It’s official: Tampa will host the 2029 College Football Playoff National Championship at Raymond James Stadium, marking the city’s second time as the stage for college football’s biggest game.
The announcement came Wednesday morning during a joint press conference featuring Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan, Tampa Bay Sports Commission Chair Ben Milsom, Tampa Sports Authority CEO Eric Hart, Visit Tampa Bay CEO Santiago Corrada, Tampa Bay Buccaneers COO Brian Ford, Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks and USF Athletics CEO Rob Higgins.
Game on, Tampa
The confirmation follows reports earlier this year that Tampa would replace the Dallas Metroplex as host after Arlington withdrew its bid due to convention center renovations and funding changes.
Raymond James Stadium last hosted the CFP title game in January 2017 when Clemson defeated Alabama before a sellout crowd of 74,512.
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According to Visit Tampa Bay, that 2017 event generated $273.6 million in total economic impact including $120 million in direct spending bolstered by tourism, hospitality and weeklong fan experiences.
The return of the championship is expected to deliver similar — or greater — gains given the city’s expanded infrastructure and hotel capacity since then.
The 2029 title game joins a growing rotation of premier sports events nationwide. New Orleans will host in 2028, Las Vegas in 2025 and Miami in 2030.
Why it matters
Economic impact: The 2017 CFP weekend brought an estimated $273.6 million to the region.
Community visibility: Tampa will again be showcased on a global broadcast stage.
Momentum: The announcement affirms the city’s standing as a premier destination for high-profile sporting events.
By the numbers
Venue: Raymond James Stadium
Event: 2029 College Football Playoff National Championship
Last hosted: January 2017
2017 attendance: 74,512
Economic impact (2017): $273.6 million
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