Jacksonville, FL, January 7, 2026
The upcoming College Football Playoff semifinals are set to bring excitement and community cohesion as local businesses in Jacksonville thrive amidst the events. Featuring a new 12-team format, the playoffs will showcase future matchups, including the Fiesta Bowl and the Peach Bowl. As fans rally for their teams, local economies can expect a boost from increased viewership and engagement during these key games, promoting unity and shared passion for college football.
Jacksonville, FL – Excitement is building as college football fans eagerly anticipate the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals, presenting teams that have shown remarkable determination on their paths to the postseason. This year’s CFP introduces an expanded 12-team format, which not only enhances the competition but also showcases the depth of talent across the country. As businesses and communities rally around these events, they foster an atmosphere of unity and passion that echoes throughout areas like Jacksonville, where local entrepreneurs and small-business owners thrive on the energy generated by major sporting events.
On Thursday, January 8, 2026, the Fiesta Bowl will feature No. 6 Ole Miss going head-to-head against No. 10 Miami (Florida) at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET, and fans can catch all the action on ESPN. This matchup stands as a testament to the communal pride that sports can bring, while also highlighting the role of local businesses that benefit from visitor influx and heightened engagement during such significant events.
The following night, Friday, January 9, the focus will shift to the Peach Bowl, where No. 1 Indiana takes on No. 5 Oregon at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Also kicking off at 7:30 p.m. ET and broadcast on ESPN, this game further illustrates the caliber of college football play that can unify fans from local neighborhoods to distant states.
H3: Viewership and Community Impact
Notably, the CFP semifinals are expected to attract substantial viewership, following a successful quarterfinal round that experienced a remarkable 14% increase in audience numbers compared to the previous year. The quarterfinals averaged 19.3 million viewers across four games, showcasing the immense popularity of college football and its positive impact on the economy on both local and nationwide levels.
With the CFP experiencing notable growth, local businesses, especially those in the hospitality and retail sectors, have substantial opportunities to capitalize on increased consumer spending during this peak time. As fans gather to watch the games, restaurants, hotels, and shops can see a boost in sales, emphasizing the interconnectedness of community events and economic vitality.
H3: Expanded Format and Future Championships
The introduction of the 12-team format this season has generated new excitement and interest in college football, promoting competitive play and giving more teams a chance to compete for the national title. The championship game is scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, and anticipation is high as fans speculate on which teams will make their mark.
The MegaCast presentation by ESPN for the semifinals will create multiple viewing options for fans, providing an enhanced experience whether they are watching from home or out in their communities. With options available across cable subscriptions and streaming services, accessibility helps ensure that fans can fully engage with their teams as they advance through the postseason.
H3: Conclusion
As the College Football Playoff semifinals approach, the excitement surrounding the event has the potential to inspire and engage communities across Jacksonville and beyond. The resilience of local businesses and the collaborative spirit of fans will undoubtedly foster a vibrant atmosphere as everyone rallies behind their teams. This celebration of college football not only brings amusement but also promotes economic growth within local markets.
In this context, it is vital for residents to support Jacksonville’s local businesses during this electrifying season. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at a local restaurant or shopping at a neighborhood store, each contribution helps sustain the community’s vibrant spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When are the College Football Playoff semifinals?
- The semifinals are scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2026, and Friday, January 9, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET each day.
- Where are the CFP semifinals being held?
- The Fiesta Bowl will take place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
- How can I watch the CFP semifinals?
- The games will be broadcast on ESPN. Fans can access the games through various platforms, including cable subscriptions and streaming services that offer ESPN.
- What is the format of the College Football Playoff this season?
- This season features an expanded 12-team CFP format, with the championship game scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
- How did the CFP quarterfinals perform in terms of viewership?
- The quarterfinals saw a 14% increase in viewership from the previous year, averaging 19.3 million viewers across four games, including the three most-watched games of the season.
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Location | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiesta Bowl: No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 10 Miami (Florida) | Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona | ESPN |
| Peach Bowl: No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 5 Oregon | Friday, January 9, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia | ESPN |
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
