How To Watch the Celebration Bowl: South Carolina State vs. Prairie View A&M
Get ready for the 2025 Celebration Bowl
The Cricket Celebration Bowl isn’t just another postseason exhibition. It’s the de facto HBCU National Championship. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, this game holds a unique spot in the college football landscape.
It’s the only bowl game featuring FCS teams, and this year will pit South Carolina State against Prairie View A&M.
While other FCS programs chase a playoff bracket, these two teams will meet in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They’re playing for a lucrative payout, massive bragging rights, and a national spotlight.
I know how frustrating it can be to hunt for broadcast details when you just wanna watch the game. To help you skip the search, I’ve compiled everything you need to know, from the channel to the best streaming apps.
What channel shows the Celebration Bowl?
You can watch the 2025 Celebration Bowl live on ABC on Saturday, December 13. The game kicks off at noon ET.
Because this is a national broadcast on a major network, you likely already have access to the game without realizing it. ABC is available on almost every cable, satellite, and live TV streaming package. Local ABC affiliates also broadcast the game over the air for free in most U.S. markets.
Best TV plans for watching the Celebration Bowl
Since the Celebration Bowl is airing on ABC this year, my top recommendation is actually the cheapest one: get a digital antenna. If you live near a broadcast tower, a one-time purchase of a decent antenna will let you pull in the high-definition feed of the game for free. It’s the most reliable way to watch without worrying about internet lag or monthly subscription fees.
If you prefer a streaming route or need a more robust channel lineup for the rest of bowl season, I recommend looking at Hulu + Live TV. It carries your local ABC affiliate in almost every market and includes the entire ESPN family of networks. This is crucial because while the game is on ABC, the post-game coverage and other HBCU sports content often spill over onto ESPN or ESPN+.
For those on a tighter budget who still want a streaming subscription, Sling TV is usually my go-to, but it is tricky with ABC. Sling carries ABC only in select markets, so you have to verify your zip code first. If you are outside those areas, YouTube TV is a safer bet for consistent local channel coverage, ensuring you do not miss a second of the 10th-anniversary showdown.
How to watch the Celebration Bowl FAQ
How can I watch the Celebration Bowl for free?
You can watch the Celebration Bowl for free by connecting a digital antenna to your TV to pick up the local ABC broadcast. Otherwise, try a free trial from a streaming service like Fubo or YouTube TV.
Can I stream the Celebration Bowl on the ESPN app?
Yes, you can stream the game on the ESPN app. But you must log in with a valid TV provider account (cable, satellite, or streaming) to authenticate your access.
Where is the Celebration Bowl played?
The game is played annually at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
What conferences play in the Celebration Bowl?
The game features the conference champions from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) competing for the HBCU National Championship.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com editorial team researched the Celebration Bowl’s official broadcast rights and cross-referenced them with the channel lineups of every major TV provider. We then selected our viewing recommendations based on our hands-on testing, identifying the most cost-effective and straightforward ways for you to watch the game.
To learn more about our methods, check out our How We Rank page.
