The College Football Playoff National Championship Game is the most-awaited game in the sport. While fans look forward to the clash, one question dogs the game every year: why is the college football national championship game on a Monday?
Explaining Why the College Football National Championship Game Is Held on a Monday Night
The tradition, although seemingly unusual, has strong reasons rooted in logistics and strategy. The primary reason for scheduling the college football national championship on a Monday is to steer clear of the NFL Playoffs.
If the game were held on Saturday, it would clash with the NFL’s Divisional Round, which signals the second week of the professional postseason. This overlap would divide viewers and likely reduce ratings for both events. Moving the college championship to Monday ensures the game enjoys the full attention of football fans across the country.
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The scheduling is also tied to the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961. The Act sought to protect college football viewership by barring the NFL from airing games on Saturdays during the college season.
However, this law doesn’t extend to the postseason, allowing the NFL to dominate January weekends with playoff action. To sidestep competition, the college championship shifted to Monday nights, ensuring it stands alone as the marquee event on the football calendar.
Hosting the game on a Monday also makes sense from a marketing perspective. With no competing football games, the championship has the entire evening to itself, maximizing viewership. Networks, advertisers, and the College Football Playoff organizers benefit from the dedicated spotlight, drawing in a national audience.
This tradition of Monday night championships began with the introduction of the College Football Playoff in 2014. Over the years, the Monday slot has become synonymous with the excitement of crowning a national champion, offering fans a chance to wrap up their weekend with a blockbuster game.
Strategic Timing for Viewing 2024-25 Championship Showdown
This year’s championship promises a thrilling battle between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Ohio State Buckeyes.
Ohio State is one of college football’s perennial powerhouses. It last played for the national title in 2020 but fell to the Alabama Crimson Tide in a 52-24 defeat. The Buckeyes’ most recent championship victory came in 2014 when they beat the Oregon Ducks in the inaugural CFP title game.
Notre Dame, another storied program, hasn’t won a national championship since 1988 under the legendary Lou Holtz. The Fighting Irish last reached the championship game in 2013, suffering a heavy loss to Alabama. With 11 national titles in their history, Notre Dame is eager to add another trophy to its storied legacy.
Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET. A few other networks offer various options for viewing, including alternate broadcasts on ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, and ESPN Deportes. For those who prefer streaming, the game will be available on the ESPN app and through Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.
Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Mercedes-Benz Stadium serves as the ideal setting for the championship game. Home to the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United, the stadium is renowned for its cutting-edge design, including a retractable roof and state-of-the-art facilities. It is a world-class venue that has hosted major events, including Super Bowl LIII.
This year’s game is more than just a contest for the title; it’s a clash of two iconic programs with deep football traditions. Ohio State’s high-powered offense and Notre Dame’s disciplined approach promise an exciting contrast of styles.
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