So, you’re trying to figure out where the college football world is descending this week? It's a valid question, especially with the playoff expansion turning the old schedule on its head. Honestly, if you haven’t booked a flight yet, you’re looking at a very expensive Monday.
The short answer: where is the national championship game being played? It’s happening at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Kickoff is set for Monday, January 19, 2026. This isn't just any game, though. We’ve got the No. 1 seed Indiana Hoosiers—yes, you read that right—taking on the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes. It’s basically a home game for the U, which has some fans screaming about an unfair advantage and others just happy to see the turnover chain back on the big stage.
The Specifics of Hard Rock Stadium
Hard Rock Stadium is no stranger to the spotlight. It’s located at 347 Don Shula Drive, about 15 miles north of downtown Miami. If you're driving in, expect the Florida Turnpike to be a parking lot.
This venue is a chameleon. It hosts the Dolphins, the Hurricanes, the Miami Open tennis tournament, and even a Formula 1 track that winds through the parking lot. For this game, the capacity is roughly 65,000. It’s loud. The canopy roof keeps the sun off the fans but does absolutely nothing to stop the South Florida humidity from turning the field into a sauna.
🔗 Read more: Inter Miami vs Toronto: What Really Happened in Their Recent Clashes
Why Miami Gardens Matters This Year
This is the second time the CFP National Championship has visited this specific stadium. The last time was in 2021, back when attendance was limited. This time? It’s a full house.
Interestingly, the region has hosted a national title game 22 times if you count the old Orange Bowl days and the BCS era. Miami basically is the postseason for college football.
The "Cornfed vs. Convicts" Narrative
You might hear people calling this matchup "Cornfed vs. Convicts." It’s a bit of a throwback to the old Miami-Notre Dame rivalry names.
Indiana is the juggernaut here. Under Curt Cignetti, they’ve gone 15-0. They’re coming off a massive 56-22 dismantling of Oregon in the Peach Bowl. They’re 8.5-point favorites for a reason.
💡 You might also like: Matthew Berry Positional Rankings: Why They Still Run the Fantasy Industry
Miami, on the other hand, is the ultimate "chaos" team. They were the last team to get into the 12-team field. They’ve knocked off Ohio State and Ole Miss to get here. Mario Cristobal has them playing a physical, nasty style of football that actually travels well, even though they aren't traveling at all this time.
Logistics: Getting to the Game
If you're actually going, don't just put "Miami" into your GPS. You want Miami Gardens.
- Parking: It’s a nightmare. If you don't have a pre-paid pass for the Hard Rock lots, look into the "Brightline" train. They usually run "Home Runner" specials that drop you at the Aventura station with a shuttle to the stadium.
- Weather: It’s January in Florida. Highs are usually in the mid-70s, but the humidity can make 75 feel like 85. There’s always a 20% chance of a random tropical downpour.
- The Vibe: Miami Beach (the Convention Center) is hosting "Playoff Fan Central." That’s where the pep rallies and the concerts are. It’s about a 30-to-45-minute drive from the stadium, so don't try to do both in the same three-hour window.
Watch Parties and TV Info
Not everyone can drop $3,500 on a ticket (which is what they’re currently going for on Ticketmaster).
If you're watching from the couch, the game is on ESPN. Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit are on the call. The broadcast starts around 7:30 PM ET, but the actual ball won't fly until closer to 7:50 PM ET after Jamal Roberts finishes the National Anthem.
📖 Related: What Time Did the Cubs Game End Today? The Truth About the Off-Season
The 12-Team Impact
This is the first year of the massive 12-team bracket reaching its conclusion. Because of the new format, this game is being played later in January than we're used to. It's Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
People were worried the expansion would dilute the regular season or make the playoffs too long. But seeing a 10-seed like Miami make a run to their own backyard for the title? That’s exactly what the committee wanted.
Actionable Tips for Fans
If you are heading to the stadium or just following along, keep these three things in mind:
- Check the Bag Policy: Hard Rock Stadium is strict. Clear bags only. No exceptions. They will make you walk a mile back to your car if your purse is two inches too wide.
- Download Your Tickets: Cell service at the stadium is notoriously spotty when 65,000 people are trying to livestream the entrance. Add your tickets to your Apple or Google Wallet before you leave the hotel.
- Eat Before You Go: Stadium food in Miami is expensive even by stadium standards. There are some great Caribbean spots in Miami Gardens (like Reed’s or Arline’s) where you can get a better meal for half the price.
Where is the national championship game being played next year? It heads to Atlanta for 2027, so enjoy the palm trees and the South Florida heat while you can. This Indiana-Miami matchup is a weird one for the history books, and the atmosphere in Miami Gardens is going to be electric.
Plan your route now. If you're coming from the Fort Lauderdale side, take I-95 south to Ives Dairy Road. If you're coming from Miami, stick to the Palmetto Expressway. Give yourself at least two hours more than you think you need.