The city of Frisco recently announced will not host the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision Division I game in 2026 and 2027 due to planned renovations at Toyota Stadium, which are expected to take three years to complete. The 2025 will be in Frisco, but in the two years that follow, the championship will be held at at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville.
The Toyota Stadium Renovations Are Necessary And Beneficial
Since 2010, Frisco and Toyota Stadium have hosted the FCS Championship, the second-highest-level college football championship. But starting in 2025, Toyota Stadium will undergo extensive upgrades to expand its capacity and incorporate cutting-edge technology and modern amenities.
These renovations will boost seating capacity significantly, with a 175% increase in club seating, 58% in suite capacity and over 10% in overall stadium seating. The renovation plans include the addition of updated north, east and west entrances, and a distinctive roof structure designed to provide shade for guests throughout the venue. These rennovations will enable Toyota Stadium to host larger games and events, reflecting the growth in Frisco.
As Local Profile previously reported, on Sept. 17, 2024, the Frisco City Council approved a $182 million public-private partnership with FC Dallas to renovate Toyota Stadium, Major League Soccer's third-oldest soccer-specific stadium. FC Dallas will collaborate with HKS Architects and Manhattan Construction Group on the project. The renovation is expected to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2028.
2025 Plans For The Championship
The city of Frisco is anticipating a successful 2025 championship in January and is committed to ensuring a seamless transition to the next venue partner. The 2025 FCS Championship game will take place on Jan. 6, at 6 p.m. CST at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, airing live on ESPN.
But Will The Championship Return To Frisco?
“We made every effort to keep the event in Frisco by exploring alternative locations within the city,” said Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney in an official statement. “Looking ahead, we aim to secure a long-term extension to host the FCS Championship at Toyota Stadium once renovations are complete. We have shown the NCAA we will continue to invest in our infrastructure to optimize the game experience for the FCS Championship. This event was heavily considered in the stadium renovations, underscoring our commitment to offer the best game experience and facility.”
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