The 20th Birmingham Bowl kicks off at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Protective Stadium. Teams are named Dec. 6, when tickets go on sale. Parking and bag rules.

The 20th Birmingham Bowl kicks off at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Protective Stadium. The matchup is not set yet. The bowl plans to name its two teams on Sunday, Dec. 6, the same day single-game tickets go on sale.

Last checked Nov. 3, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. The date and time come from the BJCC’s event page and Protective Stadium. We will add the teams, ticket prices and the bowl week schedule when they are announced.

2026 at a glance

  • When: 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29
  • Where: Protective Stadium, 1001 22nd St. N., downtown
  • TV: ESPN
  • Teams named: Sunday, Dec. 6
  • Tickets: public sale from Dec. 6 at birminghambowl.com
  • Questions: BJCC, 205-458-8400

Is it on this year?

Yes. The bowl announced the date in June, and the BJCC and Protective Stadium both list the 2026 game for Tuesday, Dec. 29, at 1 p.m. The game airs on ESPN, according to the bowl’s June announcement (PDF).

Who plays

Not decided yet. The bowl takes two teams from the SEC, the ACC or the American Conference, according to its announcement, and Protective Stadium describes the game as featuring “top teams from the SEC, ACC or other leading conferences.” The pairing depends on how the conference seasons end. The bowl plans to announce the teams on Sunday, Dec. 6. We will add them here that day.

Tickets

  • Single-game tickets go on sale to the public on Dec. 6 at birminghambowl.com, according to the bowl.
  • Ticket packages, reserved and premium, are sold through Dec. 4, according to the bowl’s 2026 ticket guide (PDF).
  • The BJCC sells tickets through its events page.

Prices for 2026 single-game tickets were not published when we checked. Buy from the bowl or the BJCC; resale sites set their own prices.

Parking and getting there

Protective Stadium is part of the BJCC downtown. The BJCC runs the lots and garages around it, from P1 at 1080 22nd St. N. and P4 at 917 22nd St. N., with 1,400 spaces, to P9 at 2000 11th Ave. N., the biggest, with 1,800 spaces, and the Boutwell Garage at 801 19th St. N., according to the BJCC’s directions and parking page.

  • Cashless. Every BJCC lot and garage takes cards only, and so do stadium concessions and merchandise. Visa gift cards are sold at Guest Services on the northwest corner of the concourse.
  • Reserve ahead. Parking for BJCC events can be bought at BJCCParking.com, usually from about two months out until 1 p.m. on event day. Availability varies by event.
  • Rideshare drop-off and pickup is on 9th Avenue North between 23rd and 24th streets.
  • Accessible parking is in every lot and garage, first come, first served, with a state placard or plate. The BJCC’s prepaid ADA passes do not apply to Protective Stadium events.
  • Gates: the South, Northwest and Northeast gates open for the game, according to the stadium’s event page.

Dec. 29 falls during Birmingham City Schools’ winter break, so expect lighter weekday school traffic but a full downtown. See getting around and road construction and closures before you go.

Bags

The BJCC bag policy applies at the stadium:

  • Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no bigger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches.
  • Non-clear bags only if smaller than 5 by 7 inches.
  • Diaper bags must be clear and meet the same size rule.
  • Medically necessary items are allowed after a security check.
  • Clear, reusable water bottles are allowed at Protective Stadium.

Tailgating and bowl week

The bowl sells tailgate packages and posts its shuttle and bowl week plans on birminghambowl.com, according to Protective Stadium. The 2026 bowl week schedule had not been published when we checked on Nov. 3.

What this means for you

  • Hold Dec. 29. Kickoff is 1 p.m. on a Tuesday.
  • Watch for Dec. 6. Teams are named and tickets go on sale that day.
  • Reserve parking through the BJCC once the matchup is set.

Related: things to do this month, holiday lights and Christmas events, New Year’s Eve in Birmingham and the Magic City Classic.

Frequently asked questions

When is the 2026 Birmingham Bowl?

Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Protective Stadium downtown, according to the BJCC and the stadium’s event pages. It is the 20th Birmingham Bowl.

Who is playing in the 2026 Birmingham Bowl?

The teams have not been picked. The bowl says it will match two teams from the SEC, the ACC or the American Conference, and it plans to announce them on Sunday, Dec. 6.

When do Birmingham Bowl tickets go on sale?

Single-game tickets go on sale to the public on Dec. 6 through birminghambowl.com, according to the bowl’s announcement. Ticket packages are sold through Dec. 4.

Where do I park for the Birmingham Bowl?

The BJCC runs the lots and garages around Protective Stadium. All are cashless, and spaces can be reserved ahead at BJCCParking.com. Rideshare drop-off and pickup is on 9th Avenue North between 23rd and 24th streets.

What bags are allowed at Protective Stadium?

Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no bigger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches, or a small non-clear bag under 5 by 7 inches, under the BJCC bag policy.