How To Watch the ReliaQuest Bowl
✦ Edited and fact-checked by Managing Editor Mike Strayer, our editorial lead with over 10 years of experience covering TV and sports.
Prep for the 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl
For many of us, this will always be the “Outback Bowl,” regardless of the name change. The ReliaQuest Bowl is a premier New Year’s Eve tradition played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. It consistently delivers a high-quality matchup between a ranked SEC team and a ranked Big Ten team, often serving as a lead-in to the bigger playoff games later in the day.
I love the “speed vs. power” narrative that consistently dominates the pre-game conversation here. You typically see a bruising Big Ten squad trying to slow down an athletic SEC opponent. It’s a classic college football contrast that rarely disappoints, and the pirate ship in the stadium end zone adds just the right amount of local flavor to the broadcast.
To kick off your New Year’s Eve with some elite football, here’s how to watch the 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl.
What channel shows the ReliaQuest Bowl?
The 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl will air live on ESPN. The game is set for Wednesday, December 31, at 12:00 p.m. ET.
You can also stream the game on ESPN Unlimited or with a TV provider login on the ESPN app. Since it’s a noon kickoff on a weekday, the mobile streaming option is a lifesaver for those stuck at the office.
Best TV plans for watching the ReliaQuest Bowl
To watch this game, you’ll need access to ESPN. Hulu + Live TV is my top choice because it bundles ESPN with Disney+ and ESPN+, giving you plenty of entertainment options for the kids while you focus on the game.
If you prefer a leaner package, Sling TV Orange is the most cost-effective way to get ESPN. It’s a simple, month-to-month service that lets you watch the bowl games without committing to a long-term cable contract.
How to watch the ReliaQuest Bowl FAQ
How can I watch the ReliaQuest Bowl for free?
You can watch the game for free by utilizing a free trial from a streaming provider such as YouTube TV or Fubo.
Can I stream the ReliaQuest Bowl on the ESPN app?
Yes, streaming is available on the ESPN app if you sign in with a TV provider or have an ESPN Unlimited subscription.
Where is the ReliaQuest Bowl played?
The game is played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
What conferences play in the ReliaQuest Bowl?
The bowl features a matchup between the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten Conference.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com editorial team researched the ReliaQuest 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.
