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Two collegiate teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) will play their first game of the 2027 season in Canada.
Syracuse University and Wake Forest University will face-off next year at BMO Field in Toronto with the date of the game set for August 28 or August 29. The contest will air nationally in the United States on ABC or ESPN.
Wake Forest will be the home team with the matchup serving as a conference game between the two programs.
“We are thrilled to bring ACC football to an international stage in Toronto,” said ACC commissioner Jim Phillips in a statement. “This conference game represents an exciting opportunity to showcase our student-athletes and our member institutions, as well as put on full display the energy of college football to a new and diverse audience.
“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.”
Additional details, including ticket information, have yet to be announced.
BMO Field, the home of the Toronto Argonauts and Toronto FC, was constructed in 2007. It has since hosted many marquee events, including the 2015 Pan American Games, the 104th Grey Cup, and the NHL Centennial Classic in 2017. This summer, it will host six matches for the FIFA World Cup.
“BMO Field is excited to once again diversify our lineup of events at the stadium, bringing the electricity of U.S. college football to Toronto just a year after hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026,” said Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment vice-president of business operations Chris Shewfelt.
“We are thrilled to host two great ACC teams and are excited to welcome their fans to explore our beautiful city during the Canadian National Exhibition.”
Syracuse, located 400 kilometres east of Toronto in Upstate New York, has produced several CFL players, including Canadian Football Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gabriel and first-overall 2022 CFL Draft pick Tyrell Richards. Damien Alford, the first overall pick in the 2025 CFL Draft, also played at the school before transferring to the University of Utah.
Wake Forest, located in Winston-Salem, N.C., produced first-round 2026 CFL Draft pick Nuer Gatkuoth, whose rights belong to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Other alumni in the CFL include Toronto Argonauts defensive lineman Luiji Vilain, Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive lineman Miles Fox, and Ottawa Redblacks defensive back Amari Henderson.
The matchup will be the first-ever NCAA college football game played at BMO Field.
