Discover NCAA bowl games, tailgate parties and more to maximize your college football getaway.
Already the Theme Park Capital of the World, Orlando has emerged as a go-to college football destination. This year’s lineup includes four NCAA games during the 2026-27 postseason, including the Florida Blue Florida Classic, StaffDNA Cure Bowl, Pop-Tarts® Bowl and the Citrus Bowl, plus UCF Big 12 football throughout the fall season. Here’s everything you need to know about attending a game, including where to stay, nearby attractions and more ways to extend game day into a full Orlando getaway.
Discover: Orlando Sports
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Vacation Like a Champion
Win or lose, you can still guarantee vacation victory with an extended Orlando getaway. Take game day into overtime with our top recommendations for places to eat, drink, stay and explore once the final play is called.
Championship Adventures
Beyond bowl games, Orlando is the sort of town where anything is possible. Come for the gridiron matchups and take the fun into overtime with endless adventures that start with fresh reasons to visit and continue with other winning ways to play, including:
- World-Famous Theme Parks
- Amazing Attractions
- Authentic Neighborhoods
- Outdoor Fun
- Multifaceted Culture
- Global Arts & Entertainment
- Electric Nightlife
- Sensational Shopping
- Soothing Spas
Save even more on your trip with special offers, plus authorized discount tickets from Visit Orlando powered by BestofOrlando.com.
Championship Accommodations
Orlando’s hotels and resorts are champions when it comes to amazing pools — and most boast heated water in case the weather’s chilly during your stay. You’ll find plenty of extras, too, such as lazy rivers, waterslides, underwater sound systems and sandy beaches. Some even have their own onsite water parks, not to mention award-winning dining, gorgeous golf courses, spas and more.
Discover: Amenity-Packed Resorts
Top options near Camping World Stadium include the AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Downtown for sky-high views and Hotel Beauden for art-inspired digs. Both are located in the City District, a short drive from the stadium and within easy walking distance of downtown Orlando restaurants, bars and nightlife. If you’re looking for options near UCF, The Celeste Hotel is just off campus and is a short walk, drive or e-scooter ride away from Acrisure Bounce House.
Championship Dining & Nightlife
There’s no better way to celebrate a big win (or dull the pain of a loss) than feasting like a champ, which you can do in style at thousands of restaurants throughout the area. With so many choices, you’re sure to find the perfect meal — especially when you factor in MICHELIN Guide dining, celebrity chefs and homegrown culinary heroes, and ample local freshness.
Discover: Orlando Restaurants
You can also get your pre-game on in style at one of our many craft breweries or, if you like a side of fancy with your football, our intimate speakeasies or wineries and wine bars. And if you can’t score tickets to the game, you can always catch it in big-screen glory at numerous sports bars and other nightlife venues.
2026-27 NCAA Football Games
Orlando’s NCAA football matchups give you the chance to see top college players at Camping World Stadium in downtown Orlando’s West Lakes Market Street District, as well as UCF’s Acrisure Bounce House stadium east of downtown. The latter will also host a full season of UCF Knights Big 12 football. Grab those tickets now if you haven’t already, because they go fast.
Discover: Things to Do in West Lakes
2026 Florida Blue Florida Classic
Nov. 21, 2026
The Florida Blue Florida Classic brings old college friends and families together for an entire weekend. The main event features the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats and Florida A&M University Rattlesnakes battling it out at Camping World Stadium for bragging rights in their long-running annual rivalry. Get in the spirit before the game at the Florida Blue Battle of the Bands, hosted at Kia Center on Nov. 20, 2026.
Discover: Black American Travel Guide
2026 StaffDNA Cure Bowl
Dec. 22, 2026
The 2026 StaffDNA Cure Bowl is focused on raising funds for cancer research — $6.35 million since 2015 — putting Orlando at the center of some of the world’s greatest advancements in that field. Much of that money has stayed local, too, with more than $3.68 million going to Dr. Annette Khaled, professor at the UCF College of Medicine’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences and head of the medical school’s cancer research division. The game kicks off at UCF’s Acrisure Bounce House at 5 p.m. It will also be televised on ESPN.
2026 Pop-Tarts® Bowl
Dec. 29, 2026
The Pop-Tarts® Bowl will return to Camping World Stadium in 2026, pairing top teams from the ACC and the Big 12 (exclusive of Notre Dame and the CFP series). It’s part of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and will be televised on ESPN, with kickoff set for 5:30 p.m.
2027 Citrus Bowl
Jan. 2, 2027
The seventh-oldest collegiate ball game in the country, the Citrus Bowl hosts top teams from the Big Ten and Southeastern conferences at Camping World Stadium. The action begins at noon and will be televised on ABC.
Game Day Guide: Tailgate Parties & More
Maximize your game day fun with our guide to official pep rallies, festivals, tailgate parties and more for the 2026-27 bowl game season, including things to do near Camping World Stadium and Acrisure Bounce House.
Official Pep Rallies and Bowl Game Tailgate Parties
Get fired up at official Pop-Tarts® Bowl and Citrus Bowl pep rallies, typically hosted at Pointe Orlando in the days leading up to the big game. Say tuned for 2026 details as they are announced.
Discover: Things to Do at Pointe Orlando
Come game day, you can join the Florida Blue Florida Classic Fan Fest, Pop-Tarts® Bowl Fan Fest or Citrus Bowl Fan Fest, free tailgate parties hosted outside Camping World Stadium. Arrive early for interactive games, inflatables, face painting, and food or beverages available for purchase, or check out premium, paid options that include unlimited food and drinks, an open bar, live music and special performances from the teams’ marching bands.
More Things to Do Near Camping World Stadium
Camping World Stadium is minutes from downtown Orlando nightlife, bars and restaurants, perfect for getting the game day action started early. Ivanhoe Park Lager House is just half a mile away and often offers game day specials before and after the big game. You’ll find even more options in the surrounding neighborhoods, including an unbeatable beer selection at À La Cart City, street party energy at Wall Street Plaza, and self-serve beer on tap at Pour Choice Taphouse.
Discover: Things to Do Near Downtown Orlando Stadiums
If you’re looking for something a little more elevated, seek out rooftop views at AC Sky Bar, speakeasy vibes at Mathers Social Gathering, or premium drinks and small plates at Thrive Cocktail Lounge & Eatery.
Things to Do Near Acrisure Bounce House
Acrisure Bounce House is located on the University of Central Florida Campus in East Orlando. It’s home to the 2026 StaffDNA Cure Bowl and all UCF Knights college football games, with plenty of places to eat and drink before the big game. Try Aurora for elevated American fare, Fat Rosie’s for Mexican food, The Dough Show for mouthwatering Middle Eastern cuisine, Lazy Moon Pizza for custom slices bigger than your head, or Bounce House Social Eats for classic sliders, wings and beer with frequent game day specials.
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