International Expansion Continues with Week Zero Matchup
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and ESPN Events have announced that Syracuse University and Wake Forest University will face off in Toronto, Canada, to open the 2027 college football season. This marks the first-ever NCAA college football game to be held at BMO Field, a venue slated to host FIFA World Cup matches later this summer and home to the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts and Major League Soccer's Toronto FC. The game is scheduled for Week Zero, either August 28 or August 29, 2027, and will count as a conference game for both teams, designated as a home game for Wake Forest. National broadcast will be handled by either ABC or ESPN.
BMO Field's New Role
The 28,180-seat BMO Field, known for its soccer and Canadian football events, will diversify its offerings by hosting this U.S. college football contest. This move comes shortly after the stadium's involvement in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
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"Building on our successful history of international games – from Dublin to our upcoming game in Brazil – this matchup reflects the ACC’s continued commitment to giving our student-athletes a first-class experience, as well as memorable experiences for our fans and alumni, all while helping to grow the game globally.”
This sentiment, echoed by ACC officials, underscores a broader strategy of the conference to extend its reach beyond traditional U.S. markets. The decision to bring a conference game to Toronto is presented as an effort to provide unique experiences for athletes and fans alike, while also fostering global interest in the sport.
Conference Moves and Global Ambitions
The ACC's international push is not new. This year alone, the conference has seen games between North Carolina and TCU in Dublin, Ireland, and NC State and Virginia in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This strategy of taking games to international locales is also being pursued by other conferences, with the Big 12 having scheduled a game between Arizona State and Kansas in London this fall. The ACC's announcement positions the Toronto game as a continuation of this pattern, emphasizing a "successful history of international games."
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The scheduling of this game during the Canadian National Exhibition is noted as a deliberate choice to create a vibrant atmosphere and a memorable experience for attendees, including those traveling from the United States.
Logistical Considerations
The game will officially count as one of Wake Forest's designated home ACC games, a point that may draw particular attention from Syracuse supporters situated geographically closer to the Canadian border. The partnership for this event involves entities like Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), which manages BMO Field, and potentially even input from NHL organizations.
