WKU announced Wednesday that it has added the Alabama Crimson Tide to its 2016 football schedule, with the Hilltoppers set to play in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Sept. 10, 2016.

WKU will receive a record $1.3 million payout for the game, according to the Bowling Green Daily News. WKU last visited Alabama in 2012 where it received a $1 million payout.

In that meeting, WKU lost 35-0 to the eventual national champions in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

“Obviously, playing Alabama is an opportunity to compete on the highest stage against a truly outstanding program,” Athletics Director Todd Stewart said in a press release issued Wednesday. “The five-hour drive enables our fans to make the trip to Tuscaloosa and enjoy a terrific college football experience.  Our players enjoy the exposure that results from competing at the highest level and many of them have excelled in recent games against strong non-conference opponents.”

Alabama will be the second opponent for WKU in 2016 from the Southeastern Conference with Vanderbilt scheduled to visit Smith Stadium on Sept. 24, 2016.

In between the two games against SEC opponents, WKU will travel to Miami, Ohio on Sept. 17. 

With the addition of Vanderbilt and Alabama to the 2016 schedule, WKU will have played an opponent from the SEC in seven of its eight seasons as FBS members dating back to 2009.