SEC Announces a 10-Game Conference Schedule

Hi Matt,

The Southeastern Conference has established September 26 as the new kickoff for the 2020 football season, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey announced Thursday. The 2020 SEC football season will be comprised of a 10-game Conference-only schedule.

This action was taken following extensive discussions and thorough deliberation among the SEC’s Presidents and Chancellors, Athletics Directors, Conference Office staff, and medical advisors, led by the SEC’s Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force.

A revised schedule for the 2020 season will be announced at a later date following approval by the Conference’s athletic directors.

“The safety of our student-athletes, staff and fans will remain the top priority as we navigate the return to collegiate athletic competition,” UF Athletics Director Scott Stricklin said. “We will continue to lean on the advice of the SEC Medical Task Force, UF Health, CDC, Campus and state health officials as we develop safety protocols and stadium capacity guidelines.”

The SEC Football Championship Game will be played December 19 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, rescheduled from the original date of December 5. The schedule will include one mid-season open date for each school and an open date on December 12 for all schools.

“Once we have an idea of what our attendance capacity could be, we will release our ticketing and seating plan and communicate that to our 2020 season ticket holders,” Stricklin added. “That plan will include multiple, flexible options for 2020 and whatever option they choose, their season tickets will be available for them to renew in the 2021 season.”

The decision to limit competition to Conference-only opponents and rescheduling the SEC Championship Game is based on the need for maximum flexibility in making any necessary scheduling adjustments while reacting to developments around the pandemic and continued advice from medical professionals.

“While we are still navigating some uncertainty, I do know that each day we move closer to the time when Gators fans can be together to cheer on the Orange and Blue,” said Stricklin.