Ultimate Guide to Allstate Sugar Bowl
Ring in the New Year with college football on January 1, 2026
What is the Allstate Sugar Bowl?
Every New Year’s brings more than just resolutions—it brings one of college football’s most iconic matchups: the Allstate Sugar Bowl. A staple of the sport since 1935, the Sugar Bowl is where elite teams, passionate fans, and rich Southern traditions collide in an unforgettable celebration. Held in the vibrant city of New Orleans, the Sugar Bowl is more than just a game—it’s an experience.
This year marks the second year of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) format. This year's Allstate Sugar Bowl, the 92nd annual event, will serve as a Playoff Quarterfinal for the second straight year.
The field of 12 teams for the College Football Playoff will be comprised of the five conference champions ranked highest by the CFP Selection Committee, plus the seven highest-ranked at-large teams. The top four seeds will receive a first-round bye. The other eight teams will play in the first round with the higher seeds hosting the lower seeds either on campus or at other sites designated by the higher-seeded institution.

2026 Allstate Sugar Bowl
Find all the key information about attending the Sugar Bowl below.
When and where is the 2026 Sugar Bowl taking place?
The 2026 Allstate Sugar Bowl is scheduled for January 1, 2026 at 7 p.m. Central Time at Caesars Superdome.
Which teams are playing in the 2026 Sugar Bowl?
This year's teams have not been determined yet. The 2026 Allstate Sugar Bowl will serve as the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals in the newly-expanded, 12-team College Football Playoff.
How can I purchase tickets for the Sugar Bowl?
Tickets for the 2026 Sugar Bowl will be available through:
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Official CFP and Sugar Bowl websites
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Team ticket allotments (for participating schools)
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Verified resale platforms such as Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, and StubHub
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What are the pre-game events for the Sugar Bowl?
There's more to the Sugar Bowl than just the game! Enjoy fan events including a parade, tailgate town, and more.
Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year's Parade
The major event surrounding the game is the Allstate Sugar Bowl New Years Parade. The parade typically rolls the day before the game (New Year's Eve) through the French Quarter along Decatur Street, beginning on Elysian Fields. It will travel through the French Quarter up Decatur Street along the Mississippi River, passing iconic landmarks such as The Old US Mint, the French Market, Cafe du Monde, and Jackson Square. The Parade will wrap up at Canal Street. The Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year’s Parade presented by Louisiana Tourism will be broadcast live on Nola38CW (WNOL-TV) in New Orleans. The official broadcast, presented by Sunshine Quality Solutions, will include a live online broadcast that can be found by visiting wgno.com. In addition, the parade will be rebroadcast on WGNO-TV ABC 26 on New Year’s Day starting at 9 a.m.
Tailgate Town and Fan Experience
Fans attending the Allstate Sugar Bowl are invited to converge on Champions Square at Caesars Superdome to enjoy the NewOrleans.com Allstate Sugar Bowl Tailgate Town hosted by New Orleans & Company, the official pre-game party. Event times are TBA. NOTE: Fans must have a Sugar Bowl game ticket to access Tailgate Town.
Planning Your Trip to New Orleans for the Allstate Sugar Bowl
Heading to the Sugar Bowl? Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your trip to the Big Easy.
When Should I Book My Flight and Hotel for Sugar Bowl?
Since the holidays are a popular time for travel – especially in New Orleans – you should book your flight and accommodations as soon as you can.
Where should I Stay for Sugar Bowl?
There are lots of fun, unique hotels within walking distance of the Superdome, including the Selina Catahoula, Virgin Hotel, Hyatt Regency, and Le Pavillon. Browse our full hotel directory here.
If I don't have tickets, where can I watch the game?
There are of course several other excellent sports bars to catch games–from the sleek viewing experience at Manning's and Caesar's Sportsbook to neighborhood sports bars like Tracey's, Cooter Brown's, and The Rusty Nail. Bars like Finn McCool's, Cooter Brown's, and Fat Harry's can all be counted on for being very welcoming to all sports fans, and can likely stand in as de facto team bars for those looking to be around like-minded viewers.
What is the weather like in New Orleans during the Sugar Bowl?
Winters in New Orleans can get chilly and feel even colder due to the moisture in the air. Temperatures range from the low 40s to the mid-60s, so layering is highly recommended.
What Else is Going on In New Orleans During the Sugar Bowl? What Else can I Do in New Orleans While Visiting for the Sugar Bowl?
The city’s unique blend of sports, culture, food, and music makes the Sugar Bowl a can’t-miss celebration—even beyond the game. The Sugar Bowl is just one of the many fun ways to ring in the new year in NOLA. Enjoy parties and live music events to be announced soon. The Louisiana Children’s Museum hosts Noon Year's Eve , a celebration for kids during the day before the adult celebrations kick off that night. Check here for the latest on New Year’s celebrations, and may the party begin!