Atlanta set to host College Football Playoff for second time, supporting local education

On Tuesday, April 30, the College Football Playoff (CFP) held a press conference announcing the return of the playoff to Atlanta, making history as the first city to hold the titular event twice. The College Football Playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018.

Tiffany Blackmon, a sideline reporter for CBS Sports and local sports radio host, moderated the evening’s presentation and discussion with multiple guests and panelists.

The venue, M. Agnes Jones Elementary School in Atlanta, was emblematic of the deeper mission of the College Football Playoff Foundation. M. Agnes Jones Elementary School Principal Robert Williams shared his thoughts on a press conference taking place at the school, “It is an amazing feeling as the principal of M. Agnes Jones to see the investment of our city and the college football program foundation. We’re seeing the impact beyond just football. I’m delighted to have them here and to be the host of this press event.”

The College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation has significantly expanded its commitment to educational support in Georgia, building on the success of past initiatives. Since its involvement with the CFP National Championship in 2018, the Foundation has continued to focus on supporting and enhancing educational opportunities, particularly for teachers and students throughout the state.

In 2018, when Atlanta hosted the CFP National Championship, the CFP Foundation launched substantial educational initiatives focused on improving literacy among children. These efforts reportedly created an estimated $4 million impact, providing crucial training and resources to PK-5 teachers within the Atlanta public school system. According to Britton Banowsky, Executive Director of the CFP Foundation, the organization is committed to, “making an impact that’s going to last well after the game is played”

The Georgia Teachers Initiative who has partnered with CFP aims to provide a comprehensive support network for teachers, offering resources such as innovation grants and recognition opportunities, “We are blessed to be able to get this workout and excited about the outcomes,” continued Banowsky.

To date, the CFP Foundation has invested $80 million nationally over the last decade, impacting over 550,000 teachers and reaching more than 12 million students. The Foundation’s partnership with Donors Choose has already resulted in funded projects across 87 of Georgia’s 159 counties.

Local and national educational leaders have expressed strong support for the CFP Foundation’s efforts. Kirby Smart, head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, and Christy Todd, the 2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year, have publicly endorsed the initiative. Georgia’s educational leadership, including Richard Woods, the State Superintendent who emphasized the critical role of teachers in the community and the importance of recruiting and retaining top talent in the educational field.

Reflecting on the genesis of the event, Principal Williams revealed, “About 10 years ago, they actually did a program very similar to this. And so when they made the call, I said, “We are all on board, as  M. Agnes Jones can do that partnership and highlight one of our teachers as well.” M.Anges Jones teacher LaDeandra Scott was honored alongside the school with each receiving $1,000 and $5,000 dollars respectively. Scott is the first teacher to be recognized as CFP plans to award a teacher each week for the next 52 weeks in collaboration with DonorsChoose, a non-profit for funding site for U.S public school teachers.

The impact of the CFP initiatives extends beyond financial contributions, fostering a sense of community and support among educators. The Foundation’s efforts align with local government objectives, such as those articulated by Courtney D. English, Chief Policy Officer and Senior Advisor to the Mayor of Atlanta, who highlighted the synergy between the Foundation’s goals and the city’s educational strategies and was among the panelists during the press conference.

Joining Blackm0n on stage were Byron Hatch, Chief Operating Officer of the College Football Playoff, and Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council. Hatch shared insights into Atlanta’s repeated selection as host city, noting the seamless synergy between the city’s infrastructural capabilities and its football culture.

The press event for the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, heralding not just a game, but a vibrant festival of sport, community, and heritage. The conversation shifted towards the fan experience, a critical element of the championship festivities. The event planners had engineered a cornucopia of activities designed to engage not just ticket holders but the broader public. Playoff Fan Central, a free, family-friendly event, was slated to transform the Georgia World Congress Center into an interactive football theme park, while AT&T Playoff Playlist Live promised a music festival atmosphere that would animate downtown Atlanta with performances from major national artists.

Adding a local flavor, the “Taste of the Championship” set to showcase gourmet offerings prepared by Atlanta’s top chefs.

The College Football Playoff National Championship will take place on January 20, 2025 inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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