Orange Bowl 2025 Start Time, TV Channel, How to Watch
The 2025 Orange Bowl is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM Eastern Time (ET) on January 9, 2025. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN and streamed via ESPN+ from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
When Is the 2025 Orange Bowl?
The 2025 Capital One Orange Bowl will take place on Thursday, January 9, 2025, serving as a College Football Playoff (CFP) Semifinal game. This high-stakes matchup is one of the two national semifinals leading up to the CFP National Championship.
Date and Kickoff Details
- Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 7:30 PM Eastern Time (ET)
- Local Time: 6:30 PM Central, 5:30 PM Mountain, 4:30 PM Pacific
- Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
- TV Network: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN+, ESPN app (authentication required)
Orange Bowl Broadcast and Viewing Options
Fans across the United States can watch the Orange Bowl live on ESPN, which holds exclusive broadcast rights for all College Football Playoff games through 2025. For cord-cutters, streaming is available via the ESPN+ platform and the ESPN app, though a cable login or valid subscription may be required.
How to Stream the Orange Bowl
- ESPN+ Subscription: $10.99/month or $119.99/year
- Broadcast Alternative: Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV carry ESPN
- Free Trial Option: Some services offer free trials; check availability
- Mobile Viewing: Watch live on iPhone, Android, tablets via ESPN app
2025 Orange Bowl Matchup and Significance
The 2025 Orange Bowl doubles as a College Football Playoff Semifinal, meaning the winner advances to the 2025 CFP National Championship on January 20, 2025. The teams will be determined by the final CFP rankings released on December 8, 2024.
Key Facts About the 2025 Game
- Game Type: CFP Semifinal (rotating bowl system)
- Expected Teams: Top four ranked teams; likely includes power conference champions
- Historical Context: The Orange Bowl has hosted a playoff semifinal six times since 2014
- Attendance Capacity: Up to 65,000 at Hard Rock Stadium
| Year | Date | Kickoff Time (ET) | Teams | Winner | Score | Viewers (Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | January 1 | 7:30 PM | Tennessee vs. Ohio State | Ohio State | 42–41 | 15.2 |
| 2023 | December 30 | 8:00 PM | Alabama vs. Kansas State | Alabama | 30–28 | 11.8 |
| 2022 | December 30 | 8:00 PM | Tennessee vs. Clemson | Clemson | 31–14 | 12.1 |
| 2021 | December 31 | 8:00 PM | Michigan vs. Alabama | Alabama | 35–21 | 20.4 |
| 2020 | January 2 | 4:00 PM | Clemson vs. Ohio State | Ohio State | 49–28 | 16.1 |
The data shows kickoff times typically range between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM ET, with recent semifinal games starting at 7:30 or 8:00 PM. Viewership spiked in 2024 with a dramatic finish between Tennessee and Ohio State, drawing over 15 million viewers. Playoff semifinal editions consistently outperform non-playoff years.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Orange Bowl
What time does the Orange Bowl start in 2025?
The 2025 Orange Bowl starts at 7:30 PM Eastern Time on January 9, 2025.
Is the Orange Bowl a playoff game in 2025?
Yes, the 2025 Orange Bowl is a College Football Playoff Semifinal game, with the winner advancing to the national championship.
Where is the 2025 Orange Bowl being played?
The game will be held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, the traditional home of the Orange Bowl.
Which teams are playing in the 2025 Orange Bowl?
The teams will be announced on December 8, 2024, based on the final College Football Playoff rankings.
How can I watch the Orange Bowl without cable?
You can stream the game live via ESPN+ or through live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV, all of which include ESPN.








