How To Watch the Sun Bowl
✦ Edited and fact-checked by Managing Editor Mike Strayer, our editorial lead with over 10 years of experience covering TV and sports.
Get ready for the 2025 Sun Bowl
The Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl is steeped in history. Tied for the second-oldest bowl game in existence, it’s played in a stadium literally carved into the rock of the Franklin Mountains in El Paso, Texas, where the sunset over the canyon walls can be iconic. Pretty sick, eh?
The game traditionally features an ACC team facing off against a Pac-12 legacy team, keeping an essential coast-to-coast football tradition alive. Plus, for my money, there is nothing quite like seeing the winning coach get doused in a bucket of Frosted Flakes instead of Gatorade (aka the Frosted Flake bath)—a branded tradition that never gets old.
Here is how to watch the 2025 Sun Bowl and its unique post-game celebration.
What channel shows the Sun Bowl?
The 2025 Sun Bowl airs live on CBS. Kickoff is set for Wednesday, December 31, at 2:00 p.m. ET.
Because it is on CBS, you can also stream the game live on Paramount+ if you have a premium subscription that includes live local TV.
Best TV plans for watching the Sun Bowl
Since the Sun Bowl is on a major broadcast network, the digital antenna is the undisputed champion of value. For a one-time cost, you can get CBS in crystal-clear HD for free. It’s the best way to watch without worrying about internet lag or monthly fees.
If you prefer a streaming route, Paramount+ is the most direct way to get the game online. Make sure you choose the plan that includes your local live CBS station. Alternatively, Fubo is a great aggregator that carries CBS alongside ESPN and other sports channels, giving you a complete bowl season package.
How to watch the Sun Bowl FAQ
How can I watch the Sun Bowl for free?
You can watch the Sun Bowl for free by using a digital antenna to tune into your local CBS affiliate.
Can I stream the Sun Bowl on the CBS app?
Yes, you can stream the game via the CBS Sports app or Paramount+ with a valid subscription.
Where is the Sun Bowl played?
The game is played at the Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas.
What conferences play in the Sun Bowl?
Traditionally, the Sun Bowl pits the ACC against the Pac-12. For the 2025 game, the Pac-12 representative comes from a pool of "legacy" schools. This allows former members (even those now in the Big Ten or Big 12) to still qualify for the bid.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com editorial team researched the Sun 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.
