The championship game had been hosted in Charlotte, North Carolina from 2010 to 2015, and had been slated to host through at least 2019.[3] However, in response to North Carolina's Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act (HB2), the ACC voted in September 2016 to move the 2016 championship out of North Carolina.[4]Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida was chosen as a replacement site for the 2016 game. ACC Commissioner John Swofford delayed the decision on where to hold the 2017 football Championship Game due to the ongoing controversy.[5][6] On April 19, 2017, the ACC announced that the football championship game and other neutral site conference events would return to Charlotte in 2017.[1]
Miami secured its spot in the game by winning the Coastal Division. This was the first ACC divisional title and first appearance in the ACC Championship Game for the Hurricanes.[7]
Clemson qualified for the game by winning the Atlantic Division with a 7–1 record. Their only loss was to Syracuse, while the Tigers defeated: Louisville, Boston College, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, NC State, and Florida State. This is the Tiger's third straight appearance in the ACC Championship game.