SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (July 9, 2026) – In conjunction with the College Football Playoff (CFP), the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl finalized the dates for the upcoming six-year period that will include four CFP Quarterfinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl games and two CFP Semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl contests.
 
The four CFP Quarterfinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl games are on or around the New Year's Day holiday, with the two CFP Semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl matchups to be played in early January.
 
In the upcoming 2026-27 season, the CFP Quarterfinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl will be played on Wednesday, December 30, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. MST, occupying an exclusive football window, and will be the only CFP game on that day. Ticket deposits may be placed at FiestaSportsFoundation.org/Tickets.
 
Dates for the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl over the next six years are below:
 
2026-27: CFP Quarterfinal – Wednesday, December 30, 2026
2027-28: CFP Quarterfinal – Saturday, January 1, 2028
2028-29: CFP Semifinal – Thursday, January 11, 2029
2029-30: CFP Quarterfinal – Wednesday, January 2, 2030
2030-31: CFP Quarterfinal – Wednesday, January 1, 2031
2031-32: CFP Semifinal – Thursday, January 8, 2032
 
"The Fiesta Bowl has been a meaningful part of the college football postseason for decades, so it's great to know the journey to becoming CFP national champions will come through Arizona for at least the next six years," said Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Executive Director & CEO Erik Moses. "We invite college football fans in Arizona and across the country to experience unforgettable playoff action in person every season, as two of the nation's best teams battle with the highest of stakes on the line. There's no better place to be for visitors than Arizona to celebrate the new year where fans will enjoy elite college football, warm weather, world-class golf and attractions that can create lifetime memories."
 
This past season's Vrbo Fiesta Bowl featured a CFP Semifinal clash between No. 10 Miami and No. 6 Ole Miss. The 31-26 win by the Hurricanes came down to a defensive stop on the game's final play, after the teams swapped scores on the preceding four possessions as the game came down to the wire.
 
The Vrbo Fiesta Bowl hosted the first-ever CFP Quarterfinal on December 31, 2024, when No. 3 seeded Boise State and Heisman Trophy finalist Ashton Jeanty faced No. 6 Penn State. The Nittany Lions posted a 31-14 win to advance to the CFP Semifinal, improving their lifetime record at the Fiesta Bowl to a perfect 8-0.
 
 
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, Cactus Bowl and its year-round events, such as the 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 X/Instagram.