Guide to the 2024-2025 College Football Playoffs
The 2024-2025 college football season is set for an exciting finish. A new playoff schedule will give more teams a chance at the national title.
Fans are getting ready for exciting games in famous college football bowl locations. They look forward to thrilling matchups in great places. Here’s your guide to this year’s playoff format, host cities, and ideas for what to explore while you’re there.
The 2024-2025 Expanded College Football Playoff Format
This season’s playoffs use a new 12-team format. This change adds more games to the college football bowl projections. It also gives more teams a chance to compete for the national championship.
The first round takes place on campus sites, followed by quarterfinal games in Phoenix, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Pasadena. The winners will move on to the semi-final games in Miami and Arlington. These games will lead to the national championship on January 20th in Atlanta.
College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Cities
1. Phoenix – Fiesta Bowl (Quarterfinal Game)
The Fiesta Bowl will take place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. It will feature an exciting quarterfinal game. This makes it one of the best spots in this year’s college football bowl game schedule. Glendale’s warm winter weather and lively atmosphere make it an ideal place for football fans to kick off the playoff season.
Where to Fly:
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Scottsdale Airport (SCF) are great choices for private travelers. They offer a stylish flying experience.
Things to Do:
Beyond football, Phoenix has amazing attractions. You can visit the Desert Botanical Garden. Camelback Mountain is great for hiking. The Heard Museum showcases Native American art. Scottsdale’s Old Town offers shops, galleries, and fine dining options like Talavera at the Four Seasons.
2. Atlanta – Peach Bowl (Quarterfinal Game)
The Peach Bowl will take place at the impressive Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This event brings playoff excitement to one of the Southeast’s favorite sports cities. Known for its Southern hospitality, rich history, and bustling nightlife, Atlanta is a perfect playoff destination.
Where to Fly:
Private flyers can easily access Atlanta via DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK) or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
Things to Do:
Discover Atlanta's many attractions, like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and the popular Ponce City Market. Dine at Bacchanalia for fine cuisine or Gunshow for a fun, chef-driven experience. For a lively night out, the Buckhead area offers upscale bars and restaurants.
3. New Orleans – Sugar Bowl (Quarterfinal Game)
The Sugar Bowl in New Orleans will host a quarterfinal game. This city is famous for its music, culture, and lively atmosphere. New Orleans combines a storied football tradition with a festival-like atmosphere.
Where to Fly:
Arrive in style at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) or Lakefront Airport (NEW). Both airports offer easy access to the city.
Things to Do:
While in New Orleans, dive into the local culture. Visit the French Quarter, enjoy live jazz, and try beignets at Café du Monde. For dining, try Commander’s Palace for Creole classics, or explore the vibrant bar scene on Frenchmen Street.
4. Pasadena – Rose Bowl (Quarterfinal Game)
The Rose Bowl in Pasadena gives fans a special blend of tradition, beautiful views, and an exciting game-day vibe. As one of the most iconic college football bowl game venues, it’s a must-see for football enthusiasts.
Where to Fly:
For private flights, Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY) offer easy access to Pasadena. They provide executive services for travelers.
Things to Do:
In Pasadena, you can visit the Norton Simon Museum or the Huntington Library and Gardens. You can also go to nearby Los Angeles for many entertainment options. Dine at The Raymond 1886 for a refined experience or Union for farm-to-table fare in a relaxed setting.
College Football Playoff Semi-Final Cities
1. Miami – Orange Bowl (Semi-Final Game)
The Orange Bowl will take place in Miami. Here, the thrill of a semi-final game combines with lively nightlife and beautiful beaches. This tropical city is the perfect place to enjoy both football and fun in the sun.
Where to Fly:
Fly privately into Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (OPF) or Miami International Airport (MIA) to arrive conveniently.
Things to Do:
In Miami, visit South Beach’s Art Deco district. Walk through Wynwood’s art scene. Enjoy Cuban food in Little Havana. For upscale dining, try Joe’s Stone Crab or head to the Miami Design District for trendy restaurants and shops.
2. Arlington – Cotton Bowl (Semi-Final Game)
The Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington will host a semi-final game. This venue is one of the best in college football. Arlington and the surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth area offer plenty to see and do.
Where to Fly:
Travelers can fly into Dallas Love Field (DAL) or Fort Worth Meacham International Airport (FTW). Both airports provide easy access to AT&T Stadium.
Things to Do:
Explore the Dallas Arts District, check out the historic Stockyards in Fort Worth, or dine at Al Biernat’s for an unforgettable meal. Arlington also offers family-friendly attractions like Six Flags Over Texas if you’re traveling with kids.
The National Championship in Atlanta
Atlanta – National Championship Game on January 20th
The 2024-2025 college football season ends at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 20th. The top two teams will compete for the national title. This grand finale promises excitement. Atlanta’s lively city life adds to the thrill of this season’s most awaited game.
Where to Fly:
Arrive at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK) or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Enjoy premium executive service and easy access to the championship venue.
Things to Do:
Along with game day fun, check out Atlanta’s best attractions. Visit the High Museum of Art and the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Visit Ponce City Market for a fun mix of dining and shopping. You can also enjoy a great meal at The Optimist or Canoe by the Chattahoochee River.
Secure Your College Football Tickets and Fly in Style
With the expanded 2024-2025 college football playoff schedule, this season promises thrilling matchups across the nation. Fans can enjoy top college football like never before. There are famous bowl game locations and new, unforgettable host cities.
Each host city has a unique blend of culture, attractions, and nice amenities. This makes your football trip enjoyable both on and off the field.
Grab your college football tickets and let Odyssey Airways take you to each playoff city in luxury and comfort. Avoid the busy airports. Fly private and enjoy a unique travel experience. You will feel refreshed and ready to support your team.
Plan your ultimate playoff journey with Odyssey and make this college football season one to remember!
