Cotton Bowl 2025 Start Time & Game Info

By Sarah Miller · November 25, 2045

The Cotton Bowl 2025 is scheduled for Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 7:30 PM Central Time (CST). This College Football Playoff Semifinal game will be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and broadcast nationally on ESPN.

What Is the Cotton Bowl 2025?

The Cotton Bowl Classic has been a staple of college football since 1937. In 2025, it will host one of two College Football Playoff (CFP) Semifinal games, making it one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. As part of the six-year rotation among major bowl games to host CFP semifinals, the 2025 Cotton Bowl carries significant weight in determining the national champion.

Key Highlights

Date: January 2, 2025
Kickoff Time: 7:30 PM CST (8:30 PM EST)
Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Broadcast Network: ESPN (available via cable, streaming platforms like Hulu Live, YouTube TV, and ESPN+)
Game Significance: College Football Playoff Semifinal

Schedule and Timeline

The 2025 Cotton Bowl is set during the peak of the postseason schedule. It follows conference championship weekend (December 6–7, 2024) and the CFP selection show (December 8, 2024). The final four teams will compete across two semifinal sites, with the other being the Rose Bowl.

Projected Event Timeline

Pre-game coverage begins: 5:30 PM CST
Tailgating opens: 10:00 AM CST
Stadium gates open: 4:30 PM CST
Kickoff: 7:30 PM CST
Estimated end time: 11:00 PM CST

Teams and Matchup Preview

The participating teams will be determined by the final College Football Playoff rankings, released on December 8, 2024. The top four ranked teams will qualify, with seeds #1 and #4 facing off in one semifinal and #2 vs. #3 in the other. The Cotton Bowl will host either matchup based on bracket alignment.

Potential Contenders (as of early projections)

Georgia Bulldogs
Ohio State Buckeyes
Alabama Crimson Tide
Tennessee Volunteers
Oregon Ducks
Texas Longhorns

Year	Date	Time (CST)	Winner	Score	Runner-up	Attendance
2024	January 1	7:30 PM	Washington	37-31	Texas	78,124
2023	December 29	6:30 PM	Tennessee	35-0	Clemson	71,908
2022	December 31	11:30 AM	TCU	51-45	Michigan	78,114
2021	December 31	3:30 PM	Alabama	27-6	Cincinnati	75,438
2020	January 2	7:30 PM	Ohio State	49-28	Clemson	18,323*

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The historical data shows consistent high attendance, with pre-pandemic levels exceeding 75,000 fans. The 2020 game saw reduced capacity due to health restrictions. Kickoff times vary, but prime-time slots (7:30 PM CST) are common for marquee matchups. Washington's 2024 win marked the first playoff appearance at the Cotton Bowl since 2021.

Ticket Information and Viewing Options

Fans can purchase tickets through official channels such as cottonbowl.com, Ticketmaster, or verified resale platforms like SeatGeek. Expect premium pricing due to the playoff status, with average ticket prices projected between $400 and $800 in 2025.

How to Watch the Cotton Bowl 2025

TV Broadcast: ESPN (HD capable)
Streaming: ESPN app, ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV
Radio: Westwood One Sports (national), team-specific broadcasts
International: ESPN International, BT Sport (UK), DAZN (Canada, Germany)

Travel and Venue Details

AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, offers state-of-the-art facilities and seating for over 80,000. Located near Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the venue is accessible via car, shuttle, and public transit options including the Trinity Railway Express (TRE).

Event Day Tips

Arrive early—parking lots open at 10:00 AM CST
Check bag policies: only clear bags under 12" x 6" x 12" allowed
Download the AT&T Stadium app for real-time updates and mobile concessions
Dress warmly—temperatures in North Texas can drop below 40°F in early January

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cotton Bowl 2025

What time does the Cotton Bowl 2025 start?

The Cotton Bowl 2025 kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM Central Time on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Pre-game coverage on ESPN begins at 5:30 PM CST.

Which teams are playing in the Cotton Bowl 2025?

The teams will be announced on December 8, 2024, following the release of the final College Football Playoff rankings. The game will feature two of the top four ranked teams in the nation.

Where is the Cotton Bowl 2025 being held?

The 2025 Cotton Bowl will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas—the largest stadium in the NFL and home of the Dallas Cowboys.

Is the Cotton Bowl 2025 a playoff game?

Yes, the 2025 Cotton Bowl is designated as a College Football Playoff Semifinal game, meaning the winner advances to the National Championship game in mid-January 2025.

How can I watch the Cotton Bowl 2025 online?

You can stream the Cotton Bowl live via the ESPN app, ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or FuboTV. Authentication with a cable subscription may be required for full access.