Fiesta Bowl firmly in rotation as CFP dates set for next two seasons

In keeping with the anticipated schedule for the Fiesta Bowl, the College Football Playoff announced the game will serve as a CFP quarterfinal for the next two seasons.

The Fiesta Bowl is expected to host a CFP semifinal in the following season.

Games will continue to be hosted by the CFP bowls.

“The Fiesta Bowl has long been synonymous with college football’s biggest moments, and these dates further solidify our role in the College Football Playoff and the road to the National Championship,” Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Executive Director and CEO Erik Moses said in a statement.

“Whether in a standalone national spotlight or as part of a traditional New Year’s Day college football tripleheader, we are proud to continue delivering world-class hospitality and engaging experiences for student-athletes, fans, schools and our partners here in Arizona as a meaningful part of the College Football Playoff.”

Here is the schedule released on Tuesday, Feb. 3:

The 2026-27 College Football Playoff quarterfinals

Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2026, at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl

Friday, Jan. 1, 2027, at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential

The 2027 College Football Playoff semifinals

Thursday, Jan. 14, 2027, at the Capital One Orange Bowl

Friday, Jan. 15, 2027, at the Allstate Sugar Bowl

The 2027-28 College Football Playoff quarterfinals

Friday, Dec. 31, 2027, at the Allstate Sugar Bowl

Saturday, Jan. 1, 2028, at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential

The 2028 College Football Playoff semifinals

Thursday, Jan. 13, 2028, at the Capital One Orange Bowl

Friday, Jan. 14, 2028, at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

"These dates allow us to maintain competitive balance, maximize the fan experience, and provide consistency for everyone involved in the Playoff," Rich Clark, the executive director of the CFP, said in a statement. "I also want to thank our bowl partners and their local communities for the incredible work, collaboration, and commitment they've shown throughout the first two years of the expanded playoff.

"The bowl games and the people behind them embraced change, delivered at the highest level, and helped ensure the expanded format was a success for student-athletes, fans, and the sport."

Game times and television network assignments for these games will be announced later in 2026.

Moses spoke with The Arizona Republic before the 2026 Fiesta Bowl matchup, and urged continued support for Arizona's bowl games.

"The Fiesta Bowl, the Rate Bowl, the Rose Bowl, all of these other bowls, they are community assets," Moses said before Miami defeated Mississippi in a game that served as a CFP semifinal. "And communities need to support them. That's the business and the civic community. … If you want them there, you have to — as I always say to people — vote with your feet.

"Show up to the games. Be there, showing your support. Because there are many communities around this country that would love to have a game like this."

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Fiesta Bowl firmly in rotation as CFP dates set for next two seasons