SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (February 3, 2026) – In conjunction with the College Football Playoff (CFP), the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl finalized the dates for the CFP Quarterfinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl games for the next two seasons, both around the New Year's Day holiday.
 
In the 2026-27 season, the CFP Quarterfinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl will be played on Wednesday, December 30, 2026, occupying an exclusive football window, and will be the only Playoff game on that day. The following season will see the CFP Quarterfinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl kick off on Saturday, January 1, 2028, as part of a New Year's Day tripleheader of Playoff action.
 
The Vrbo Fiesta Bowl hosted the first-ever CFP Quarterfinal on December 31, 2024, when No. 3 seeded Boise State faced No. 6 Penn State. The Nittany Lions posted a 31-14 win to advance to the CFP Semifinal and improve their lifetime record at the Fiesta Bowl to a perfect 8-0. Including the two forthcoming Quarterfinal matchups, the Fiesta Bowl will have hosted seven CFP postseason contests on the road to the CFP National Championship.
 
"The Fiesta Bowl has long been synonymous with college football's biggest moments, and these dates further solidify our role in the College Football Playoff and the road to the National Championship," said Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Executive Director & CEO Erik Moses. "Whether in a standalone national spotlight or as part of a traditional New Year's Day college football tripleheader, we are proud to continue delivering world-class hospitality and engaging experiences for student-athletes, fans, schools and our partners here in Arizona as a meaningful part of the College Football Playoff."
 
Fiesta Legacy Members will have the opportunity to renew and upgrade seat locations this spring, followed by new ticket sales to the public in the summer. Fiesta Legacy Members enjoy control of their seat locations, opportunity to select new seat locations and add seats before public on sale, no processing fees (25% savings), exclusive gifts and more. For information on how to become a Fiesta Legacy Member, please call (480) 350-0911 or via email at tickets@fiestasports.org. 

Dates and bowl assignments for the remaining 2028-31 seasons will be announced in the future.

ABOUT FIESTA SPORTS FOUNDATION
Since its inception in 1971, the Fiesta Sports Foundation is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision for the importance of community outreach and service. Through the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Rate Bowl and its year-round events, such as the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable resources to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through youth, sports and education. Learn more at www.FiestaSportsFoundation.org and @Fiesta_Bowl on social channels.