AHSAA Super 7 Hosting Rotation Realignment: Alabama and Auburn Universities Removed

Introduction

The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) has recently announced a significant change in its Super 7 state football championship hosting rotation. Effective immediately, the University of Alabama and Auburn University will no longer be included in the rotation, a decision prompted by the expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP).

Reasoning Behind the Decision

The AHSAA's decision stems from the CFP's expansion to 12 teams, which is set to take effect in 2024. The expanded CFP schedule will require more time and resources for the hosting institutions, potentially conflicting with the AHSAA Super 7 schedule, which typically takes place in December.

Furthermore, the AHSAA expressed concerns about potential scheduling conflicts with other major events such as bowl games and concerts at the affected stadiums. By removing Alabama and Auburn from the rotation, the AHSAA aims to ensure the availability of suitable venues for its championship games.

New Hosting Rotation

With the removal of Alabama and Auburn, the AHSAA has adjusted its Super 7 hosting rotation to include the following stadiums:

2023: Protective Stadium (Birmingham)
2024: Cramton Bowl (Montgomery)
2025: AHSAA Stadium (Hoover)
2026: Protective Stadium (Birmingham)
2027: Cramton Bowl (Montgomery)
2028: TBD

The selection of these venues was based on factors such as stadium capacity, availability, and experience in hosting major sporting events.

Impact on Alabama and Auburn

While the removal of Alabama and Auburn from the Super 7 hosting rotation may be disappointing to some fans, both universities have expressed understanding of the AHSAA's decision.

Alabama's Director of Athletics, Greg Byrne, stated that the university "supports the AHSAA's decision and believes it is in the best interests of the high school student-athletes." Similarly, Auburn's Athletic Director, Allen Greene, emphasized the university's commitment to supporting the AHSAA and its programs.

Future Considerations

The AHSAA has indicated that it will continue to evaluate the Super 7 hosting rotation in the coming years. If the CFP schedule allows for it, the AHSAA may consider re-adding Alabama and Auburn to the rotation in the future.

However, the AHSAA emphasized that its primary focus is ensuring the best possible experience for the student-athletes participating in the Super 7 championships.

Conclusion

The AHSAA's decision to remove Alabama and Auburn from the Super 7 hosting rotation is a significant change that reflects the evolving landscape of college football. While the decision may be bittersweet for some fans, it is ultimately driven by a desire to provide the best possible platform for high school football players to showcase their talents.

As the AHSAA continues to navigate the evolving sports landscape, it is committed to providing high-quality championship experiences for its member schools and student-athletes.