UPDATE: Alabama-Clemson to open 2008 football season Aug. 30

TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama will start the 2008 football season against Clemson at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, it was announced Friday.

The Aug. 30 game will be televised nationally by either ABC or ESPN, with a 7 p.m. CT kickoff. Tickets and revenues after expenses will be split between the participating schools. The Chick-fil-A Bowl, which is managing the game, will take a management fee for its work in promoting the event.

“This is a one-game stand, so it needed to be a neutral site,” said Mal Moore, Alabama’s director of athletics. “We are very pleased to be a part of it.”

Alabama head coach Nick Saban was enthusiastic about the chance to play a nationally-televised game in a city well within the Crimson Tide’s recruiting radius.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for our football players, our football team, our fans, to have an opportunity to play against an outstanding opponent like Clemson,” Saban said. “For Alabama to be able to play in Atlanta, which is a great city in the South, is something we look forward to. It’s great national exposure. It’s great for recruiting. i think this will be an outstanding venue.”

The game will mark the second time in as many years that Alabama will play a nationally-televised, non-conference game at a neutral site. The Tide lost to Florida State in Jacksonville, Fla., in 2007.

“This is visionary stuff that they’re getting outside the box instead of playing home games,” said Gary Stokan, Chick-fil-A Bowl president.

Reach Tommy Deas at tommy.deas@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0224.