Frisco, Texas, December 5, 2025
Arkansas State and Missouri State are set to face off in the inaugural Xbox Bowl at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas. This matchup is historic as it marks Missouri State’s first season at the FBS level. Arkansas State looks to secure its third consecutive bowl victory, while Missouri State enters the game with a 7-5 record. The event is expected to significantly boost the local economy, bringing in fans and showcasing community spirit through various festivities surrounding the game.
Frisco, Texas – Arkansas State and Missouri State to Compete in Inaugural Xbox Bowl
Frisco, Texas – Arkansas State and Missouri State have been selected to participate in the inaugural Xbox Bowl, scheduled for December 18, 2025, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. This matchup marks Missouri State’s first season competing at the FBS level, and they earned one of the final two bowl bids alongside Conference USA newcomer Delaware. Arkansas State, finishing the season 6-6 overall and 5-3 in the Sun Belt, secured its third consecutive bowl appearance with a narrow win over Appalachian State. Missouri State, ending at 7-5 and 5-3 in Conference USA, enters the bowl despite losing its last two regular-season games. The Xbox Bowl, replacing the Bahamas Bowl, will take place at the 12,000-seat Ford Center at The Star, home to the Dallas Cowboys’ practice facilities, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. CST. Coach Butch Jones of Arkansas State highlighted the significance of their sustained postseason success among Group of Six programs.
2025-26 College Football Bowl Season Schedule
The 2025-26 college football bowl season features a comprehensive lineup of games, including the College Football Playoff (CFP) and various other bowl games. Below is the schedule for the upcoming bowl games:
| Date | Time (ET) | Bowl Game | Location | Teams | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 13 | 12:00 p.m. | Cricket Celebration Bowl | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | South Carolina State vs. SWAC Champion | ABC |
| Dec 13 | 9:00 p.m. | LA Bowl | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | Teams to be announced | ESPN |
| Dec 16 | 9:00 p.m. | Salute to Veterans Bowl | Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, AL | Teams to be announced | ESPN |
| Dec 17 | 5:00 p.m. | Cure Bowl | Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL | South Florida vs. Old Dominion | ESPN |
| Dec 17 | 8:30 p.m. | 68 Ventures Bowl | Hancock Whitney Stadium, Mobile, AL | Teams to be announced | ESPN |
| Dec 18 | 9:00 p.m. | Xbox Bowl | Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX | Arkansas State vs. Missouri State | ESPN2 |
| Dec 19 | 11:00 a.m. | Myrtle Beach Bowl | Brooks Stadium, Conway, SC | Teams to be announced | ESPN |
| Dec 19 | 2:30 p.m. | Gasparilla Bowl | Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL | Teams to be announced | ESPN |
| Dec 22 | 2:00 p.m. | Famous Idaho Potato Bowl | Albertsons Stadium, Boise, ID | Teams to be announced | ESPN |
| Dec 23 | 2:00 p.m. | Boca Raton Bowl | Flagler Credit Union Stadium, Boca Raton, FL | Teams to be announced | ESPN |
| Dec 23 | 5:30 p.m. | New Orleans Bowl | Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA | Teams to be announced | ESPN |
| Dec 23 | 9:00 p.m. | Frisco Bowl | Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX | Teams to be announced | ESPN |
| Dec 24 | 8:00 p.m. | Hawaii Bowl | Ching Athletics Complex, Honolulu, HI | California vs. Hawaii | ESPN |
| Dec 26 | 1:00 p.m. | GameAbove Sports Bowl | Ford Field, Detroit, MI | Teams to be announced | ESPN |
| Dec 26 | 4:30 p.m. | Rate Bowl | Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ | Teams to be announced | ESPN |
| Dec 26 | 8:00 p.m. | First Responder Bowl | Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX | Teams to be announced | ESPN |
| Dec 27 | 11:00 a.m. | Military Bowl | Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, MD | Teams to be announced | ESPN |
| Dec 27 | 12:00 p.m. | Pinstripe Bowl | Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY | Teams to be announced | ABC |
| Dec 27 | 2:15 p.m. | Fenway Bowl | Fenway Park, Boston, MA | Teams to be announced | ESPN |
| Dec 27 | 3:30 p.m. | Pop-Tarts Bowl | Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL | Teams to be announced | ABC |
| Dec 27 | 4:30 p.m. | Arizona Bowl | Casino Del Sol Stadium, Tucson, AZ | Teams to be announced | The CW |
| Dec 27 | 5:45 p.m. | New Mexico Bowl | University Stadium, Albuquerque, NM | Teams to be announced | ESPN |
| Dec 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Gator Bowl | EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL | Teams to be announced | ABC |
| Dec 27 | 9:15 p.m. | Texas Bowl | NRG Stadium, Houston, TX | Teams to be announced | ESPN |
| Dec 29 | 2:00 p.m. | Birmingham Bowl | Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL | Teams to be announced | ESPN |
| Dec 30 | 2:00 p.m. | Independence Bowl | Independence Stadium, Shreveport, LA | Teams to be announced | ESPN |
Local Economic Impact
The Xbox Bowl is expected to provide a substantial economic boost to the Frisco area. With the event being held at the Ford Center, local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops will likely see increased foot traffic and revenue as fans and teams converge on the area. Economic studies often suggest that sporting events not only promote tourism but also foster a sense of community. This bowl game will serve not just as a sporting event but as a celebration of local entrepreneurship and community involvement.
What to Expect at the Xbox Bowl
The inaugural Xbox Bowl promises to be an exciting event, showcasing the growing popularity of college football while emphasizing the importance of supporting local economies. Fans can anticipate entertainment activities surrounding the game, ranging from pre-game festivities to local vendor presence. Such initiatives not only enhance the fan experience but also support local small businesses, further cementing the role of community engagement in economic growth.
A Look Ahead
As Arkansas State and Missouri State prepare for this exciting matchup, the broader implications for the local economy and community spirit are noteworthy. The Xbox Bowl could pave the way for future events of this magnitude in Frisco and surrounding areas, highlighting the mutual benefits of collaboration among businesses and local government to create vibrant opportunities for economic growth.
Conclusion
The inaugural Xbox Bowl offers an excellent platform for recognizing the resilience and innovation of college football programs like Arkansas State and Missouri State. As Frisco prepares for this landmark event, community members and local businesses are encouraged to engage with the festivities and support the teams. Events like these not only boost the local economy but also strengthen community ties and foster a collective spirit of achievement. Stay informed and involved in the future of San Antonio’s economic and community ventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What teams are competing in the inaugural Xbox Bowl?
Arkansas State and Missouri State are competing in the inaugural Xbox Bowl.
When is the Xbox Bowl scheduled?
The Xbox Bowl is scheduled for December 18, 2025, at 8 p.m. CST.
Where will the Xbox Bowl be held?
The Xbox Bowl will be held at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
How does the Xbox Bowl impact the local economy?
The Xbox Bowl is expected to provide a substantial economic boost to the Frisco area through increased foot traffic and revenue for local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops.
What significance does this match have for the teams?
This matchup marks Missouri State’s first season competing at the FBS level and Arkansas State’s third consecutive bowl appearance.
Now Happening on X
- @News4SA (December 5, 2025, 4:33 AM) A fatal shooting in broad daylight has left a man dead, prompting a swift response from law enforcement and emergency services in San Antonio. View on X
- @ExpressNews (December 4, 2025, 12:15 AM) SAPD is searching for the individual who shot a cat named Smokey, highlighting ongoing animal cruelty investigations in the community, alongside other local updates. View on X
- @News4SA (December 4, 2025, 11:07 PM) A shooting in broad daylight has left a man in critical condition, with law enforcement and emergency services responding quickly in San Antonio. View on X
- @BexarBrief (December 1, 2025, 6:10 AM) A barricaded suspect in a San Antonio home surrendered peacefully after a nearly seven-hour standoff with police, resolving the situation without further incident. View on X
- @KENS5 (December 1, 2025, 6:00 AM) A San Antonio man was arrested after threatening to kill his roommate, leading to a nearly seven-hour standoff on the west side that ended peacefully. View on X
- @News4SA (December 1, 2025, 2:01 PM) A SWAT standoff unfolded over the weekend after reports of lost pets, highlighting public safety responses in San Antonio’s west side. View on X
- @ExpressNews (December 2, 2025, 12:15 AM) A man was arrested after threatening to open fire on the River Walk, underscoring public safety concerns in downtown San Antonio. View on X
- @BexarBrief (December 1, 2025, 3:02 AM) Police responded to an armed suspect barricaded inside a San Antonio home, initiating a standoff that drew significant law enforcement attention. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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.
