ATLANTA, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta proudly announces its continued role as the official orthopedic and sports medicine partner of the 2026 Aflac Kickoff Game, continuing a partnership that began with the inaugural Kickoff Game in Atlanta in 2008. For nearly two decades, OrthoAtlanta physicians and athletic trainers have provided expert orthopedic and sports medicine care to participating teams, making the practice an integral part of one of college football's premier opening weekend traditions.

The 2026 Aflac Kickoff Game will feature the Baylor Bears and Auburn Tigers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday, Sept. 5, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET and national coverage on ABC. The matchup marks Baylor's first appearance in the Aflac Kickoff Game, while Auburn will make its fourth appearance in the event.

Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta is one of the largest orthopedic and sports medicine practices in the Southeast, providing comprehensive musculoskeletal care through a team of orthopedic surgeons, specialists, physical therapists and athletic trainers. The practice provides care for sports injuries, joint replacement, spine conditions, fractures, arthritis and a wide range of orthopedic conditions.

"Our team is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the Aflac Kickoff Game and to support the athletes competing in Atlanta," said Todd Schmidt, M.D., Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta orthopedic surgeon and Medical Director for the Aflac Kickoff Game. "We've had the privilege of caring for student-athletes at every Aflac Kickoff Game since the inaugural event in 2008, and we're honored to continue that tradition. High-level athletes put tremendous demands on their bodies, and our goal is to be there when they need us—providing experienced orthopedic and sports medicine care from practice through game day."

As the official orthopedic and sports medicine provider, Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta will provide comprehensive medical support to the teams throughout the weekend. This includes orthopedic care, injury evaluation and physician coverage during team activities, practices and the game.

The Aflac Kickoff Game is one of the nation's premier neutral-site college football season openers and brings nationally recognized programs to Atlanta to begin the college football season. The 2026 matchup between Baylor and Auburn will mark just the sixth meeting between the two programs, with the all-time series currently tied at 2-2-1.

Aflac and Peach Bowl, Inc. will also continue their "Kickoff for a Cause" initiative in 2026. The program has generated more than $1.2 million for communities served by the organizations and supports children and families facing pediatric cancer.

"Sports medicine is at the heart of what we do, and partnerships like the Aflac Kickoff Game give our physicians and athletic trainers the opportunity to support athletes on one of college football's biggest stages," said Donald Fowler, M.D., co-medical director of the Aflac Kickoff Game and orthopedic surgeon with Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta. "We are honored to continue this longstanding partnership and to provide the expert care athletes need from the moment they arrive in Atlanta through game day."

"We're excited to have Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta back with us as we kick off another college football season," said Peach Bowl, Inc. President and CEO David Epps. "For more than 20 years, they've been a trusted partner, providing outstanding care and medical support for the student-athletes who take the field in our games."

About Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta

OrthoAtlanta is one of the largest physician-owned orthopedic and sports medicine practices in the Southeast providing an integrated approach to delivering musculoskeletal care. With more than 80 physicians serving in 27 offices, the practice provides the highest level of patient care for injuries or deformity of muscles, joints, bones and spine. OrthoAtlanta offers convenient accessibility to a full range of musculoskeletal surgeons, specialists and patient services including on-site physical therapy, pain management care, five MRI imaging centers and workers' compensation coordination. OrthoAtlanta Surgery Centers in Austell and Fayetteville provide cost-effective, same-day surgical procedures in accredited outpatient centers. Comprehensive operative and nonoperative musculoskeletal care includes sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, hip replacement, knee replacement, neck and spine surgery, elbow and shoulder surgery, hand and wrist surgery, foot and ankle surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, arthritis treatment, general orthopedics, work-related and acute orthopedic injuries.

Contact:
Cindy Shepard
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SOURCE Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta