When Is ACC Football Championship Game 2025?

By Sarah Miller · November 2, 2030

The ACC Football Championship Game for 2025 is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. This annual matchup features the top two teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference based on conference winning percentage, determining the league's champion and influencing College Football Playoff selections.

Overview of the ACC Football Championship Game

The ACC Football Championship Game has been a cornerstone of the college football postseason since its inception in 2005. Held annually in early December, the game determines the conference champion of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The event consistently draws national attention due to the high caliber of competition and its impact on the College Football Playoff (CFP) landscape.

Key Facts About the Championship Game

Date: First Saturday of December (typically December 5–7)
Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC (through 2030)
Teams: Top two ACC teams by conference winning percentage
Format: Division-less structure since 2023 realignment
Broadcast: ABC or ESPN
Kickoff Time: Usually 8:00 PM ET

History and Evolution of the ACC Championship

Originally established in 2005, the ACC Championship Game was created following conference expansion to 12 teams. For nearly two decades, the game featured winners of the Atlantic and Coastal Divisions. However, with the 2023 departure of several key members and conference restructuring, the ACC eliminated divisions and now pits the top two teams in the standings against each other.

Milestones in ACC Championship History

First Game: December 3, 2005 – Florida State vs. Virginia Tech
Most Championships Won: Clemson (7 titles as of 2024)
Longest Winning Streak: Clemson (6 consecutive from 2015–2020)
Host City: Charlotte has hosted every game except 2005 (Jacksonville)
Attendance Record: Over 74,000 (multiple years)

2025 ACC Championship Game Details

The 2025 ACC Football Championship Game will mark the 21st edition of the event. With the new format emphasizing overall performance rather than divisional wins, every conference game carries heightened significance throughout the season.

What to Expect in 2025

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM Eastern Time
Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
Capacity: Approximately 74,000
Broadcast Network: ABC (expected)
Ticket Information: Available via ACC website and Ticketmaster in October 2025

Year	Champion	Runner-Up	Score	Location	Attendance
2024	Clemson	SMU	34–31	Charlotte, NC	73,298
2023	Florida State	Georgia Tech	31–24	Charlotte, NC	73,158
2022	NC State	Clemson	30–29	Charlotte, NC	73,434
2021	Pittsburgh	Wake Forest	45–21	Charlotte, NC	73,274
2020	Clemson	Notre Dame	34–10	Charlotte, NC	12,393^*
2019	Clemson	Virginia	62–17	Charlotte, NC	73,157

Table data source:1, 2

The attendance figures show strong fan engagement, with consistent sellouts at Bank of America Stadium. The 2020 game saw reduced capacity due to pandemic restrictions. Clemson’s dominance is evident, especially between 2015 and 2020, where they won six straight titles either outright or shared.

How Teams Qualify for the ACC Championship

Since the elimination of divisions in 2023, qualification is straightforward: the two teams with the highest conference winning percentages meet in the championship game. Tiebreaker rules are used if needed, including head-to-head results, record against common opponents, and overall win percentage.

Tiebreaker Procedures (Official ACC Rules)

Head-to-head result
Record versus common opponents (minimum three games)
Overall conference winning percentage (excluding vacated games)
Combined ranking in both the AP Poll and Coaches Poll
Coin flip (if necessary)

Impact on College Football Playoff Selection

Winning the ACC Championship significantly boosts a team's chances of making the College Football Playoff. Power conference champions often secure automatic top-four rankings, especially when undefeated or near-undefeated. Teams like Clemson (2018), Alabama (2020), and Georgia (2022) have benefited from strong conference performances leading into the playoff.

In recent years, ACC champions have served as CFP semifinalists multiple times, though only Clemson has reached the National Championship Game under the current format. The 2025 game could feature emerging contenders such as Miami, Florida State, or newcomers Stanford and Cal, depending on regular-season outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions About the ACC Football Championship Game

When is the ACC Football Championship Game played?

The ACC Football Championship Game is typically held on the first Saturday of December. For 2025, it is scheduled for December 6, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET.

Where is the ACC Championship Game held?

The game is held annually at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The ACC has extended its agreement to keep the game in Charlotte through the 2030 season.

How are teams selected for the ACC Championship Game?

Starting in 2023, the two teams with the best conference winning percentages qualify for the ACC Championship Game, regardless of division. Tiebreakers are applied if teams are tied in the standings.

Has the ACC Championship Game ever gone to overtime?

Yes, the 2024 ACC Championship Game between Clemson and SMU went into overtime, with Clemson winning 34–31. It was the first overtime game in the event’s history.

Which team has won the most ACC Football Championships?

As of 2024, Clemson holds the record with 7 ACC Football Championship titles (2011, 2015–2020, 2024), surpassing Florida State, which has 4 titles.

Is the ACC Championship Game broadcast on TV?

Yes, the game is nationally televised, typically on ABC or ESPN. Kickoff is usually at 8:00 PM Eastern Time, ensuring prime-time exposure.

Can fans buy tickets to the ACC Championship Game?

Yes, tickets go on sale in October each year through the official ACC website and Ticketmaster. Prices vary based on seating, but general admission starts around $80–$120.