How To Watch the Rate Bowl: New Mexico vs. Minnesota
✦ Edited and fact-checked by Managing Editor Mike Strayer, our editorial lead with over 10 years of experience covering TV and sports.
The run up to the 2025 Rate Bowl
The Rate Bowl (formerly the Guaranteed Rate Bowl) carries on the legacy of the old “Cactus Bowl,” bringing the Big 12 and Big Ten together in the desert. Played at Chase Field in Phoenix—home of the MLB’s Diamondbacks—this game is another entry in the “football in a baseball stadium” genre. However, unlike Yankee Stadium, Chase Field has a retractable roof, ensuring perfect conditions regardless of the weather outside.
But this year, a Mountain West team will play in place of the traditional Big 12 team. Due to Iowa State declining a bowl invitation, it’ll be New Mexico vs. Minnesota facing off.
I always circle this game on my calendar because it has a history of being an offensive shootout. The controlled climate and the late-season form of the teams often lead to high-scoring affairs. It’s a perfect late-afternoon watch that bridges the gap between Christmas and New Year’s, giving you exciting football while you recover from all your holiday feasting.
Here is how to watch the 2025 Rate Bowl live.
What channel shows the Rate Bowl?
You can watch the 2025 Rate Bowl live on ESPN. Kickoff is scheduled for Friday, December 26, at 4:30 p.m. ET.
For streaming, the game is available on the ESPN app through a TV provider login or an ESPN Unlimited subscription, making it easy to watch if you are still at work or traveling on the day after Christmas.
Best TV plans for watching the Rate Bowl
Since this is an ESPN game, you need a subscription. Sling TV (Orange) is my go-to recommendation for budget-conscious fans. It gets you ESPN for the lowest monthly price on the market, which is perfect if you just want to catch the bowl games.
If you want a more complete entertainment package, Hulu + Live TV is hard to beat. It offers all the local channels and sports networks you need, plus a cloud DVR with unlimited storage so you can record the game and fast-forward through commercials later.
How to watch the Rate Bowl FAQ
How can I watch the Rate Bowl for free?
You can watch the Rate Bowl for free by signing up for a free trial of a live TV streaming service like Fubo or YouTube TV.
Can I stream the Rate Bowl on the ESPN app?
Yes, you can stream the game on the ESPN app by authenticating with your TV provider or ESPN Unlimited credentials.
Where is the Rate Bowl played?
The game is played at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.
What conferences play in the Rate Bowl?
The game features a matchup between the Big 12 Conference and the Big Ten Conference.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com editorial team researched the Rate 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.
