The Atlantic Coast Conference has fined Florida State University $50,000 after fans stormed the field following an upset victory over Alabama, marking the first enforcement of the conference’s new event security policy. The fine was announced on September 1, 2025, in response to the field storming that occurred after Florida State’s 31-17 win over No. 8 Alabama on August 30.
The game itself was a significant upset, with Florida State entering as 14-point underdogs after a dismal 2-10 season in 2024. The Seminoles dominated the contest, leading throughout and securing a convincing victory that sparked jubilant celebrations among fans. Immediately after the final whistle, thousands of supporters rushed onto the field at Doak Campbell Stadium, violating the ACC’s newly implemented safety regulations.
The ACC’s event security policy was announced on July 22, 2025, during the ACC Football Kickoff, and applies to football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball games. The policy mandates that schools ensure all players, coaches, officials, and personnel have safely exited the field before fans are allowed on. A first offense incurs a $50,000 fine, which doubles to $100,000 for a second violation and increases to $200,000 for subsequent offenses within a rolling two-year period.
All fines collected under this policy are directed to the Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Postgraduate Scholarship Fund, which supports ACC student-athletes pursuing graduate education. This initiative is part of the conference’s broader efforts to enhance safety and modernize operations in collegiate sports.
Florida State’s athletic department has accepted the fine, with officials indicating that the celebration was worth the cost given the magnitude of the win. Head coach Mike Norvell and players expressed pride in the team’s performance and understanding of the policy’s intent to protect safety.
The field storming incident recalls past controversies, including the 2023 season when an undefeated Florida State was left out of the College Football Playoff in favor of Alabama, adding emotional weight to this victory. The fine is minimal compared to penalties in other conferences, such as the SEC’s $500,000 fine for similar violations.
This event sets a precedent for the ACC, as Florida State is the first school to be penalized under the new policy. It highlights the ongoing balance between fan enthusiasm and safety concerns in college athletics.
Looking ahead, Florida State will pay the fine, and the ACC will continue to enforce the policy throughout the season. The Seminoles’ next game will be closely watched to see if they can build on this momentum while adhering to conference regulations.