Miami football season opener vs. Alabama in Atlanta full capacity allowed

The Miami football team will play in front of a capacity crowd in their season opener in Atlanta against Alabama on September 4 in a press release Wednesday from AMB Sports and Entertainment, the management company that runs Mercedes Benz Stadium. It will be the first full crowd allowed for a Hurricanes game since 2019.

Alabama will play in front of a largely partisan Crimson Tide crowd about 200 miles from their Tuscaloosa campus. Alabama has played almost yearly in Atlanta, ofter twice. The Crimson Tide frequently plays in the season-opening kickoff classic in Atlanta and the SEC Championship is played in Atlanta.

The Alabama and Miami football teams have not played since the 1993 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. The Crimson Tide defeated the Hurricanes to win the National Championship. The 2021 opening weekend for college football will be interesting with many if not most stadiums likely allowed to be at full capacity.

By September, most Americans will be vaccinated for COVID-19. AMB announced that protocols will still be in place that will include wearing masks when Mercedes Benz Stadium opens on May 15 for an Atlanta United Game in Major League Soccer. AMB issued a statement on the Mercedes Benz Stadium website on Wednesday.

"“Due to the increased access to vaccine distribution, and health and safety protocols in place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, along with the high demand from our fans,  AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE) will increase capacity for events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to 100 percent beginning May 15…“We are excited to bring our fans back to Mercedes-Benz Stadium,” says Steve Cannon, CEO, AMB Sports and Entertainment.  “Given the increased opportunity for Georgians to be vaccinated, the abundant health protocols we have in place at the stadium…We felt that now is the right time to re-open the stadium in full capacity allowing all our season ticket members a chance to enjoy watching their teams in person…We will continue to follow the necessary precautions to give fans a safe and clean environment.Mercedes-Benz Stadium will maintain health and safety protocols currently in place including, required face-coverings for fans, hand sanitization stands throughout the building, strict cleaning and sanitization before, during and after events, and increased cleaning staff.AMBSE will continue to work with health organizations and monitor external conditions while following all guidelines and protocols set forth by…all third-party event organizations."

The game in Atlanta will mark the third time in four seasons that the Miami football team will open the season against a marquee SEC opponent. Miami began the 2018 season at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas as future Heisman Trophy Winner and 2020 top NFL Draft pick Joe Burrow made his debut for the Tigers.

Miami began the 2019 season with a 24-20 loss to Florida in Orlando. It is a tough way for Miami to begin the season, but it is good exposure for the Hurricanes. Playing in Atlanta in front of a capacity crowd is exciting and provides Miami Hurricanes fans with something to look forward to throughout the offseason.