Why is the CFB Championship on Monday?

The Road to the CFB Championship

Every year, college football's best teams compete in a grueling 12-game regular season, followed by conference championship games to determine who will represent their respective conferences in the College Football Playoffs (CFP). The CFP semifinals are held on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, with the winners facing off in the national championship game. But why is the CFB Championship game played on Monday instead of Saturday or Sunday, like most other major sporting events?

A Tradition-Rich Date

The College Football Championship game has been played on Monday since its inception in 2015, following the tradition of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship Game, which was also held on Monday night. The Monday night time slot for the championship game has become a tradition that fans and broadcasters have grown accustomed to. It's a unique and special event that stands out from the regular season and conference championship games.

Ratings Success

Playing the championship game on Monday night has been a ratings success for ESPN, which holds the television rights to the CFP. Monday Night Football is one of the most-watched programs on television, and the CFB Championship game has consistently drawn large audiences. In recent years, the championship game has been the most-watched college football game of the season and has even outdrawn some NFL games.

Avoiding NFL Competition

Another reason for the Monday night championship game is to avoid competition from the NFL. The NFL is the most popular sport in America, and its games typically draw much larger audiences than college football games. By playing the championship game on Monday night, ESPN and the CFP can ensure that the game will have the spotlight all to itself.

Giving Fans a Memorable Experience

The Monday night championship game also provides fans with a memorable experience. The game is often played in a neutral site stadium, which creates a unique and exciting atmosphere. Fans from both teams can travel to the game and enjoy the festivities surrounding the event. The Monday night time slot also allows fans to watch the game without having to worry about work or school the next day.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Playing the Championship Game on Monday

Benefits

• Avoids competition from the NFL
• Capitalizes on the popularity of Monday Night Football
• Gives fans a memorable experience
• Provides ESPN with a ratings bonanza

Drawbacks

• Forces players and coaches to adjust to an unusual schedule
• Reduces the amount of time fans have to celebrate the championship
• Makes it difficult for fans with work or school commitments to attend the game

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to play the CFB Championship game on Monday night is a matter of tradition, ratings, and fan experience. While there are some drawbacks to playing the game on Monday, the benefits outweigh the negatives. The Monday night championship game has become a staple of the college football season and is a unique and special event that fans look forward to each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the CFB Championship game played on Monday instead of Saturday or Sunday?

The CFB Championship game has been played on Monday since its inception in 2015, following the tradition of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship Game.

2. Does playing the championship game on Monday affect ratings?

Yes, playing the championship game on Monday night has been a ratings success for ESPN, which holds the television rights to the CFP.

3. What are the benefits of playing the championship game on Monday night?

Playing the championship game on Monday night allows ESPN to avoid competition from the NFL, capitalize on the popularity of Monday Night Football, give fans a memorable experience, and provide ESPN with a ratings bonanza.

4. What are the drawbacks of playing the championship game on Monday night?

Some drawbacks to playing the championship game on Monday night include forcing players and coaches to adjust to an unusual schedule, reducing the amount of time fans have to celebrate the championship, and making it difficult for fans with work or school commitments to attend the game.

5. Will the CFB Championship game ever be played on a Saturday or Sunday?

It’s possible that the CFB Championship game could be moved to Saturday or Sunday in the future, but there are no current plans to do so. The Monday night time slot has become a tradition that fans and broadcasters have grown accustomed to.