CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) — The Atlantic Coast Conference announced today that the 2026 ACC Football Championship Game will be the final annual football championship game for the Conference. The decision reflects the continued evolution of college athletics and the College Football Playoff's expansion to a 24-team format beginning with the postseason following the 2027 regular season.
For more than two decades, the ACC Football Championship Game has provided a national stage for the Conference's student-athletes and programs while creating memorable moments for fans throughout the league. From Jacksonville, Tampa and Orlando to its longtime home in Charlotte, each host community has helped build the event into one of college football's signature Championship Saturday traditions.
Charlotte has been at the heart of that story. The Queen City has hosted 15 of the last 16 ACC Football Championship Games, welcoming teams, fans and the college football world to Bank of America Stadium with unmatched energy, pride and hospitality. Championship weekend has become a celebrated tradition in Charlotte, and the city's commitment to the ACC, its institutions and its student-athletes has made it an extraordinary home for the event.
The ACC extends its deepest appreciation to the Carolina Panthers, Tepper Sports & Entertainment and the Charlotte Sports Foundation for their longstanding partnership and leadership in helping deliver a first-class championship experience. The Conference is equally grateful to the City of Charlotte, its civic and business leaders, volunteers and the countless fans who have welcomed the ACC community year after year and helped make Championship Saturday in the Queen City so special.
"The ACC Football Championship Game has been an important and meaningful part of our Conference's history, and we are deeply appreciative of the student-athletes, coaches, institutions, fans, corporate partners and host communities that have contributed to its success," said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. "Charlotte has embraced this event and our Conference in a truly special way. We are sincerely thankful to the Carolina Panthers, Tepper Sports & Entertainment, the Charlotte Sports Foundation, the City of Charlotte and the people of this great community for their remarkable partnership, hospitality and passion for ACC Football. As we look ahead, the expanded College Football Playoff presents an exciting new chapter for college football and additional opportunities for ACC programs to compete on the sport's biggest stage."
As the ACC looks ahead to the expanded College Football Playoff, the Conference will work collaboratively with its member institutions, the CFP and other key stakeholders to determine the future process for identifying its champion and automatic qualifier. Additional details will be shared as that work continues.
The 22nd annual ACC Football Championship Game will be played Saturday, December 5, at noon ET on ABC from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The game will feature the Conference's top two teams following the regular season, with the winner claiming the ACC Championship and an automatic berth in the College Football Playoff.
Tickets, premium hospitality options and Fan Fest information are available on the ACC Football Championship page.
