. The announcement came after ESPN agreed to rework its contract to add 11 playoff games.The 2026 edition of the SEC Championship Game will be the final. “Expanding the College Football Playoff is about more than adding teams,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “It is about creating meaningful opportunities for student-athletes and universities, rewarding competitive excellen