Big Payday
The University of Alabama will earn $6.5 million for its season-opening game against Southern California on Sept. 3, 2016 in AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, The Tuscaloosa News has learned.
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The two schools reached an agreement in September 2014 to meet in the Cowboys Classic. The teams have met a total of seven times with Alabama holding a 5-2 series advantage.
For comparison, Alabama will make $4 million for its 2015 season-opener in the Cowboys Classic game against Wisconsin. The school received $3.2 million for its Chick-fil-A Kickoff game against West Virginia in 2014.
Alabama previously played in the Cowboys Class in 2012 against Michigan, a 41-14 victory, and opens the season this year in the game against Wisconsin.
Alabama is the designated home team against USC and game officials will come from the Big 12.
Per the agreement, Alabama receives a total of 25,000 tickets it will place on sale for its fans, and the Million Dollar Band will be seated at no cost to the school.
Current Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin coached 48 games as USC's head coach from 2010-13. He is in his second year as UA's offensive coordinator. In his first season at Alabama, Kiffin helped oversaw an offense that set several school records in 2014.
Reach Aaron Suttles at aaron@tidesports.com or at 205-722-0229.