When Is the Citrus Bowl in 2026? Date, Time & Teams

By Sarah Miller · April 23, 2050

The Citrus Bowl is scheduled for January 1, 2026, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. It will feature a matchup between teams from the Big Ten and SEC, typically including top non-playoff squads. Kickoff is expected around 1:00 PM Eastern Time.

What Is the Citrus Bowl?

The Citrus Bowl is one of the most prestigious college football bowl games in the NCAA postseason lineup. Played annually in Orlando, Florida, it has a long-standing tradition of showcasing high-caliber matchups between elite programs. Since its inception in 1947, the game has evolved into a major New Year’s Day event, often influencing final national rankings.

Key Facts About the Citrus Bowl

Annual date: Traditionally held on January 1st or the first weekday after December 31.
Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL.
Conference tie-ins: Big Ten vs. Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Television network: ABC.
Bowl alliance: Part of the New Year’s Six when not hosting a College Football Playoff semifinal.

2026 Citrus Bowl Details

The upcoming 2026 edition marks the 82nd playing of the Citrus Bowl. As per the current six-year rotation agreement among the New Year’s Six bowls, this game will not be a CFP semifinal site, allowing it to host two highly ranked non-championship teams.

Expected Matchup

Under the contractual agreement between the Citrus Bowl and the major conferences:

The primary selections are a team from the Big Ten and an SEC representative.
Teams must be non-Playoff participants.
Selections are based on final regular-season rankings, with preferences given to teams finishing in the top 10–15 of the College Football Playoff rankings.

Year	Date	Winner	Score	Runner-up	Attendance
2023	Jan 2, 2023	Tennessee	35–38	Iowa	69,444
2022	Jan 1, 2022	Mixed selection year (CFP)	-	-	66,086
2020	Jan 1, 2020	LSU	63–3	Clemson	66,105
2019	Jan 1, 2019	LSU	28–6	UCF	68,205
2018	Jan 1, 2018	Michigan	41–7	South Carolina	63,022

Table data source:1, 2

The attendance figures consistently exceed 60,000, reflecting strong fan engagement and the appeal of the SEC-Big Ten rivalry. The 2020 game set a scoring record with LSU's dominant 63-point performance, highlighting the offensive caliber of participating teams. Over the past five editions, average attendance has remained above 65,000, underscoring the bowl’s enduring popularity.

History and Evolution of the Citrus Bowl

Originally known as the Tangerine Bowl, the game rebranded in 1983 to reflect Florida’s identity as the "Citrus State." It transitioned from a smaller regional contest to a national showcase during the 1990s. The stadium moved from the old Florida Citrus Bowl to the renovated Camping World Stadium in 2014, enhancing fan experience and media capabilities.

Milestones

1947: First game played, featuring Bates vs. Hobart.
1983: Renamed Citrus Bowl.
1990s: Began attracting top-10 teams regularly.
2015: Joined the New Year’s Six rotation for College Football Playoff access.
2020: Hosted potential playoff contender LSU, who went on to win the national title.

Ticket Information and Attendance Trends

Tickets for the Citrus Bowl typically go on sale in November, following team selection announcements. Prices vary based on seating tier, with average resale values ranging from $150 to $400. Official tickets are available through the Citrus Bowl website and NCAA partner portals.

Due to high demand, fans are encouraged to purchase early. Group packages and hospitality suites are also available for corporate and family events.

About the Venue: Camping World Stadium

Located in downtown Orlando, Camping World Stadium has undergone multiple renovations to support major sporting events. With a capacity of approximately 65,000, it also hosts the Pop-Tarts Bowl and the annual NFL Pro Bowl.

Stadium Features

Capacity: ~65,000
Surface: Natural grass
Opened: 1936 (current structure renovated in 2014)
Public transit access: LYNX bus system and SunRail nearby
Amenities: Premium lounges, family zones, and expanded concession options

Frequently Asked Questions About the Citrus Bowl

When is the Citrus Bowl game in 2026?

The Citrus Bowl is scheduled for January 1, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time. It will be held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, and broadcast live on ABC.

What time does the Citrus Bowl start?

The Citrus Bowl typically kicks off at 1:00 PM ET. Pre-game coverage begins several hours earlier on ABC and ESPN networks, starting around 10:00 AM ET.

Which teams play in the Citrus Bowl?

The Citrus Bowl features a matchup between a Big Ten team and an SEC team, provided they are not selected for the College Football Playoff. Teams are chosen based on final CFP rankings and conference agreements.

Is the Citrus Bowl a playoff game in 2026?

No, the 2026 Citrus Bowl will not serve as a College Football Playoff semifinal. It will instead host a premier non-playoff matchup between top-tier teams from the Big Ten and SEC.

Where is the Citrus Bowl played?

The Citrus Bowl is played at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The venue has hosted the event since 1947, with major upgrades completed in 2014 to modernize facilities.

How can I buy Citrus Bowl tickets?

Tickets are available through the official Citrus Bowl website, Ticketmaster, and authorized resellers. Sales usually begin in mid-November after team selections are finalized by the CFP committee.

Has the Citrus Bowl date ever changed?

Yes, while traditionally held on January 1, the game may shift to January 2 if New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday. This adjustment avoids conflict with NFL scheduling, as seen in 2023 and 2017.