ACC Football Championship
2026

2025 ACC Championship Recap: Duke's Historic Victory

The 2025 ACC Championship Game delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in the event's history. Duke defeated No. 17 Virginia 27-20 in overtime on December 6, 2025, claiming the program's eighth ACC title and first outright championship since 1962. The Blue Devils, who entered as underdogs after navigating a five-team tiebreaker to reach Charlotte, controlled the game early with two of the longest scoring drives in championship game history.

Virginia mounted a stunning comeback, capping a 96-yard drive with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Chandler Morris to Eli Wood with just 22 seconds remaining to force overtime. In the extra period, Duke scored on fourth-and-goal when Darian Mensah found Jeremiah Hasley for the go-ahead touchdown. A roughing-the-passer penalty backed Virginia to the 40-yard line, and on the Cavaliers' first play, Luke Mergott intercepted a trick-play pass to seal Duke's championship.

ACC Championship Game Venue: Bank of America Stadium

Bank of America Stadium is located in Uptown Charlotte at 800 South Mint Street. The 75,000-seat venue offers excellent sightlines and a festive atmosphere for college football's biggest moments. The stadium has been the permanent home of the ACC Championship Game since 2010, with a contract extending through 2030. For official venue information, visit Panthers.com/stadium.

ACC Championship History and Records

Clemson holds the record with 22 overall ACC titles and nine ACC Championship Game victories. Florida State ranks second with 16 conference championships and five title game wins. Duke's 2025 victory gave them eight all-time ACC titles, moving past NC State into fourth place in conference history. The championship game format began in 2005 after the ACC expanded to 12 teams.

All-time ACC Championship Game victories:

• Clemson: 9 wins (2011, 2015-2020, 2022)
• Florida State: 5 wins (2005, 2012-2014, 2023)
• Virginia Tech: 4 wins (2007, 2008, 2010)
• Duke: 1 win (2025)
• Georgia Tech: 1 win (2009, vacated)
• Wake Forest: 1 win (2006)
• Louisville: 1 win (2024)

College Football Playoff Implications

The 12-team College Football Playoff adds significant stakes to the ACC Championship Game. The ACC Champion receives an automatic bid if ranked among the top five conference champions, guaranteeing a first-round bye and home playoff game. Even if the champion falls outside the top five conference champions, they remain in strong position for an at-large bid depending on their overall ranking.

How to Get to Bank of America Stadium

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is approximately 8 miles from the stadium. Uptown Charlotte offers multiple transportation options:

• LYNX Blue Line: Light rail service with stops near the stadium at Stonewall Station
• Rideshare: Designated pickup/dropoff zones on Mint Street and surrounding areas
• Parking: Multiple surface lots and parking decks within walking distance; advance purchase recommended

For Charlotte visitor information, see CharlottesGotALot.com.

ACC Fan Fest

The ACC Fan Fest at Romare Bearden Park is a free public event held the day before and morning of the championship game. Expect tailgate games, ACC mascot appearances, school marching bands, food trucks, a beer garden, and live entertainment. Check theACC.com for 2026 event details as they're announced.

Where to Stay Near Bank of America Stadium

Uptown Charlotte hotels within walking distance of the stadium include:

• Charlotte Marriott City Center: Official ACC Championship headquarters hotel
• Omni Charlotte Hotel: Connected to the Charlotte Convention Center
• Hilton Charlotte Center City: Steps from Romare Bearden Park
• Westin Charlotte: Located on the LYNX Blue Line

Book early—ACC Championship weekend is one of Charlotte's busiest hotel weekends of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions About ACC Championship 2026 Tickets

When is the 2026 ACC Football Championship Game?

The 2026 ACC Football Championship Game takes place on Saturday, December 5, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 12:00 PM ET (noon) at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The game will be broadcast nationally on ABC, making it the first conference championship game of Championship Saturday.

What time does the 2026 ACC Championship Game start?

Kickoff is at 12:00 PM ET (noon). This is a change from the traditional primetime slot, as the ACC Championship Game will now lead Championship Saturday as the first game of the day. Gates typically open 2-3 hours before kickoff.

Where is the 2026 ACC Championship Game being held?

The game is held at Bank of America Stadium in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina. The venue is located at 800 South Mint Street and has hosted the ACC Championship Game for 16 of the last 17 years under a contract extending through 2030.

Who won the 2025 ACC Championship Game?

Duke defeated Virginia 27-20 in overtime on December 6, 2025. It was Duke's first outright ACC championship since 1962. Quarterback Darian Mensah threw the game-winning touchdown to Jeremiah Hasley on fourth down in overtime, and Luke Mergott sealed the victory with an interception on Virginia's first overtime play.

How can I buy ACC Championship 2026 tickets?

Tickets are available through our verified resale marketplace. We connect fans with authenticated sellers offering competitive prices with all fees included upfront. All transactions are secure and backed by buyer protection, ensuring you receive valid tickets for entry.

Are resale tickets for the ACC Championship Game legitimate?

Yes, tickets purchased through reputable resale marketplaces like ours are legitimate. We verify all sellers and guarantee ticket authenticity. With over 20 years in business and top ratings on Trustpilot, we provide secure transactions with full buyer protection.

What are the best seats for the ACC Championship Game?

Lower-level sideline seats between the 20-yard lines offer the best views of the action. Club level sections provide comfortable seating with premium amenities. For budget-conscious fans, upper-deck corner sections still deliver an exciting gameday atmosphere at Bank of America Stadium.

Is there parking at Bank of America Stadium?

Yes, multiple parking options are available including surface lots and parking decks within walking distance of the stadium. The LYNX Blue Line light rail provides convenient access from various points in Charlotte, and rideshare services have designated pickup and dropoff zones on Mint Street.

What is Fan Fest at the ACC Championship?

ACC Fan Fest is a free public event held at Romare Bearden Park, one block from Bank of America Stadium. It typically runs the day before and the morning of the game, featuring tailgate games, ACC mascot appearances, school marching bands, food trucks, a beer garden, and live entertainment.

What TV channel will broadcast the 2026 ACC Championship Game?

The 2026 ACC Football Championship Game will air on ABC with a noon ET kickoff. This marks the 14th consecutive year the ACC title game has aired on ABC and the 18th time overall the game has been broadcast on the network.

Does winning the ACC Championship guarantee a College Football Playoff spot?

The ACC Champion receives an automatic bid to the 12-team College Football Playoff if they rank among the top five conference champions nationwide. This typically guarantees at least a first-round bye and home playoff game. Even champions ranked outside the top five remain strong candidates for at-large bids.

What is the weather typically like for the ACC Championship in Charlotte?

Charlotte typically experiences temperatures in the 40s to 50s°F in early December. Bank of America Stadium is an open-air venue, so fans should dress in layers. With the noon kickoff in 2026, temperatures may be slightly warmer than evening games in past years.

Can I tailgate before the ACC Championship Game?

Yes, tailgating is a major part of the ACC Championship experience. Lots around Bank of America Stadium open several hours before kickoff. The official ACC Fan Fest at Romare Bearden Park also provides a festive pregame atmosphere with food, drinks, and entertainment.

Which teams have won the most ACC Championship Games?

Clemson leads with nine ACC Championship Game victories (2011, 2015-2020, 2022). Florida State is second with five wins (2005, 2012-2014, 2023). Virginia Tech has four wins, and Duke, Georgia Tech (vacated), Wake Forest, and Louisville each have one championship game victory.

What hotels are recommended near Bank of America Stadium?

The Charlotte Marriott City Center is the official ACC Championship headquarters hotel, located steps from both the stadium and Romare Bearden Park. Other Uptown Charlotte hotels within walking distance include the Omni Charlotte Hotel, Hilton Charlotte Center City, and Westin Charlotte.