Inaugural Xbox Bowl Scheduled at Ford Center, Frisco, Texas
The inaugural Xbox Bowl is set to take place at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET. This exciting showdown marks the first college football bowl game sponsored by Xbox, featuring Missouri State University and Arkansas State University. Fans across the country can watch the live broadcast on ESPN2.
Event Details
This first-ever Xbox Bowl will see Missouri State, who is making its inaugural bowl appearance, clash with Arkansas State. The Red Wolves are vying for their third consecutive bowl appearance and have been bowl eligible 13 times since joining the FBS.
Teams and Key Players
- Arkansas State Red Wolves
- Junior QB: Jaylen Raynor
- Career Touchdowns: 49
- Single-Season Passing Completions: 316
- Missouri State Bears
- Senior QB: Jacob Clark
- Career Passing Yards: Over 7,500
- Touchdowns: 60
The matchup is significant for both teams. Missouri State concluded its inaugural season in Conference USA with a 7-5 record, tying for fourth place in their league. The Bears enjoyed a notable season, including a victory over the previous Sun Belt champion, Marshall.
Title Sponsorship and Experience
Xbox’s sponsorship aims to enhance the bowl game experience with engaging, themed moments for fans. Sean Johnson, Executive Director of the Xbox Bowl, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the alignment of Xbox’s energy with college football’s vibrant atmosphere. Chris Lee, Vice President of Xbox Marketing, echoed this sentiment, envisioning a memorable experience for fans attending in person or watching remotely.
Location and Venue
The Ford Center, part of the 91-acre Star campus in Frisco, Texas, will host this prestigious event. This arena features a seating capacity of 12,000, making it an ideal venue for exciting college football action.
Postseason Insights
The Xbox Bowl replaces the previous Bahamas Bowl, continuing ESPN Events’ tradition of hosting college football bowl games. This new addition joins a network of 17 postseason games aimed at celebrating and promoting collegiate athletics.
For more information about Xbox Bowl tickets and updates, fans can visit El-Balad.
Conclusion
The inaugural Xbox Bowl promises to be a memorable event in the college football calendar. With Xbox’s innovative approach and two competitive teams, this bowl game aims to deliver unforgettable moments for fans and participants alike.
