Key Highlights:
- Date: December 31, 2026
- Kickoff: 12:45 PM PT
- Venue: Allegiant Stadium
- TV: ESPN
- Teams: To be announced in December
- Tickets: Public sale begins after teams are selected
| Game Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | 35th Las Vegas Bowl |
| Date | Thursday, December 31, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 12:45 PM PT / 3:45 PM ET |
| Venue | Allegiant Stadium |
| Location | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Teams | TBD |
| TV | ESPN |
| Tickets | On Sale After Team Selection |
The Las Vegas Bowl 2026 returns to Allegiant Stadium on New Year’s Eve, giving college football fans a chance to combine postseason football with one of the busiest celebration nights of the year in Las Vegas.
The 35th edition of the bowl will be played on Thursday, December 31, 2026, at 12:45 PM Pacific Time. ESPN will broadcast the game nationally.
With an afternoon kickoff, fans should have enough time after the game to return to their hotels and prepare for New Year’s Eve celebrations across Las Vegas.
When Is the Las Vegas Bowl 2026?
The 2026 Las Vegas Bowl is scheduled for:
Thursday, December 31, 2026
Kickoff: 12:45 PM PT / 3:45 PM ET
The game takes place at Allegiant Stadium, located at 3333 Al Davis Way, just west of the Las Vegas Strip.
This will be the 35th edition of the Las Vegas Bowl and the second consecutive edition played on New Year’s Eve.
The afternoon schedule is particularly useful for visitors because the game should finish several hours before midnight.
Which Teams Will Play in the 2026 Las Vegas Bowl?
The participating teams have not yet been announced.
Team selections are expected in December after the college football regular season and conference championship games are completed.
The current 2026 bowl agreement calls for an SEC team against an eligible representative from the Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, Oregon State, or Washington State, depending on postseason selections and availability.
This is slightly different from simply describing the game as “SEC vs. Pac-12,” so older conference information should not be used for the 2026 edition.
The previous Las Vegas Bowl featured Utah defeating Nebraska 44-22 on December 31, 2025.
Las Vegas Bowl 2026 Tickets
Individual tickets are not yet on general public sale.
Official Las Vegas Bowl information says 2026 individual tickets will go on sale after the participating teams are announced in December.
Because prices have not yet been released, avoid publishing fixed estimates such as $100 for lower-bowl seats or $300 for club seats.
Ticket prices will depend on the teams selected, seat location, demand, and available inventory.
Once tickets become available, buying through official ticketing channels is the safest approach.
Allegiant Stadium uses digital ticketing, so make sure your tickets are stored on your phone before arriving at the stadium.
What Is Allegiant Stadium Like?
Allegiant Stadium is a fully enclosed venue and the home of the Las Vegas Raiders and UNLV football.
The indoor setting makes it particularly comfortable for a December football game because fans do not have to deal directly with cold weather, rain, or wind during the game.
The stadium has seating across multiple levels along with club sections, suites, restaurants, bars, and large video boards.
Fans should plan to arrive around 60 to 90 minutes before kickoff, especially if they need to park, clear security, buy food, or find their seats.
Getting to Allegiant Stadium
One of the easiest ways to reach the stadium from the Strip is by walking from the Mandalay Bay area.
Hacienda Avenue provides a pedestrian route between the Strip and Allegiant Stadium on major event days.
This can be easier than driving because parking and traffic around the stadium become busy before and after large events.
Rideshare is another option, with designated pickup and drop-off areas around the stadium.
If you plan to drive, check the Las Vegas Bowl’s event-specific parking information once it becomes available rather than assuming your normal Raiders parking plan will apply.
Tailgating Before the Las Vegas Bowl
College football fans can expect plenty of pregame activity around Allegiant Stadium.
However, do not assume that Lot J is the only official tailgating location. Tailgating rules and approved lots can vary by event.
If you plan to tailgate, check the parking information released specifically for the Las Vegas Bowl before bringing grills, tents, chairs, or other equipment.
Fans staying at Mandalay Bay, Luxor, or Excalibur can also eat or grab drinks on the Strip before walking toward the stadium.
Allegiant Stadium Bag Policy
Allegiant Stadium has a strict clear-bag policy.
Approved clear bags must be no larger than:
12″ x 6″ x 12″
Guests may also carry a small clutch, purse, or wallet measuring no more than:
4.5″ x 6.5″ x 2″
Backpacks, large purses, luggage, computer bags, and other oversized bags are generally prohibited.
Bag-check locations may be available for a fee if you arrive with an item that cannot enter the stadium.
Where to Stay for the Las Vegas Bowl
For easy stadium access, the South Strip is the most convenient area.
Mandalay Bay is especially useful because of its proximity to the stadium pedestrian route.
Luxor and Excalibur are also nearby and give visitors convenient access to restaurants, casinos, and transportation.
Since the game falls on New Year’s Eve, hotel prices can be much higher than normal. Booking early is strongly recommended.
FAQ
What time is kickoff?
Kickoff is scheduled for 12:45 PM Pacific Time.
Where is the Las Vegas Bowl played?
The game is played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Which teams are playing?
The teams have not yet been selected and will be announced in December.
What channel is the Las Vegas Bowl on?
ESPN will broadcast the game nationally.
Are tickets on sale yet?
No. Individual tickets are scheduled to go on sale after the participating teams are announced.
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