It might not be part of the College Football Playoff (CFB), but the Citrus Bowl in Orlando still generates plenty of hype each year. A New Year’s tradition for decades, the Citrus Bowl yields the largest non-CFP payout ($8.55 million per team) and typically features two top-25 ranked teams. Fans eagerly anticipate this matchup, as it promises thrilling competition and unforgettable moments.
Citrus Bowl 2025 date
Mark your calendars! The Citrus Bowl will take place on Tuesday, December 31, at 3:00 p.m. ET. As one of the last events on the 2024 sports calendar, this long-running bowl game almost always kicks off either on New Year’s Day or New Year’s Eve. It’s a perfect way to ring in the New Year with some exciting college football action!
Who will play in the Citrus Bowl 2025?
While the teams that will compete in the 2025 Citrus Bowl have not yet been determined, fans can expect the matchup to be announced on December 8, Selection Day. This is when the playoff selection committee will reveal the teams headed to the playoffs and those that will participate in various bowl games, including the Citrus Bowl. Stay tuned to see which top-25 teams will head to Orlando to be part of this time-honored tradition!
Citrus Bowl 2025 tickets
Excited to be part of the Citrus Bowl? Tickets for the 2025 Citrus Bowl are available now on StubHub, but they’re selling fast! As of November 1, only about 90 tickets remained, so you might want to grab yours soon before prices rise. Currently, you can find multiple tickets in the price range of $140-$180 each, with even more options available in the $240-$350 range. Once the playoff teams are decided and the matchups are set in stone, costs will likely increase as fans flock to Orlando to see their team compete.
Camping World Stadium seat map
(StubHub)
History of the Citrus Bowl
Established in 1947, the Citrus Bowl stands alongside the Gator Bowl and Sun Bowl as one of the oldest non-CFP bowl games. Over the years, it has built a reputation for showcasing exciting matchups. A staggering 14 of the past 16 Citrus Bowls have featured teams ranked in the top 25, underscoring the bowl’s prestige and competitive spirit.
In last year’s Citrus Bowl, No. 25-ranked Tennessee delivered a stunning performance, shutting out No. 20-ranked Iowa with a score of 35-0. The year before, current NFL Rookie of the Year contender Malik Nabers led LSU (#16) to a remarkable 63-7 rout of Purdue. These thrilling games only add to the anticipation surrounding this year’s matchup.
Notable MVPs of the Citrus Bowl
Malik Nabers won MVP honors in the 2023 contest, joining an elite group of previous Citrus Bowl MVPs that includes Kentucky’s Wan’Dale Robinson, Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy, Georgia’s Matthew Stafford, and Tennessee’s Peyton Manning. These players have left their mark on the Citrus Bowl, and fans are always eager to see who will rise to the occasion this year.
College Football Playoff 2024-25 format, bracket
In the upcoming CFP, the top-four teams will earn a bye to the quarterfinals, while seeds 5-12 will play in a first-round game. The top teams will primarily consist of the highest-ranked conference winners. Although the Citrus Bowl is not part of the CFP, it is expected to feature two top-25 ranked teams that do not qualify for the playoffs.
On December 8, Selection Day, the committee will assign games to the 12 teams headed to the playoffs. The top teams will compete in one of four prestigious bowl games: the Fiesta Bowl, Rose Bowl, Peach Bowl, and Sugar Bowl. Bowl designations will be influenced by geographical location and a team’s historical relationship with the game. Meanwhile, the semifinals will take place at the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl, with the national championship game set for Atlanta.
Why the Citrus Bowl Matters
Long story short, the Citrus Bowl is not just another bowl game; it’s a celebration of college football that brings together passionate fans, top-tier talent, and unforgettable moments. Want to join the tens of thousands who will be in attendance for one of college football’s longest-standing bowl traditions? Here’s everything you need to know about purchasing tickets to the 2025 Citrus Bowl in Orlando.
Get your tickets now!
BUY NOW: Get tickets to the 2025 Citrus Bowl in Orlando on StubHub and be part of this thrilling event! With the excitement building and tickets selling fast, make sure you secure your spot at Camping World Stadium. Experience the energy, the passion, and the unforgettable moments that only college football can provide!
