Tampa Bay Scores Big: College Football Playoff Championship Returns in 2029
Remember that electric night in 2017 when Deshaun Watson threw a touchdown pass with one second left to beat Alabama in the College Football Playoff? Yeah, that happened in Tampa. And guess what? The city’s getting another shot at hosting college football’s biggest party. The College Football Playoff announced Wednesday that Raymond James Stadium will host the 2029 CFP National Championship Game on January 22.
Why Tampa Made the Cut Again
CFP Executive Director Rich Clark didn’t mince words when making the announcement at Raymond James Stadium. “Tampa is an uncommon city,” he said, “and when I say uncommon I mean that in the best of ways. You are extraordinary. You are one of a kind, and you are our No. 1 choice.”
That’s not just smooth talk. Tampa’s proven it can handle the big stage. The city has successfully hosted Super Bowls, WrestleManias, and that unforgettable 2017 College Football Playoff title game where Clemson edged Alabama 35-31. If you can manage those circus acts without breaking a sweat, you’ve earned your stripes.
Tampa Joins Elite Company
With this announcement, Tampa becomes only the fourth city to host the College Football Playoff Championship Game twice. The others? Atlanta, New Orleans, and Miami Gardens. Not bad company to keep.
The 2029 game will mark the 15th national championship in the CFP era, which kicked off after the 2014 season. Before Tampa gets its turn again, Miami will host in 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium, followed by Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2027, and New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome in 2028.
What This Means For Tampa Bay
Hillsborough County Commission Chairman Ken Hagan, who served on the host committee back in 2017, knows what’s coming. “Having been a member of the host committee at that time, I saw firsthand the excitement and energy that this event infuses into a community,” he said.
Translation: Get ready for an economic boost, packed hotels, restaurants buzzing with out-of-towners, and Gasparilla-level crowds downtown. The College Football Playoff doesn’t just bring two teams and their fans. It brings an entire ecosystem of media, sponsors, and football fanatics who want to be part of the action.
Raymond James Stadium, with its pirate ship and palm trees swaying in the January breeze, offers something other venues can’t quite match. It’s got that Florida vibe mixed with serious football credibility. Plus, the waterfront location doesn’t hurt when you’re trying to convince people to visit in the middle of winter.
