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The Cotton Bowl in Arlington is shaping up as the must-see stop for holiday football fans. Ohio State and Miami meet in a high-stakes College Football Playoff quarterfinal on New Year’s Eve, and tickets are still available for last-minute planners. Read on for ticket tips, kickoff info, seating advice and the full CFP schedule.
Where to buy last-minute Cotton Bowl tickets and current price ranges
If you need seats for Ohio State vs. Miami, online resale marketplaces still list options. Prices vary by view and proximity to the field.
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- Primary seller to check: Gametime and similar ticket apps
- Budget option: Terrace or upper-level passes from about $32
- Mid-range: Mezzanine views often start near $80
- Good sideline seats: Main-level tickets from roughly $125
- Closer action: Lower concourse seats can run near $215
Prices shift quickly with demand. For the best last-minute deals, search multiple apps and confirm mobile transfer options before purchasing.
Game day: date, kickoff time and venue details
- Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve)
- Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Stadium: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Plan arrival time for traffic and security lines. Parking and stadium entry can add 30–90 minutes to your trip on big-schedule nights.
AT&T Stadium seating tips to get the best view
AT&T Stadium is massive and seats differently across levels. Choose based on the experience you want.
- Lower concourse: Closest to the field and most immersive.
- Main level: Balanced view with easier access to amenities.
- Mezzanine: Great for panoramic sightlines at a moderate price.
- Upper decks: Budget-friendly, but farther from the action.
Consider aisle seats for easy restroom and concession access. If you prefer camera replays, aim for a central sideline section.
College Football Playoff 2025-26: full playoff timeline and key results
Below is a concise rundown of the playoff timeline, recent first-round results, and the upcoming quarterfinal slate.
First-round outcomes
- Alabama defeated Oklahoma in the opening weekend matchup.
- Miami advanced past Texas A&M to reach the quarterfinals.
- Ole Miss beat Tulane to move on.
- Oregon claimed a win over James Madison.
Quarterfinal schedule and matchups
- Dec. 31 — Cotton Bowl: No. 2 Ohio State vs. Miami, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Jan. 1 (Noon ET) — Orange Bowl: No. 4 Texas Tech vs. Oregon
- Jan. 1 (4 p.m. ET) — Rose Bowl: No. 1 Indiana vs. Alabama
- Jan. 1 (8 p.m. ET) — Sugar Bowl: No. 3 Georgia vs. Ole Miss
Semifinal window
- Jan. 8 — Fiesta Bowl (CFP semifinal), 7:30 p.m. ET
- Jan. 9 — Peach Bowl (CFP semifinal), 7:30 p.m. ET
National championship date
- Jan. 19 — CFP National Championship, 7:30 p.m. ET
Bracket picture and what to watch after Cotton Bowl
The winner in Arlington advances into the semifinal bracket and keeps a shot at the title alive. Watch for these storylines:
- Ohio State: A defending champion chasing back-to-back titles.
- Miami: A squad riding momentum after a transfer QB helped them reach the playoffs.
- Matchup edges: turnovers, special teams and pass protection will swing the game.
Check official league sources for bracket graphics and updated seedings as results arrive.
