The 2023–24 NCAA football bowl games comprise the postseason series of college football bowl games that concluded the 2023 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) season and began the 2024 calendar year. The games featured teams selected from the FBS, including the four College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal games, the CFP National Championship, and a range of other bowl matchups sanctioned by the NCAA.
Overview
- Season context: The bowl games followed the regular 2023 FBS season, which ended in early December 2023. The postseason schedule extended through early January 2024, culminating in the National Championship game on January 8, 2024, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.
- Number of games: A total of 42 bowl games were scheduled, including the six CFP games (two semifinals, the national championship, and four other CFP‑selected bowls) and 36 other bowl contests.
- Eligibility: Teams required a minimum of six wins against FBS opponents (or a 6‑6 record with a waiver) to be eligible for selection. Conference tie‑ins and selection committees determined the matchups for most games.
College Football Playoff
| Game | Date | Venue | Teams | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFP Semifinal – Rose Bowl (Game 1) | January 1, 2024 | Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA | TBD vs. TBD | ESPN |
| CFP Semifinal – Sugar Bowl (Game 2) | January 1, 2024 | Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA | TBD vs. TBD | ESPN |
| CFP National Championship | January 8, 2024 | Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN | Winners of semifinals | ESPN |
The semifinal pairings were determined by the CFP selection committee’s final rankings released on December 3, 2023.
Major Non‑Playoff Bowls (New Year’s Six)
In addition to the CFP semifinals, the “New Year’s Six” bowls continued to feature top‑ranked teams not selected for the playoff:
- Orange Bowl – Miami Gardens, FL (January 1, 2024)
- Cotton Bowl Classic – Arlington, TX (January 1, 2024)
- Peach Bowl – Atlanta, GA (January 1, 2024)
- Fiesta Bowl – Glendale, AZ (December 30, 2023)
Each of these bowls maintained existing conference tie‑ins (e.g., ACC, Big Ten, Pac‑12) and broadcast agreements, primarily on ESPN and ABC.
Other Bowl Games
The remaining 34 bowls were organized by a variety of conferences and independent sponsors. Notable examples include:
- Citrus Bowl (Orlando, FL)
- Gator Bowl (Jacksonville, FL)
- Liberty Bowl (Memphis, TN)
- Sun Bowl (El Paso, TX)
- Holiday Bowl (San Diego, CA)
All games adhered to NCAA regulations regarding scheduling, team eligibility, and player safety protocols.
Broadcast and Media Rights
- Television: ESPN held the primary broadcast rights for the CFP and most other bowls. ABC televised select marquee matchups, while some lower‑profile bowls were streamed via ESPN+.
- Radio: Westwood One provided national radio coverage of the CFP semifinals and championship, as well as select other bowls.
- Digital: Official bowl websites and partner platforms offered live streams, highlights, and statistical data.
Key Changes for 2023–24
- Schedule alignment: The CFP semifinals were scheduled for New Year’s Day, maintaining the traditional January 1 slot for the Rose and Sugar Bowls.
- Sponsorship updates: Several bowls announced new naming sponsors (e.g., the “Cheez-It Citrus Bowl” and the “Fremont Toyota Cactus Bowl”); these changes were reflected in official branding and broadcast mentions.
- Conference realignment impacts: The addition of new conference members for the 2023 season altered tie‑in arrangements for a few bowls, particularly within the American Athletic Conference and the Sun Belt Conference.
Attendance and Economic Impact
Preliminary attendance figures indicated average crowd sizes ranging from 30,000 to 70,000 spectators, depending on venue capacity and team fan bases. Economic impact studies projected that host cities collectively benefited by an estimated $250 million in tourism, hospitality, and related services.
References
- NCAA. “2023–24 Bowl Season Overview.” NCAA.org, December 2023.
- College Football Playoff. “2024 CFP Selection Committee Rankings.” CFPofficial.com, December 3, 2023.
- ESPN Press Release. “2023–24 College Football Bowl Schedule Announced.” ESPN.com, November 2023.
