Alabama and Florida State aren’t playing in the 2017 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game for the money. They’re playing in it for the $#!+ load of money, as Lone Starr (from Spaceballs... The Movie) might say. The 2017 contest, previously announced, will come with a $5 million paycheck to each school.
The Tallahassee Democrat reported the figures Friday afternoon, but the high payout should be no surprise at this point. In fact, it is probably to be expected, especially for Alabama and Florida State. Florida State will be due $3.5 million for a 2016 game in Orlando against Ole Miss. Alabama has had some good payouts come their way through neutral site games. In 2012 Alabama received $4.7 million for playing in the Cowboys Classic in Arlington against Michigan. Alabama and West Virginia split $6.4 million after participating in last season’s Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game.
For the sake of comparison, Florida is expected to receive $6 million for playing Michigan in Arlington to open the 2017 season.
As for the smaller details of the 2017 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, because it is never too soon to start planning, Alabama will be the home team and will wear home uniforms. This will be Florida State’s first appearance in the game, while Alabama will look to keep its undefeated mark (3-0) going.