San Antonio TX, December 3, 2025
The college football bowl season is on the horizon with matchups kicking off mid-December, culminating in the anticipated College Football Playoff National Championship. Cities like San Antonio will experience economic boosts due to increased tourism and local spending, as both playoff and non-playoff games offer opportunities for community engagement and growth. Fans can look forward to a revamped playoff format and a lively atmosphere as local businesses prepare for the surge of visitors.
2025-26 College Football Bowls Set to Ignite excitement
Exciting matchups and opportunities await college football fans
San Antonio, TX – The 2025-26 college football bowl season is anticipated to kick off on December 13, 2025, leading up to the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship on January 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. This exciting time of year is not just an engaging spectacle for sports fans; it also serves as a vital economic boost for cities hosting these events. Local businesses and entrepreneurs in San Antonio and beyond will benefit from increased foot traffic and spending during this busy season.
The playoffs will return with a twist, featuring first-round games at the home stadiums of higher-seeded teams. This change opens up new opportunities for communities, enhancing the local fan experience while stimulating the economy. With each bowl game, local vendors, hotels, and restaurants anticipate a surge in activity that fosters growth and resilience.
College Football Playoff Schedule
The first-round games of the CFP will be hosted on December 19 and 20, 2025, as follows:
- Friday, December 19, 2025:
- 8:00 p.m. ET – Game 1 (ABC)
- Saturday, December 20, 2025:
- 12:00 p.m. ET – Game 2 (ABC)
- 3:30 p.m. ET – Game 3 (TNT, truTV, HBO Max)
- 7:30 p.m. ET – Game 4 (TNT, truTV, HBO Max)
The subsequent quarterfinals are scheduled for December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026, at prominent locations:
- Wednesday, December 31, 2025:
- 7:30 p.m. ET – Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (ESPN)
- Thursday, January 1, 2026:
- 12:00 p.m. ET – Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida (ESPN)
- 4:00 p.m. ET – Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California (ESPN)
- 8:00 p.m. ET – Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana (ESPN)
The semifinals take place on January 8 and 9, 2026, gearing fans up for the grandeur of the National Championship Game on January 19, 2026.
Non-Playoff Bowl Games
Complementing the CFP, a series of non-playoff bowl games will commence, starting December 13, 2025, with notable contests such as:
- Saturday, December 13, 2025:
- 12:00 p.m. ET – Cricket Celebration Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia (ABC)
- 8:00 p.m. ET – Bucked Up LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California (ABC)
- Tuesday, December 16, 2025:
- 9:00 p.m. ET – IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl at Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, Alabama (ESPN)
- Wednesday, December 17, 2025:
- 5:00 p.m. ET – StaffDNA Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida (ESPN)
- 8:30 p.m. ET – 68 Ventures Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium, Mobile, Alabama (ESPN)
- Friday, December 19, 2025:
- 12:00 p.m. ET – Myrtle Beach Bowl at Brooks Stadium, Conway, South Carolina (ESPN)
- 3:30 p.m. ET – Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida (ESPN)
The bowl schedule continues through December and into January with a lineup that promotes community engagement and economic activity in host cities.
Community Impact and Economic Buzz
With San Antonio hosting various events, local businesses are gearing up to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the bustling bowl season. Restaurants, retailers, and service providers can expect a significant infusion of visitors, translating into increased sales and enhanced community engagement. Events like the Valero Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome on December 30, 2025, present a prime opportunity for local merchants to showcase their offerings and strengthen customer ties through sports tourism.
Key Takeaways
The upcoming 2025-26 college football bowl season promises not just thrilling matchups, but also vital opportunities for local economic growth. With reduced regulation allowing for smoother business operations and increased engagement in the community, San Antonio’s businesses stand ready to make the most of this exciting season.
We encourage residents and fans to support local businesses during this festive time and become actively engaged in the events surrounding the bowl games. The spirit of entrepreneurship combined with community involvement can lead to significant benefits for both the economy and the enjoyment of our vibrant city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the schedule for the 2025-26 College Football Playoff?
The College Football Playoff will begin with first-round games on December 19 and 20, 2025, followed by quarterfinals on December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026. The semifinals are scheduled for January 8 and 9, 2026, leading up to the National Championship Game on January 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
When do the non-playoff bowl games start?
The non-playoff bowl games are set to begin on December 13, 2025, with the Cricket Celebration Bowl and the Bucked Up LA Bowl.
Table of Key Features
| Event | Date | Location | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| College Football Playoff First Round | December 19-20, 2025 | Home Stadiums | ABC/TNT |
| Cotton Bowl | December 31, 2025 | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas | ESPN |
| Orange Bowl | January 1, 2026 | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida | ESPN |
| Valero Alamo Bowl | December 30, 2025 | Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas | ESPN |
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It’s Bowl Season: Exciting Matchups and Anticipation Rise for College Football Playoffs
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
