Tampa Bay to host 2029 CFP National Championship

**Tampa Bay Secures 2029 College Football Playoff National Championship, First Under Expanded Format**

**TAMPA, FL** – Tampa Bay is officially set to host the College Football Playoff National Championship once again, with college football’s biggest game scheduled for Monday, January 8, 2029, at Raymond James Stadium. The announcement, made by CFP Executive Director Bill Hancock, marks a significant return for the region to the national spotlight, and its inaugural championship under the new 12-team playoff format.

This will be the second time Tampa has earned the prestigious honor. The city previously hosted the championship on January 9, 2017, a memorable showdown where Clemson famously defeated Alabama in a last-second thriller. That event brought an estimated $300 million in economic impact to the Tampa Bay area, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and showcasing the region’s capacity for major sporting events.

“Tampa Bay has consistently proven its ability to host world-class events with exceptional hospitality and state-of-the-art facilities,” said Rob Higgins, Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. “We are incredibly proud to welcome the College Football Playoff National Championship back to Raymond James Stadium and are especially excited to be the host city for the first time under the thrilling new 12-team playoff format. Our community’s passion for sports and our experience in delivering unforgettable events will ensure a championship experience like no other.”

The 2029 championship will be a historic first for Tampa, as it will be contested under the expanded 12-team playoff format, which begins with the 2024 college football season and culminates in the 2025 title game in Atlanta. This new structure promises a more expansive postseason and heightened excitement leading up to the championship game.

Florida continues to be a popular destination for the title game, demonstrating its appeal for major sporting events. Miami Gardens has also hosted the championship in 2021 and is set to host again in 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium, further cementing the state’s role in college football’s biggest stage.

Looking at the upcoming championship schedule, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host the 2025 championship. Following Miami in 2026, Las Vegas and Allegiant Stadium will host in 2027, followed by New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome in 2028.

The announcement for the 2029 championship is noteworthy, as the CFP typically reveals championship locations about two years in advance. While a large announcement covering the 2025 through 2028 games was made last December, this earlier-than-usual selection for a game so far out underscores the strong confidence the College Football Playoff leadership has in Tampa Bay as a premier host city.

Hosting the College Football Playoff National Championship again is expected to provide a substantial boost to the local economy, drawing a massive influx of tourists, filling hotels, and generating significant revenue for businesses across the Tampa Bay region. Local officials and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission will work closely with the CFP to ensure seamless planning and execution of the event, aiming to create another memorable experience for fans, participating teams, and the entire community.

For more information on the College Football Playoff and future championship sites, visit the official College Football Playoff website. Further details on local planning and events will be released by the Tampa Bay Sports Commission as the 2029 championship approaches.