Christmas Eve, a day traditionally associated with family gatherings and festive cheer, is also shaping up to be a potential date for some thrilling college football matchups in 2024. While the specific schedule isn't yet finalized so far out, the possibility of games on December 24th offers exciting prospects for both players and fans. This post will explore the potential for Christmas Eve games, look at past instances of holiday football, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Will There Be College Football Games on Christmas Eve 2024?
This is the million-dollar question! As of October 26, 2023, the official college football schedule for the 2024 season is not yet released. The announcement of the complete schedule typically happens closer to the start of the season, usually in the spring or summer. Several factors influence the scheduling decisions, including bowl game selections, conference game arrangements, and television broadcasting rights.
However, given the popularity of college football and the potential for high viewership on a holiday like Christmas Eve, it's entirely possible that at least one game, and perhaps more, could be played on December 24th, 2024.
What Are the Chances of College Football Games on Christmas Eve?
The chances are reasonably good, although not guaranteed. The networks are always looking for high-profile matchups to air on holidays, and college football often delivers those. The potential for attracting a large audience due to the holiday itself makes Christmas Eve a desirable slot for broadcasters. Ultimately, the final decision rests with the conferences and the NCAA, in conjunction with television networks.
To stay updated, it's best to regularly check the official websites of the NCAA, individual conferences (SEC, Big Ten, Pac-12, etc.), and major sports networks like ESPN and Fox.
What Games Have Been Played on Christmas?
While Christmas Day games are less common than other holidays, there have been instances of college football played around the Christmas period, often in bowl games. The exact dates and specifics of these games are often difficult to track down without extensive research specific to each year. However, the existence of past Christmas-adjacent games strengthens the potential for 2024. Finding historical data on past Christmas Eve college football games might require delving into college football archives and historical records.
What Time Would a Christmas Eve College Football Game Be Played?
The game time would depend on several factors, including the television network broadcasting the game and the geographical locations of the participating teams. It's likely that a Christmas Eve game would be scheduled for an afternoon or early evening kickoff to accommodate a large television audience and allow viewers to enjoy the rest of their holiday evening.
Are There Any Advantages to Playing on Christmas Eve?
Playing on Christmas Eve could offer several advantages. For the participating teams, it can provide valuable national exposure and the opportunity to play in a high-profile game. For the networks, it offers the potential for large viewership numbers, potentially boosting advertising revenue. For fans, it offers the chance to enjoy a festive day of football.
Could Christmas Eve Games Impact Holiday Plans?
The possibility of a Christmas Eve game might affect the holiday plans of some fans, particularly those traveling to attend the game or those whose family traditions involve specific Christmas Eve activities. However, this is likely to be a relatively small percentage of the overall population.
Conclusion:
While nothing is definitive until the official 2024 schedule is released, the potential for Christmas Eve college football games is certainly exciting. Keep checking the official sources mentioned above for the latest updates and prepare for a potentially festive and football-filled Christmas season!
