Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta Continues as Partner for 2026 Aflac Kickoff Game

Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta Renewed as Official Partner for the 2026 Aflac Kickoff Game

Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta has officially announced that it will continue to serve as the orthopedic and sports medicine partner for the highly anticipated 2026 Aflac Kickoff Game. This partnership, which began at the inaugural Kickoff Game in 2008, has enabled the physicians and athletic trainers from OrthoAtlanta to provide expert medical support to numerous college football teams over nearly two decades.

The upcoming 2026 Aflac Kickoff Game is set to take place at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on September 5, featuring a matchup between the Baylor Bears and Auburn Tigers. This will mark Baylor's first time participating in the event, while Auburn will be making its fourth appearance. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET, with national television coverage on ABC.

Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta is recognized as one of the largest orthopedic and sports medicine practices in the Southeastern United States. Its comprehensive musculoskeletal care range includes not only orthopedic surgeries and specialty care but also physical therapy and athletic training services. The team's expertise covers a wide array of conditions, from sports injuries and joint replacements to spine conditions, fractures, and arthritis.

Todd Schmidt, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon and Medical Director for the Aflac Kickoff Game at Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta, expressed pride in the continuation of this partnership: "Our team has had the honor of caring for student-athletes at every Aflac Kickoff Game since its inception in 2008. We are committed to supporting these talented athletes throughout their preparations and during crucial game moments. High-level competition demands a lot from athletes, and we're here to ensure they receive the best orthopedic and sports medicine care from practice to game day."

In its role as the official provider, Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta will deliver comprehensive medical support throughout the weekend's events, including injury assessments and physician coverage during team activities, practices, and the game itself. This partnership plays a crucial role in ensuring athletes can perform at their best while minimizing injury risks.

The Aflac Kickoff Game has become a staple in the college football calendar, showcasing top-tier programs in a neutral-site setting. The upcoming match between Baylor and Auburn will be only the sixth meeting between these two storied programs, with the all-time series currently standing at 2-2-1.

In addition to the athletic spectacle, the event will continue Aflac and Peach Bowl, Inc.'s efforts in their "Kickoff for a Cause" initiative, which has raised over $1.2 million to support children and families impacted by pediatric cancer. This philanthropic angle underscores the event's commitment to making a positive community impact alongside its competitive edge.

Donald Fowler, M.D., a co-medical director for the Aflac Kickoff Game and orthopedic surgeon with Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta, stated, "Sports medicine is at the core of what we excel at, and partnerships like this provide invaluable opportunities for our medical team to support athletes on one of college football's biggest stages. We are privileged to continue our collaboration and deliver essential care to these competitors from their arrival in Atlanta to the end of the game."

Peach Bowl, Inc. president and CEO David Epps expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership: "We are thrilled to have Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta back for another college football season. For over 20 years, they have been a reliable partner, providing exceptional medical support for the student-athletes who grace our field."

About Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta

OrthoAtlanta stands as one of the largest physician-owned orthopedic and sports medicine practices in the Southeastern United States. Focused on delivering an integrated approach to musculoskeletal care, OrthoAtlanta boasts a team of over 80 physicians across 27 locations. This comprehensive network ensures high-quality patient care for muscle, joint, bone, and spine-related injuries or conditions. The practice prioritizes accessibility, offering on-site physical therapy, pain management solutions, MRI imaging centers, and workers' compensation coordination. Their surgical facilities provide cost-effective, same-day surgical procedures in accredited outpatient settings, ensuring patients receive a full spectrum of operative and non-operative musculoskeletal care, including specialized sports medicine and various surgical interventions.

For more information, contact Cindy Shepard at 678-785-9332.