Dec. 13, 2012

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - Colorado State University and the University of Alabama announced today an agreement to play two football games at Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium, the first of which will take place Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013.

This will be the first meeting between the Rams and Crimson Tide. Colorado State head coach Jim McElwain served as Alabama's offensive coordinator from 2008-11.

"This will be a great opportunity for our program to go out and play the best," McElwain said. "The experience of playing Alabama in that environment will help our players and our program as it continues to grow, and we're looking forward to it. It is another outstanding example of what we're doing with our program in all aspects. When you come to play football at Colorado State you're going to get an opportunity not only to be the best, but to play against the best."

Alabama will seek its third national title in the last four seasons on Jan. 7, 2013, when it takes on Notre Dame in the BCS National Championship Game. The Crimson Tide won titles in 2009 and 2011 with McElwain as offensive coordinator.

"Playing games like these will provide great visibility and exposure on a national level for our outstanding university and our athletics program," said Colorado State director of athletics Jack Graham. "To play an opponent of this caliber in that environment is a great learning and teaching opportunity for everyone."

The Rams' 2013 non-conference schedule is now complete with the addition of the game at Alabama. Colorado State's home game against UTEP, originally scheduled for Sept. 21, will now take place Sept. 28 at Hughes Stadium. The Mountain West schedule is expected to be announced early in 2013.

The second game in the series will take place at a date to be determined during either the 2015 or 2017 season. Colorado State will receive $1.5 million for each game.

Future Schedules