What Channel Is the Alamo Bowl On? 2026 Broadcast Info

By Sarah Miller · May 7, 2050

The Alamo Bowl will be televised on ESPN in 2025. The game is scheduled for January 1, 2026, at 8:30 PM Eastern Time (7:30 PM Central) and will take place at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Live streaming is available via the ESPN app, fuboTV, YouTube TV, and other major live TV services with an ESPN subscription.

What Channel Is the Alamo Bowl On?

The Alamo Bowl will air nationally on ESPN, continuing its long-standing broadcast partnership with the network. This primetime college football bowl game has been televised by ESPN since 2011 as part of its extensive bowl coverage lineup.

Key Broadcast Details

Network: ESPN
Date: January 1, 2026
Kickoff Time: 8:30 PM ET (7:30 PM CT)
Location: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Live Stream: ESPN.com, ESPN app, fuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV

How to Watch the Alamo Bowl Without Cable

Fans without traditional cable can still watch the Alamo Bowl through various live TV streaming platforms that carry ESPN. These services offer flexible monthly subscriptions and often include free trial periods.

Top Streaming Services for ESPN Access

fuboTV: Offers ESPN and a 7-day free trial; $75/month
YouTube TV: Includes ESPN and cloud DVR; $73/month
Hulu + Live TV: Bundles ESPN with on-demand content; $77/month
Sling TV (Orange Plan): Most affordable option at $40/month; includes ESPN
AT&T TV Now (Entertainment Plan): Formerly DirecTV Now; $70/month

Alamo Bowl History and Significance

Established in 1993, the Alamo Bowl is one of the most consistent non-New Year's Six bowl games. It features teams from the Big 12 and the Pac-12, serving as a key postseason matchup for conference representatives.

Notable Facts About the Alamo Bowl

Played annually at the Alamodome since inception
Traditionally held on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day
Has hosted several top-25 ranked teams over the past decade
Known for high-scoring games and dramatic finishes
Attendance typically exceeds 50,000 fans

Year	Winner	Score	Runner-up	Attendance	TV Network
2023	Washington	27–20	Baylor	57,891	ESPN
2022	Arizona	38–24	Oregon State	55,864	ESPN
2021	Oklahoma	47–32	Oregon	57,952	ESPN
2019	Utah	38–10	Texas	58,292	ESPN
2018	Iowa State	33–28	Washington State	58,307	ESPN

Table data source:1, 2

The attendance figures show strong fan engagement, consistently exceeding 55,000 per game. Washington’s narrow victory in 2023 marked their first Alamo Bowl win, while Arizona’s 2022 upset highlighted rising Pac-12 competitiveness. All recent editions have aired on ESPN, reinforcing its role as a marquee broadcaster for major bowl events.

Future Alamo Bowl Matchup Predictions

For the 2025 edition (played in January 2026), projections suggest a potential matchup between the University of Texas and the University of Oregon, depending on final conference standings and College Football Playoff outcomes. However, official selections are made after conference championship games conclude.

Selection Process Overview

Big 12 receives first selection after CFP bowls
Pac-12 fills the opposing spot if eligible
If Pac-12 cannot participate, a replacement team from another conference may be invited
Teams must have at least six wins to qualify

About the Alamodome Venue

The Alamodome, located in downtown San Antonio, has hosted the Alamo Bowl since its inception. With a seating capacity of approximately 65,000 for football games, it provides a dome-covered, climate-controlled environment ideal for winter play.

Venue Features

Opened in 1993
Home to UTSA Roadrunners (NCAA)
Hosts NCAA basketball tournaments and conventions
Features retractable seating for multi-sport use
Located near River Walk and major hotels

Frequently Asked Questions About the Alamo Bowl

What time does the Alamo Bowl start in 2026?

The Alamo Bowl is scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM Eastern Time (7:30 PM Central Time) on January 1, 2026.

Is the Alamo Bowl on ESPN or ABC?

The Alamo Bowl airs exclusively on ESPN, not ABC. It has been broadcast on ESPN since 2011 under a long-term media rights agreement.

Can I stream the Alamo Bowl for free?

Yes, you can stream the Alamo Bowl for free using a trial from services like fuboTV or YouTube TV. Both offer 7-day free trials that include access to ESPN.

Which conferences play in the Alamo Bowl?

The Alamo Bowl features teams from the Big 12 and Pac-12 conferences. If a team from either conference is selected for the College Football Playoff, replacements are chosen based on bowl agreements.