Miami vs. Ole Miss Fiesta Bowl: CFP Semifinal Preview, Tickets and Game Information

The College Football Playoff spotlight will shift to the desert for a major showdown, as No. 10 Miami (12–2) faces No. 6 Ole Miss (13–1) in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. This is the first of two semifinals of the 2025-26 CFP, with both of these contenders having won in the first two rounds to advance to this stage. With a spot in the National Championship Game at stake, expect a high-intensity matchup on one of college football’s biggest stages.

Game Details for Miami vs. Ole Miss

Here are some key facts you need to know before the Fiesta Bowl kicks off.

• Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026

• Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET

• Venue: State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona

• Average Resale Ticket Price on SeatGeek: Around $561

• Cheapest Tickets on SeatGeek: You can get Miami-Ole Miss tickets at SeatGeek starting at $167!

SeatGeek is the Official Ticketing Partner of State Farm Stadium.

How Miami and Ole Miss Reached the CFP Semifinals

There weren’t too many people expecting this matchup in the Fiesta Bowl. Miami has pulled off consecutive upsets in the CFP, defeating No. 7 Texas A&M in the first round and knocking off No. 2 Ohio State on New Year’s Eve. After Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin left following the regular season to become LSU’s new head coach, the Rebels have responded with two statement wins—a 31-point thumping over No. 11 Tulane and a big upset over No. 3 Georgia. 

Previous History for Miami and Ole Miss

Ole Miss holds a 2-1 edge in previous matchups between these two programs, though the last meeting came back in 1951. So it’s certainly fair to say that this is the biggest matchup ever between Miami and Ole Miss.

Miami will look to advance to its first National Championship Game since the 2002-03 season, when the Hurricanes lost a double-overtime heartbreaker to Ohio State at the Fiesta Bowl. Meanwhile, Ole Miss has never played in an official National Championship Game, with the Rebels sharing their only national title with Minnesota back in 1960. 

Top Players to Watch in the Fiesta Bowl

These players have made game-changing impacts all season and could be difference-makers in the first CFP semifinal.

Miami Hurricanes

Malachi Toney — Toney is one of the country’s most explosive playmakers. The true freshman star is capable of flipping field position and creating scoring chances in an instant thanks to his game-changing speed.

Rueben Bain Jr. — Bain Jr. is a disruptive force on the defensive line whose power and burst off the edge make him a constant threat to opposing quarterbacks in high-leverage situations.

Ole Miss Rebels

Trinidad Chambliss — Chambliss didn’t start the season as Ole Miss’ starting quarterback, but his dynamic playmaking ability has elevated the team’s ceiling on offense and can make the necessary throws in tight windows as well.

Kewan Lacy — Lacy was one of the premier running backs in the country this season, as the Doak Walker finalist has racked up 1,464 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns in 14 games this campaign. 

Unique Features of State Farm Stadium

State Farm Stadium was built for moments like the Fiesta Bowl. As a longtime host of one of college football’s most iconic bowl games and a frequent College Football Playoff site, the venue is uniquely equipped to handle the sport’s biggest stages. The retractable roof and climate-controlled interior guarantee ideal playing conditions regardless of desert weather, while the stadium’s natural grass field is fully retractable—rolled outside for sunlight and precision maintenance—ensuring a pristine surface for postseason football.

With a seating capacity of more than 63,000 and steep sightlines that keep fans close to the action, State Farm Stadium delivers both comfort and intensity. Its modern amenities, premium club spaces, and expansive concourses create a high-end fan experience, while the building’s acoustics allow crowd noise to build as the stakes rise. Combined with warm January temperatures, easy access from Phoenix, and decades of Fiesta Bowl tradition, State Farm Stadium remains one of the most reliable and electric hosts for College Football Playoff games.

Fiesta Bowl Fan Experience and What to Know Before You Go

Attending the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium is a full-scale College Football Playoff event, combining bowl-game tradition with championship-level production and fan engagement.

Parking and Transit: State Farm Stadium is surrounded by multiple on-site parking lots that open hours before kickoff, but availability tightens quickly for marquee events like the Fiesta Bowl. Many fans choose to park in nearby Westgate Entertainment District garages, which offer dining, bars, and pregame gathering spots within walking distance. Rideshare services operate designated drop-off and pick-up zones to help streamline postgame traffic.

Food and Drinks: Concessions go beyond standard stadium fare, featuring Arizona-inspired options alongside classics like burgers, hot dogs, and nachos. Fans can find local craft beers, cocktails, and premium beverage selections throughout the stadium, with expanded menus and upscale dining available in club and suite areas.

Pre-Game Atmosphere: The Fiesta Bowl transforms the area around the stadium into a playoff fan festival. Expect organized tailgating, College Football Playoff fan zones, sponsor activations, live entertainment, merchandise booths, and photo opportunities well before kickoff, creating an immersive bowl-game atmosphere from arrival to opening kick.

Family-Friendly Options: State Farm Stadium’s wide, open concourses and excellent sightlines make it easy for families to navigate on game day. The climate-controlled interior ensures a comfortable experience for fans of all ages, regardless of weather, while pregame activities offer kid-friendly entertainment.

Stadium Policies: A clear bag policy is strictly enforced, and all guests must pass through security screening. Outside food and beverages are not permitted, and policies can vary for postseason events, so fans are encouraged to review official Fiesta Bowl and State Farm Stadium guidelines ahead of time.

How to Buy Miami vs. Ole Miss Fiesta Bowl Tickets on SeatGeek

Getting into the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl is easy with SeatGeek. Here’s how to secure your seats:

1. Search for the matchup Open the SeatGeek app or visit the website and search for “Fiesta Bowl.”

2. Explore all-in pricing Every listing shows the total price upfront, including fees—so there are no surprises at checkout.

3. Find your ideal seat Use filters to sort by price, section or Deal Score, and explore the interactive State Farm Stadium seating map to compare views across the lower bowl, club sections, and upper deck.

4. Check out with confidence Select your tickets, review the details, and complete checkout in just a few taps.

5. Get game-day ready Your tickets will appear instantly in the SeatGeek app under My Tickets, ready to scan at State Farm Stadium—no printing required.