
College football’s biggest stage is set for a showdown that few could have predicted. No. 1 Indiana (15–0) and No. 10 Miami (13–2) will clash at Hard Rock Stadium in the CFP National Championship Game. One program is chasing a historic perfect season. The other is looking to reclaim its place atop the sport. With a national title on the line in South Florida and a matchup loaded with major storylines, this shapes up as one of the most highly anticipated games on the entire sports calendar in 2026.
Here are some key facts you need to know before the National Championship kicks off.
Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida
Average Resale Ticket Price on SeatGeek: Around $4,390
Cheapest Tickets on SeatGeek: You can get Indiana-Miami tickets at SeatGeek starting at $3,719.
Indiana is the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff, and its first two games have shown that that top seed has been more than deserving. Indiana demolished No. 9 Alabama 38-3 in the quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl before dismantling No. 5 Oregon in the semifinals at the Peach Bowl.
Miami has not looked as dominant as Indiana, but the Hurricanes have still ripped off three impressive wins. They pulled off upsets in the first two rounds over No. 7 Texas A&M and No. 2 Ohio State, and are coming off winning a 31-27 nailbiter over Ole Miss in the semifinals at the Fiesta Bowl.
Indiana is just one win away from its first national championship in program history, which would complete the greatest turnaround in college football history orchestrated by Curt Cignetti. Cignetti took over as Indiana’s head coach two years ago with the team coming off a 3-9 campaign and a program that hadn’t had a single double-digit win season in its 125-year existence. In Cignetti’s first two seasons, Indiana has gone 26-2 with a pair of CFP appearances.
Meanwhile, Miami is one of college football’s most storied programs, having won five national championships. The last one came back in 2001, with a dominant 37-14 victory over No. 2 Nebraska at the Rose Bowl capping off a perfect 12-0 campaign. Miami’s other national championships came in 1983, 1987, 1989 and 1991. Miami can become the first team to ever win an official national championship game at its home stadium with the 2026 title game taking place at Hard Rock Stadium.
Indiana and Miami have met two before, but both matchups were several decades ago. Indiana won the first battle 28-14 in 1964, with Miami then evening it up after a 14-7 triumph in 1966—with both of those meetings being played at Coral Gables, Florida.
From explosive skill-position talent to experienced quarterback play, these standout performers will play a major role in determining which program leaves Hard Rock Stadium with the national championship trophy.
Malachi Toney — Toney is the most exciting true freshman that college football has seen in some time, thanks to his game-breaking speed and field-flipping ability any time he touches the ball.
Carson Beck — Beck scored the game-winning touchdown with 18 seconds left in the CFP semifinals against Ole Miss, and the veteran quarterback has been Miami’s steady hand all season.
Fernando Mendoza — The Heisman Trophy winner has been the driving force behind Indiana’s historic run, elevating the Hoosiers’ offense with his poise, decision-making and ability to deliver in the biggest moments.
D’Angelo Ponds — A true difference-maker on defense, Ponds’ instincts and playmaking ability to create turnovers has lifted Indiana’s defense all season. In the CFP semifinals against Oregon, he put Indiana on the board on the game’s first play from scrimmage with a pick-six.
Hard Rock Stadium is purpose-built for showcase football events, making it an ideal stage for the CFP National Championship. Its open-air design with partial canopy coverage delivers a true outdoor football atmosphere while still providing shade and airflow, a rare combination that creates comfort without sacrificing the energy of a live crowd. In January, Miami’s warm weather pairs perfectly with this design, giving fans championship football in ideal conditions.
What truly sets Hard Rock Stadium apart is how its premium seating is integrated into the live game experience. Unlike traditional luxury setups that sit far above the field, many of the stadium’s most exclusive seats place fans closer to the action than ever. Field-level private boxes in the end zone allow guests to hear the collisions, cadence, and sideline communication, while midfield four-person boxes along the 35-yard line combine elite sightlines with personalized service and individual screens for replays—keeping fans locked into every snap without missing a moment.
With seating for more than 65,000 fans, wide concourses, modern technology, and a proven track record hosting College Football Playoff games, Super Bowls and major international events, Hard Rock Stadium is uniquely equipped to handle a national championship at the highest level. The result is a venue that blends scale, comfort, and immersion, which will ensure that the CFP title game feels just as special in the stands as it does on the field.
Attending the CFP National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium goes well beyond watching a football game — it’s an all-day event with a charged atmosphere that builds from the parking lots to the final whistle. With Miami playing for a title in its home stadium and Indiana fans traveling in massive numbers so far during the CFP, expect a crowd split that creates nonstop energy and volume from kickoff to confetti.
Hard Rock Stadium offers multiple on-site parking lots that open hours before kickoff, and those lots are expected to fill quickly for the National Championship. Tailgating will be active throughout the complex well before game time. Fans without parking passes often opt for nearby garages, shuttle options or designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up zones, which can help reduce postgame traffic delays.
Hard Rock Stadium offers more than typical stadium fare, giving fans a taste of South Florida’s flavors while watching the National Championship. Sol Cubano serves authentic Cuban sandwiches, Fuku brings chef-driven spicy fried chicken, and Shula Burger dishes up juicy gourmet burgers and sweet potato tots. Premium seating areas and club levels expand those offerings with upgraded menus, indoor lounges and faster service — a major perk during a high-demand championship event.
The National Championship transforms Hard Rock Stadium into a festival-style environment. Expect organized tailgates, CFP fan zones, live entertainment, sponsor activations, team merchandise, and photo opportunities throughout the day. Miami fans will bring a home-field edge, while Indiana supporters are expected to travel extremely well, creating a rare championship setting where both fan bases are loud, visible, and fully engaged.
A clear bag policy is strictly enforced, and all guests must pass through security screening before entry. Outside food and beverages are not permitted. Because postseason policies can differ from regular-season events, fans are encouraged to review official Hard Rock Stadium and CFP guidelines ahead of arrival.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of college football history. Getting into the National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium is simple, fast and totally stress-free with SeatGeek. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to secure your tickets:
1. Search for the matchup. Open the SeatGeek app or website and look up “CFP National Championship.”
2. See the total price upfront. Every listing shows all fees, so there are no surprises at checkout.
3. Pick your perfect spot. Filter by price, section or Deal Score, and explore the interactive stadium map to check views from the lower bowl, club level or upper deck.
4. Checkout in a flash. Select your tickets and complete your purchase in just a few taps.
5. Get game-day ready. Your tickets appear instantly in the SeatGeek app under My Tickets, ready to scan and step straight into the action.
Be there for the speed, the drama, and the unforgettable atmosphere of Indiana vs. Miami. This is one championship you don’t want to watch from home.
📁 Categories: College Football Playoff
🏷️ Tags: Miami Hurricanes, College Football National Championship Game, Miami, Hard Rock Stadium, Indiana Hoosiers