2027 College Football Playoff Dates and Locations Announced
The College Football Playoff (CFP) organization has just dropped the official dates and venues for the quarterfinals and semifinals of the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Honestly, it feels like they’re setting us up for some wild games and a few surprises—both for fans and players. The 2026 quarterfinals are landing at the Fiesta Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Peach Bowl, and Rose Bowl.
Semifinals? Those will go down at the Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl. The 2026 championship game is set for Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, which is a first for the city.
Looking ahead to 2027, quarterfinals will be at the Sugar Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl, and Rose Bowl. Semifinals will happen at the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl.
The big championship that year is set for the Superdome in New Orleans. These picks are meant to keep things competitive and fun while keeping the playoff format steady.
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The 2026 College Football Playoff Schedule
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a good one, and the quarterfinals are split between two dates:
- December 30: Fiesta Bowl
- January 1: Cotton Bowl, Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl
After those, the semifinals show up in mid-January:
- January 14: Orange Bowl
- January 15: Sugar Bowl
The championship game lands on January 25 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Kind of wild that it’s the city’s first time hosting this event.
Significance of Allegiant Stadium Hosting the Championship
Allegiant Stadium hosting the championship is a pretty big deal for Las Vegas. The city’s already known for its wild entertainment scene, so you can bet the energy will be off the charts.
The stadium itself, home to the Las Vegas Raiders, is modern and packed with amenities. That’s bound to make the championship feel even more electric.
If you want the nitty-gritty on the 2026 schedule, the Las Vegas Sun has the full rundown.
The 2027 College Football Playoff Schedule
For 2027, the action continues with quarterfinals set for:
- December 31: Sugar Bowl
- January 1: Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl
Semifinals aren’t far behind:
- January 13: Orange Bowl
- January 14: Cotton Bowl
The championship game will hit the Superdome in New Orleans on January 24. That place has seen its fair share of legendary games.
The Superdome’s Legacy in College Football
The Superdome in New Orleans is kind of iconic in college football. It’s hosted a bunch of big-time games, including several national championships.
Choosing it for the 2027 championship just feels right, honestly—it’s got the history and the atmosphere. More details are up at the Las Vegas Sun.
Impact on Fans and Local Communities
CFP executive director Rich Clark pointed out that these dates and venues are all about keeping things fair, making it awesome for fans, and making sure everyone knows what to expect. It’s not just about football—local communities get a real boost from all the visitors and the energy that comes with these games.
The Role of Bowl Partners
Bowl partners and their hometowns do a lot of the heavy lifting here. Their teamwork and dedication help make the whole playoff experience special for everyone—players, fans, and, honestly, the sport itself.
The bowl games keep adapting and stepping up, which is probably why the expanded playoff system keeps working so well.
Future Implications for College Football
The expanded playoff format signals a big shift in college football. Choosing top-tier venues for the quarterfinals, semifinals, and championship games is part of that evolution.
It’s all about making the experience better for everyone—players, fans, coaches, you name it. There’s a sense that these updates will help the sport keep growing, though only time will tell how much things really change.
If you’re hunting for the latest updates or just want to see the full College Football Playoff schedule, check out the Las Vegas Sun.
