Host Cities and Stadiums for the College Football Playoff National Championship

Each year, cities across the United States eagerly vie for the opportunity to host the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship Game, one of the country’s most anticipated sports events. Hosting this game brings prestige and excitement to any city, as thousands of fans pour in to witness college football’s top teams battle for the national title. However, to qualify as a host city, certain requirements must be met, primarily regarding stadium capacity and scheduling restrictions.

How Cities Qualify to Host?

To bid for the National Championship Game, a city must have a stadium with a minimum seating capacity of 65,000. This requirement generally limits the bidding to cities with National Football League (NFL) stadiums, as nearly all NFL venues meet or exceed this capacity. Unlike the Super Bowl, which often favors warmer climates or indoor stadiums, the CFP has no official restrictions based on weather, opening the competition to a broader range of cities. Additionally, any stadium hosting the title game cannot host a semifinal game in the same season, ensuring a variety of cities play a part in the playoff experience each year.

A Look at Past Host Cities

Since the inauguration of the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2015, the event has traveled to iconic stadiums across the country. Here’s a breakdown of past and upcoming host cities and the incredible stadiums that have hosted the championship game:

Atlanta – Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosted the 2018 game and will host again in 2025. Known for its cutting-edge design and retractable roof, this venue offers an exciting experience for fans.

Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex – AT&T Stadium in Arlington hosted the inaugural championship game in 2015, setting a high standard for the excitement and scale of the event.

San Francisco Bay Area – Levi’s Stadium hosted the game in 2019, bringing college football’s biggest event to the heart of Silicon Valley.

New Orleans – The historic Caesars Superdome brought the action to New Orleans in 2020, where fans enjoyed the vibrant culture and festivities unique to the city.

Phoenix Metro Area – State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, was the 2016 host, giving fans a taste of the desert’s stunning landscape and dynamic atmosphere.

Tampa – Raymond James Stadium hosted in 2017, offering fans a Florida destination with its famous pirate ship and scenic Gulf Coast backdrop.

Miami Metro Area – The Hard Rock Stadium played host in 2021 and will again in 2026, combining Miami’s tropical energy with the thrill of the game.

Indianapolis – In 2022, Lucas Oil Stadium brought the championship game to the Midwest, providing fans with a top-notch stadium experience in a sports-loving city.

Greater Los Angeles – The newest addition, SoFi Stadium, hosted the 2023 game, adding a splash of Hollywood glamour to the event.

Houston – NRG Stadium is set to host the championship in 2024, continuing the tradition of rotating the game among iconic American cities.

Why Hosting Matters?

The bidding process and the eventual selection of a host city have a significant impact beyond the game itself. Hosting the CFP National Championship brings a major economic boost, as fans, media, and teams flock to the city for the big event. It also provides a unique showcase for each city, allowing host destinations to share their culture, hospitality, and attractions with a national and global audience.