When Is the Citrus Bowl in 2025? Date, Time & Location

By Sarah Miller · February 24, 2052

The Citrus Bowl is scheduled annually on January 1st, unless it falls on a Sunday, in which case the game is played on January 2nd. For the 2025 edition, the Citrus Bowl will be held on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

What Is the Citrus Bowl?

The Citrus Bowl is one of the most prestigious college football bowl games in the NCAA postseason lineup. Played in Orlando, Florida, it traditionally features top-ranked teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten Conference, although matchups can vary based on selection agreements and College Football Playoff (CFP) implications.

Originally established in 1947 as the Tangerine Bowl, the game evolved over decades into the modern Citrus Bowl. It gained prominence by hosting major conference champions and high-ranked programs, often serving as a key matchup just below New Year’s Six bowl tier.

Key Facts About the Citrus Bowl

Annual date: January 1 (or January 2 if Jan 1 is a Sunday)
Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL
Stadium capacity: Approximately 60,000
Typical conferences involved: SEC vs. Big Ten
Broadcast network: ABC or ESPN
Sponsor: AutoNation (title sponsor as of 2025)

2025 Citrus Bowl Game Details

The upcoming 2025 Citrus Bowl will mark the 80th edition of the event. It will take place on January 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time, at Camping World Stadium. The game is expected to feature a marquee matchup between a highly ranked SEC team and a top Big Ten opponent, pending final conference standings and playoff selections.

This year's game could serve as a pivotal showcase for teams just outside the CFP semifinals, offering national exposure and a chance to finish the season with a signature win.

Ticket and Viewing Information

Fans can purchase tickets through official outlets such as Ticketmaster or the Citrus Bowl website. The game will be nationally televised on ABC, ensuring broad accessibility. Streaming options include ESPN.com, the ESPN app, and live TV streaming services like Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV.

Year	Date	Winner	Score	Runner-up	Attendance
2024	Jan 1	Tennessee	35–32	Iowa	69,204
2023	Jan 2	Mixed pairing due to CFP overflow	N/A	Mixed pairing due to CFP overflow	61,089
2022	Jan 1	Purdue	63–7	LSU	60,834
2020	Jan 1	LSU	63–7	Clemson	60,695
2019	Jan 1	LSU	63–7	Michigan	60,695

Table data source:1, 2

The attendance figures show strong fan engagement, particularly in years with high-profile matchups like LSU vs. Clemson (2020) and Tennessee vs. Iowa (2024). The 2022 game saw a lopsided score but maintained solid viewership due to Purdue’s historic performance. Slight date shifts, such as in 2023, reflect NFL scheduling conflicts when January 1 falls on a Sunday.

History and Evolution of the Citrus Bowl

Founded as the Tangerine Bowl in 1947, the game was initially a small postseason event for smaller college programs. Over time, it grew in stature, rebranding to the Florida Citrus Bowl in 1983 and later shortening to Citrus Bowl in 2002.

Since the 1990s, the Citrus Bowl has hosted major programs including Florida, Michigan, Penn State, and Alabama. It briefly served as a host for Bowl Championship Series (BCS) games and has frequently featured top-10 matchups.

Notable Past Matchups

1984: Miami vs. Penn State – A top-five showdown where Penn State won 26–10 en route to a national title.
2020: LSU vs. Clemson – A rematch of the CFP National Championship preview, though LSU dominated 63–7.
2022: Purdue vs. LSU – One of the most surprising blowouts in bowl history, with Purdue scoring 63 points.

How Teams Are Selected for the Citrus Bowl

The Citrus Bowl has a primary agreement with the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten Conference. Typically, the highest-ranked available teams from these conferences are selected after accounting for College Football Playoff participants and other major bowl tie-ins.

If one conference cannot fulfill its commitment, the Citrus Bowl may invite a team from another Power Five conference, such as the ACC or Pac-12, depending on contractual backup options.

Selection Criteria Overview

Non-playoff eligible teams with strong records (usually 8+ wins)
Geographic appeal and fan travel potential
National television interest and marketability
Historical performance and brand recognition

Common Questions About the Citrus Bowl

When is the 2025 Citrus Bowl game scheduled?

The 2025 Citrus Bowl is set for Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

Where is the Citrus Bowl played every year?

The Citrus Bowl is held annually at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, a venue with a capacity of approximately 60,000 fans.

Which college conferences are tied to the Citrus Bowl?

The Citrus Bowl has primary tie-ins with the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten Conference, typically matching their highest-ranked non-playoff teams.

Is the Citrus Bowl part of the College Football Playoff?

No, the Citrus Bowl is not currently a College Football Playoff semifinal host, but it often features teams closely ranked near the playoff cutoff.

How can I watch the Citrus Bowl on TV or online?

The Citrus Bowl is broadcast nationally on ABC. You can stream it live via ESPN.com, the ESPN app, or through live TV streaming platforms like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV.