The College Football Playoff determines college football’s national champion through a 12-team bracket that spans three weekends in December and January. First-round games are hosted at higher-seeded campuses, quarterfinals land at the New Year’s Six bowls, and the Final Four and championship are at a predetermined neutral site.

This guide covers the CFP format, how to plan travel for each round, and what to expect at each stage of the tournament.

How Does the College Football Playoff Format Work?

The 12-team CFP bracket features first-round games at campus sites (mid-December), quarterfinals at the New Year’s Six bowls (December 31 – January 1), and semifinals/championship at rotating neutral sites (early January). The top four seeds host first-round games, which means traveling to college towns with limited hotel inventory.

Round-by-Round Breakdown

  • First round (campus sites, mid-December): The most atmospherically intense round — student sections, campus tailgating, and the stakes of the first CFP game in program history for many teams. College towns have limited hotels — book immediately after selection
  • Quarterfinals (New Year’s Six bowls, Dec 31 – Jan 1): The Rose, Sugar, Orange, and Cotton Bowls host CFP games in destination cities (Pasadena, New Orleans, Miami, Arlington). The best travel combination in the CFP — major-city infrastructure with New Year’s celebrations
  • Semifinals and Championship: Rotating neutral sites with the highest stakes. The atmosphere inside the stadium is the most intense college football experience short of a rivalry game

How Do You Plan a CFP Trip?

The biggest planning challenge is the compressed timeline. CFP matchups are announced on Selection Sunday in early December, with first-round games less than two weeks later. Book refundable hotels in probable host cities before selections drop.

Planning Tips

  • Pre-position with refundable hotels: Book rooms in probable first-round and quarterfinal cities before Selection Sunday. Cancel what you don’t need once matchups are confirmed
  • Buy tickets fast: CFP first-round tickets sell quickly through team allocations and secondary markets. College football packages from Major League Vacations secure tickets through team relationships
  • Plan for the host city: New Year’s Six bowls in New Orleans, Pasadena, Miami, and Arlington are destination trips worth extending beyond game day

Ready to plan your CFP trip? Browse college football travel packages or build a custom CFP itinerary with Major League Vacations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the College Football Playoff?

First-round games in mid-December. Quarterfinals December 31 – January 1. Semifinals and championship in early January.

How much do CFP tickets cost?

First-round campus games: $75-$200. New Year’s Six quarterfinals: $150-$400. Semifinals and championship: $200-$500+.

Which CFP round is the best to attend?

Campus-site first-round games for the best atmosphere. New Year’s Six quarterfinals for the best travel destination + football combination.