The 2029 NCAA Football Championship to be Played at Raymond James Stadium

College Football Playoff Selects Tampa to Host 2029 National Championship

Tampa, FL – Rich Clark, Executive Director of the College Football Playoff (CFP), announced today that the CFP’s Management Committee has selected Tampa Bay to host the 2029 CFP National Championship at Raymond James Stadium on Monday, January 22, 2029. Tampa will become the fourth city to host the CFP title game for a second time. 

“We are excited to bring the College Football Playoff National Championship back to Tampa Bay in 2029,” said Rich Clark, Executive Director of the College Football Playoff. “The city has established itself as an exceptional host for world-class sporting events, and its vibrant downtown, beautiful waterfront, and proven commitment to excellence make it an ideal setting for college football’s greatest night. We look forward to partnering with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and local leaders to deliver a national championship experience worthy of college football’s biggest stage.” 

The 2029 contest will be the 15th national championship game in the College Football Playoff format, which began following the 2014 college football season. Below are the communities where the first 14 national championship games of the playoff era have been played or are scheduled to be played:

• 2015 – North Texas (AT&T Stadium, Arlington)
• 2016 – Arizona (University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale)
• 2017 – Tampa Bay (Raymond James Stadium, Tampa)
• 2018 – Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
• 2019 – Bay Area (Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara)
• 2020 – New Orleans (Mercedes-Benz Superdome)
• 2021 – South Florida (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens)
• 2022 – Indianapolis (Lucas Oil Stadium)
• 2023 – Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium, Inglewood)
• 2024 – Houston (NRG Stadium)
• 2025 – Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
• 2026 – South Florida (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens)
• 2027 – Las Vegas (Allegiant Stadium)
• 2028 – New Orleans (Caesars Superdome)

Tampa Bay, which was awarded its inaugural College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship hosting opportunity in August of  2013, witnessed one of the more memorable contests in the Playoff’s history as Clemson upended Alabama in the final moments. The 2017 CFP still holds the record for the largest attendance in Raymond James Stadium history at 74,512 fans.

The College Football Playoff National Championship is more than just the crowning of the best college football team, however. It is also a community-wide celebration of the event’s impact. On the ancillary event front, over 37,000 fans experienced Playoff Fan Central at the Tampa Convention Center, while 55,000+ went through the turnstiles at AT&T Playoff Playlist Live. 

Over 950 volunteers compiled over 11,000 volunteer hours across 2,300+ shifts. The 2017 College Football Playoff also introduced Tampa Bay to the first rendition of Yacht Village, a special corridor of yachts along the Tampa Convention Center served as a prime festival location and the media hit backdrop for multiple national broadcasts throughout the week.

The community impact of the College Football Playoff was undeniable, as the Extra Yard for Teachers and Playoff Green initiatives contributed greatly to locals.

Alongside the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and the College Football Playoff Foundation, and anchored by a $1 million donation to local schools, the Helios Education Foundation, Florida College Access Network, and others, led a mission to empower school teachers and stakeholders to build a college-going culture amongst K-12 students in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties through diverse and unique grant programming. 

Finally, regional visitation, spending, and media value also saw significant revenue and exposure increases, allowing Tampa Bay to shine bright on the national stage, once again. 

The 2029 contest will also bookend a decade in which Raymond James Stadium has featured many of the most infamous and unique sporting events in the world, including Super Bowl LV in 2021, the Savannah Bananas’ first-ever NFL stadium tour stop in 2025, and the 2026 NHL Stadium Series featuring the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning. 

For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com and join the social conversation by using the CFP’s official hashtag, #CFBPlayoff

WHAT LOCAL LEADERS ARE SAYING…

Tampa Sports Authority

“We are extremely excited to bring this marquee event to Raymond James Stadium, a venue where we have hosted Super Bowls, major concerts, international soccer and the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship,” said Eric Hart, President and CEO of the Tampa Sports Authority,” Our partnership with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission continues to grow and provide world class sporting events to our area. Tampa Bay being selected again to host this prestigious event  is just another example of the reputation of our venue and community.”

Tampa Bay Sports Commission

“The 2029 College Football Playoff in Tampa Bay is more than a milestone – it’s a moment for our community to shine,” said Ben Milsom, Tampa Bay Sports Commission Board Chair. “It reflects what makes Tampa Bay special:  teamwork, hospitality, and a shared commitment to excellence.”

University of South Florida Athletics

“To have the College Football Playoff National Championship returning to our hometown for a second time is a huge testament to Team Tampa Bay’s collaborative spirit as well as all of our community partners working really hard to make this happen,” said Rob Higgins, CEO of USF Athletics. “The social and economic impact of this event is phenomenal, and guests who haven’t been here since 2017 are going to be shocked with how our area has totally transformed since we last hosted.”

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

“The Tampa Bay area has a long and storied history of hosting major sporting events, and today’s announcement regarding the College Football Playoff National Championship Game is the latest example of our community leaders coming together to land a premier event that will greatly benefit our entire region,” said Brian Ford, COO of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“The Glazer family and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are excited to join forces with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, the Tampa Sports Authority, and all the local agencies that make up Team Tampa Bay to create another unforgettable experience for college football fans in 2029.”

Visit Tampa Bay

“Our reputation as a premier sports destination has continued to grow since last hosting the College Football National Championship in 2017,” said Santiago Corrada, CEO at Visit Tampa Bay.

“As the urban heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa Bay is raising the bar for the 2029 championship game with an enhanced fan experience that includes world-class hotels, MICHELIN-rated dining, captivating attractions, and a one-of-a-kind Championship Campus along our award-winning Tampa Riverwalk.

Combined with our perennial fabulous weather and our richest prize of all – our people, visiting college football fans are sure to enjoy the treasures that await them in Tampa Bay.”

City of Tampa

“Tampa knows how to deliver on the biggest stage. Hosting the 2029 College Football Playoff is another opportunity to showcase our city’s energy, hospitality, and championship spirit,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “We can’t wait to see the next generation of college athletes take to the field at Raymond James Stadium, fighting for the title as their fans and our Tampa community cheer them on.”

Hillsborough County

“Hillsborough County’s selection to host the 2029 College Football Playoff National Championship marks another extraordinary achievement in a long line of major sporting successes, including five Super Bowls, four NCAA Women’s Final Fours, three NCAA Men’s Frozen Fours, and the 2017 College Football National Championship,” said Ken Hagan, Hillsborough County Commissioner. 

“This announcement reflects years of collaboration and dedication by the County, City, and all of our partners and stakeholders who are committed to strengthening the region’s foundation as a premier destination for sports at every level. Hosting the 2029 CFP National Championship is a major win for Tampa Bay and will once again showcase why our community proudly carries the title of “Home of Champions.”