Where Is the 2025 Fiesta Bowl Played? Location & Details

By Sarah Miller · December 12, 2043

The 2025 Fiesta Bowl will be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on January 1, 2025. As one of the New Year's Six bowl games and a College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal, it will feature two of the top four ranked teams in the nation.

Overview of the 2025 Fiesta Bowl

The 2025 PlayStation Fiesta Bowl is set to be one of the most anticipated college football games of the season. Scheduled for January 1, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET, this game holds special significance as it serves as a College Football Playoff semifinal. The winner will advance to the CFP National Championship game.

Key Details

Date: January 1, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM Eastern Time (ET)
Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
Venue Capacity: Approximately 63,400 for football games
Broadcast Network: ESPN (televised nationally)
Game Status: College Football Playoff Semifinal

Why Is the Fiesta Bowl Held in Arizona?

State Farm Stadium in Glendale has been the permanent home of the Fiesta Bowl since 2007. Its retractable roof and field make it ideal for hosting major events year-round, regardless of weather. Located just west of Phoenix, the stadium offers excellent fan amenities, hotel access, and transportation infrastructure.

Historical Significance

The Fiesta Bowl was first played in 1971 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona.
Moved to its current location in Glendale in 2007 with the opening of University of Phoenix Stadium (now State Farm Stadium).
Has hosted multiple BCS National Championship Games and CFP Semifinals.
Frequently selected as a playoff site due to climate, facilities, and fan experience.

Year	Date	Winner	Score	Runner-Up	Attendance
2023	Jan 1, 2023	Tennessee	35–6	Purdue	63,787
2022	Dec 31, 2022	Michigan	35–31	Tennessee	63,787
2021	Jan 1, 2021	Ohio State	49–28	Clemson	0 (no fans due to pandemic)
2017	Jan 1, 2017	Alabama	35–28 OT	Clemson	73,512
2015	Jan 1, 2015	Ohio State	42–35	Oregon	70,955

Table data source:1, 2

The attendance figures show strong demand for the Fiesta Bowl, especially during high-profile matchups such as the 2017 CFP Semifinal between Alabama and Clemson. Despite pandemic-related restrictions in 2021, the game maintained national relevance. Recent crowds have consistently filled State Farm Stadium to near capacity.

How Teams Are Selected for the 2025 Fiesta Bowl

As a designated CFP semifinal site in 2025, the Fiesta Bowl will host the No. 1 vs. No. 4 matchup based on the final College Football Playoff rankings released in early December 2024. The selection process includes:

National ranking by the CFP Selection Committee
Conference performance and strength of schedule
Championship game outcomes (December 7, 2024)
Head-to-head results and regional considerations

The other semifinal will be held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Tickets and Fan Experience

Fans can purchase tickets through official channels including fiestabowl.org and authorized ticketing partners like Ticketmaster. Prices vary significantly depending on team participation and demand.

What to Expect On Game Day

Pre-game tailgating zones open at 10:00 AM local time
Arizona’s warm winter climate averages 65°F (18°C) in January
Family-friendly activities and fan festivals held downtown Phoenix
Enhanced security and bag policies enforced at stadium entry

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Fiesta Bowl

Where is the 2025 Fiesta Bowl being played?

The 2025 Fiesta Bowl will take place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, located just outside of Phoenix. This venue has hosted the game annually since 2007.

What time does the 2025 Fiesta Bowl start?

The kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM Eastern Time (ET) on January 1, 2025. That translates to 4:30 PM Pacific Time (PT) and 5:30 PM Mountain Time (MT).

Is the 2025 Fiesta Bowl a playoff game?

Yes, the 2025 Fiesta Bowl is a College Football Playoff semifinal game. The winner will advance to the 2025 CFP National Championship, scheduled for January 20, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Which teams are playing in the 2025 Fiesta Bowl?

The teams have not yet been determined. They will be announced in early December 2024 by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee based on the final national rankings.

How can I watch the 2025 Fiesta Bowl on TV or streaming?

The game will be broadcast live on ESPN and available for streaming via the ESPN app, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV. A cable login or subscription may be required for full access.