Future College Football Playoff Dates and Sites Announced
The future of college football looks bright. The College Football Playoff (CFP) committee has finally announced the dates, sites, and host cities for upcoming playoff games and bowl matchups.
This guide digs into all the specifics. Fans can find out when and where to catch their favorite teams in action—no more guessing or last-minute scrambling.
From the first playoff rounds to the national championship, here’s the info you actually need.
Contents
Upcoming College Football Playoff Dates
Excitement is definitely building for the next few years. Fans are already marking up their calendars, and honestly, who can blame them?
The CFP has rolled out a schedule that covers several seasons. That means you can start planning trips and viewing parties way ahead of time (or at least start dreaming about it).
2023-2024 Season
The 2023-2024 season kicks off with semifinal games on December 31, 2023. These matchups will go down at two legendary venues: the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, and the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The championship game follows on January 8, 2024, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Mark those dates—you won’t want to miss them.
2024-2025 Season
Jumping ahead to the 2024-2025 season, the semifinals are set for January 1, 2025. The Orange Bowl in Miami Gardens, Florida, and the Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Texas, will each host a game.
The national championship is locked in for January 13, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
2025-2026 Season
For the 2025-2026 season, the semifinals land at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona, and the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 27, 2025.
The championship wraps up on January 5, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Host Cities and Venues
Host cities and venues really shape the whole CFP experience. Choosing the right spots matters—these places need to buzz with energy and handle massive crowds of passionate fans.
Rose Bowl – Pasadena, California
The Rose Bowl is just iconic. Nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains, it’s got a stunning backdrop and a vibe that’s hard to match.
They call it the Granddaddy of Them All for a reason. With roots going back to 1902, it’s steeped in history.
Sugar Bowl – New Orleans, Louisiana
The Sugar Bowl, set in lively New Orleans, is all about thrilling football and unforgettable fan moments. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome’s electric atmosphere makes it a perfect semifinal stage.
Players and fans alike get a setting that’s genuinely memorable.
NRG Stadium – Houston, Texas
NRG Stadium in Houston is hosting the 2024 national championship. It’s a modern spot with a retractable roof and over 72,000 seats.
Feels tailor-made for a title game, honestly.
Orange Bowl – Miami Gardens, Florida
The Orange Bowl calls Hard Rock Stadium home. It’s got a lively crowd and deep ties to the college football world.
Miami Gardens brings a tropical twist to the playoff scene. Can’t complain about that.
Cotton Bowl – Arlington, Texas
AT&T Stadium, or “Jerry World” if you prefer, hosts the Cotton Bowl. This place is a modern marvel—massive video board, plush amenities, the works.
Fans get a viewing experience that’s tough to beat.
Fiesta Bowl – Glendale, Arizona
State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, will host the Fiesta Bowl semifinal. The design is innovative and the stadium has seen its share of big moments—Super Bowls, championships, you name it.
Peach Bowl – Atlanta, Georgia
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta has the Peach Bowl semifinal. It’s got a retractable roof and a wild 360-degree halo video board.
Fans are in for an immersive experience here.
Why These Locations Were Chosen
Picking CFP host cities and venues isn’t random. There’s a lot that goes into making sure everyone has a great time.
Accessibility and Accommodations
Each city is easy to get to, with big airports and plenty of transportation options. Hotels range from fancy to budget-friendly, so you’re covered no matter your style or wallet.
Fan Experience
Fan experience is a big deal. These venues are famous for their energy and ability to handle huge crowds.
Tailgating, in-stadium entertainment, and just the general buzz make these games more than just football—they’re events.
Historic Significance
Most of these stadiums have serious college football history. Hosting the CFP at these places adds extra prestige and honors the sport’s traditions.
Conclusion
The future of the College Football Playoff looks like it’s shaping up to be pretty thrilling for both fans and players. With new dates and cities in the mix, there’s just something about that anticipation, right?
The CFP committee’s picked out each site with care, aiming to make every game stand out. Whether you’re thinking about grabbing tickets or just setting up snacks at home, it might be worth circling a few dates on your calendar.
If you want the full scoop on all the upcoming dates, locations, and host cities, check the official announcement here.
