Where Is Peach Bowl Played? Venue & History

By Sarah Miller · July 26, 2031

The Peach Bowl is played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, a premier venue known for hosting major college football events and consistently ranked among the top stadiums in the nation.

Overview of the Peach Bowl

The Peach Bowl is one of the most prestigious postseason college football games in the NCAA. Annually held in mid-December, it serves as a key fixture in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rotation and attracts national attention due to its high-stakes matchups, historic legacy, and prime location.

Since 2017, the game has been officially known as the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl due to sponsorship, but it remains widely recognized by its traditional name. It is part of the New Year's Six bowl games, which include the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, Cotton Bowl, and Fiesta Bowl.

Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA

Mercedes-Benz Stadium has been the permanent home of the Peach Bowl since 2017. Located in downtown Atlanta, the stadium replaced the Georgia Dome as the host venue and offers modern amenities, a retractable roof, and a capacity of over 71,000 for football games.

Why Atlanta?

Central location within the Southeast, a hotbed for college football talent.
Excellent transportation access via Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Strong tradition of hosting major sporting events, including Super Bowls and NCAA tournaments.
Support from local sponsors and organizations, particularly Chick-fil-A, headquartered in Atlanta.

Peach Bowl History and Significance

First played in 1968, the Peach Bowl was originally designed to feature teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Over time, it evolved into a nationally televised event with increasing prestige.

Milestones in Peach Bowl Evolution

1968: Inaugural game held at Grant Field, Georgia Tech.
1971–1991: Played at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.
1992–2016: Moved to the Georgia Dome.
2017–present: Relocated to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
2014: Became part of the College Football Playoff semifinal rotation.

Recent Game Highlights and Matchups

The Peach Bowl often features top-ranked teams. When it hosts a College Football Playoff semifinal, the stakes are especially high, with the winners advancing to the National Championship game.

Year	Date	Teams	Score	Attendance	TV Network
2023	Dec 30	Tennessee vs. Ohio State	42–41	74,501	ESPN
2022	Dec 31	LSU vs. Kansas State	42–10	70,199	ESPN
2021	Dec 31	Cincinnati vs. Alabama	27–6	69,943	ESPN
2020	Jan 1	Florida vs. Oklahoma	55–20	16,181^*	ESPN
2019	Dec 28	Michigan vs. Alabama	35–16	73,116	ESPN

Table data source:1, 2

The attendance figures reflect strong fan engagement, with peak turnout in 2023 exceeding stadium capacity due to expanded seating configurations. The 2020 game saw reduced attendance due to COVID-19 restrictions. Broadcast exclusively on ESPN, the Peach Bowl consistently ranks among the most-watched non-New Year’s Day bowl games.

Game Format and Selection Process

The Peach Bowl operates under specific selection protocols depending on whether it serves as a playoff semifinal or a standalone New Year's Six game.

Selection Criteria

If designated as a CFP semifinal: Top four ranked teams play, based on the final CFP rankings.
In non-semifinal years: Typically features SEC vs. Big 12 or ACC vs. SEC matchups, subject to conference tie-ins and team availability.
At-large bids may be issued if contracted conferences cannot fill slots.

About Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Opened in 2017, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a state-of-the-art facility designed with sustainability and fan experience in mind. It has hosted Super Bowl LIII, multiple NCAA Final Fours, and international soccer matches.

Stadium Features

Capacity: 71,000+ for NFL games, expandable to over 75,000 for special events.
Roof: Retractable, featuring a unique "pinwheel" design.
Sustainability: LEED Platinum certified—the first professional sports stadium in the U.S. to achieve this.
Location: Adjacent to Georgia World Congress Center and Centennial Olympic Park.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Peach Bowl

Where is the Peach Bowl played in 2025?

The 2025 Peach Bowl will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, continuing the long-standing tradition of hosting the game at this venue since 2017.

Has the Peach Bowl always been in Atlanta?

Yes, the Peach Bowl has always been played in Atlanta, though it has used multiple venues: Grant Field (1968), Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium (1971–1991), the Georgia Dome (1992–2016), and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (2017–present).

Is the Peach Bowl a playoff semifinal game?

The Peach Bowl rotates as a College Football Playoff semifinal site every three years. It served as a semifinal in 2016, 2020, and 2023, with the next expected occurrence in 2026.

Who sponsors the Peach Bowl?

The game is sponsored by Chick-fil-A, a fast-food chain headquartered in Atlanta. Despite the official name being "Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl," it is commonly referred to as the Peach Bowl.

How can I get tickets to the Peach Bowl?

Tickets can be purchased through the official Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl website, authorized ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster, or via university allotments if your school is participating.