College Football Playoff First Round: Hotel Guide
CFP First Round · Campus sites — set by seeding · December
Host cities aren't known until Selection Sunday in early December, so fans should be ready to book college-town hotels within hours of the bracket reveal. Home sites are set when the bracket is announced in early December; this page updates with the host cities within hours.
Quick facts
- Game College Football Playoff First Round
- Round CFP First Round
- Venue Campus sites TBD
- Timing Friday-Saturday, December 18-19, 2026; four games hosted on the campuses of seeds 5-8
- Tie-ins CFP seeds 5-12
FAQ
When is the College Football Playoff First Round?
Friday-Saturday, December 18-19, 2026; four games hosted on the campuses of seeds 5-8 Exact kickoff times are announced with the matchups; hotel demand starts moving the moment the participating teams are selected in early December.
When should I book a hotel for the College Football Playoff First Round?
Book a refundable rate the day your team accepts the bid — fan bases get roughly three weeks' notice, and host-city rates climb steadily from selection day to kickoff. Free-cancellation bookings let you lock today's price with no risk.