Where is fcs national championship

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: The FCS National Championship is the annual title game for NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) football, determining the national champion. It is currently held at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, with a multi-year contract running through the 2025 season. The 2023 championship was played on January 7, 2024, where South Dakota State defeated Montana 23-3 to win their second consecutive title.

Key Facts

The FCS National Championship has been held at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas since 2010, with a contract extending through 2025
The 2023 championship game on January 7, 2024 drew 19,727 fans and was televised on ABC
South Dakota State won the 2023 championship 23-3 over Montana, marking their second consecutive title
The FCS playoff system features 24 teams competing in a single-elimination tournament
The championship game typically occurs in early January, following the conclusion of the regular season and playoff rounds

Overview

The FCS National Championship is the culminating event of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season, determining the national champion through a playoff system. Established in 1978, this championship represents the highest level of competition for programs that operate with fewer athletic scholarships than the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The game has evolved significantly over its history, moving from various neutral sites to its current long-term home in Texas.

The championship emerged as the successor to the NCAA College Division championship, which began in 1973. Initially known as the NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship, it was renamed in 2006 when the NCAA rebranded Division I-AA as the Football Championship Subdivision. The tournament format has expanded multiple times, growing from just 4 teams in its inaugural year to the current 24-team bracket that provides opportunities for programs from across the country.

How It Works

The FCS National Championship is determined through a comprehensive playoff system that culminates in a single championship game.

Playoff Structure: The FCS playoffs feature 24 teams selected through a combination of automatic qualifiers and at-large bids. Ten conferences receive automatic bids for their champions, while the remaining 14 spots are filled by at-large selections determined by the NCAA Division I Football Committee. The tournament follows a single-elimination format with all games except the championship played at campus sites.
Selection Process: The selection committee evaluates teams based on their overall record, strength of schedule, head-to-head results, and performance against common opponents. The top 8 teams receive first-round byes, while seeds 9-24 compete in the opening round. The committee announces the playoff bracket on Selection Sunday, typically the Sunday after the regular season concludes in late November.
Championship Game: The championship game is played at a predetermined neutral site, currently Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. The game typically occurs in early January, following the semifinal rounds in mid-December. Unlike the regular season and earlier playoff rounds, the championship game is played at a neutral venue with equal ticket allocations for both participating schools.
Media Coverage: The championship game has been televised nationally since its inception, with current broadcast rights held by ESPN. The 2023 championship marked a significant milestone as it aired on ABC for the first time, reaching a broader audience. All playoff games are available through ESPN's family of networks, with streaming options on ESPN+.

Key Comparisons

Feature	FCS National Championship	FBS National Championship
Determination Method	24-team playoff tournament	4-team College Football Playoff (expanding to 12 in 2024)
Scholarship Limit	63 equivalency scholarships	85 full scholarships
Championship Venue	Fixed neutral site (Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX)	Rotating neutral sites among major stadiums
Tournament Format	Single-elimination with campus sites until final	Semifinals at rotating bowl sites, championship at separate venue
Historical Dominance	North Dakota State leads with 9 titles since 2011	Alabama leads with 6 titles in CFP era

Why It Matters

Program Development: The FCS National Championship provides a platform for programs to build national recognition and compete for championships outside the FBS structure. Schools like North Dakota State have used their championship success to increase enrollment applications by 30% and significantly boost athletic department revenue through increased merchandise sales and donor contributions.
Player Opportunities: The championship offers athletes at FCS programs the chance to compete on a national stage, with many players advancing to professional football. Since 2010, over 200 FCS players have been selected in the NFL Draft, including multiple first-round picks who participated in the championship game during their college careers.
Economic Impact: The championship generates substantial economic benefits for host communities, with Frisco, Texas reporting an average economic impact of $15-20 million per championship weekend. This includes hotel bookings, restaurant revenue, and local business activity that supports the regional economy during what is typically a slower tourism period.

The FCS National Championship continues to evolve as a premier event in college football, balancing tradition with innovation. With the current venue contract extending through 2025 and discussions about future expansion of the playoff format, the championship is positioned for continued growth. As media rights negotiations approach and fan engagement increases through digital platforms, the event will likely see enhanced exposure and potentially larger venues in coming years, solidifying its place in the college football landscape while maintaining the unique character that distinguishes FCS football from its FBS counterpart.