Pop-Tarts Bowl

The Pop-Tarts Bowl, one of the most uniquely branded and exciting college football bowl games, is held annually in Orlando, Florida, at the Camping World Stadium. Known for its fun, fan-friendly atmosphere and creative tie-ins with its sponsor, the Pop-Tarts Bowl is a highlight of the postseason, featuring thrilling matchups between top teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and the Big 12 Conference.

The Pop-Tarts Bowl is owned and operated by Florida Citrus Sports, the non-profit that also operates the Citrus Bowl and the Florida Classic, and has undergone several name changes since its inception in 1990 as the Blockbuster Bowl. Over the years, various sponsors have shaped its identity, including:

  • Blockbuster Bowl (1990–1993): The inaugural name, sponsored by the video rental giant.
  • CarQuest Bowl (1994–1997): Reflecting a new sponsorship by the automotive parts company.
  • MicronPC Bowl (1998–2000): Highlighting a tech-focused sponsor.
  • Florida Citrus Sports Bowl (2001): A brief return to a more regionally inspired name.
  • Champs Sports Bowl (2004–2011): Named for the sporting goods retailer.
  • Russell Athletic Bowl (2012–2016): Sponsored by the athletic apparel brand.
  • Camping World Bowl (2017–2019): Reflecting the outdoor lifestyle retailer.
  • Cheez-It Bowl (2020–2023): Infused with the humor and charm of the popular snack brand.
  • Pop-Tarts Bowl (2024–present): The current name, emphasizing the playful and nostalgic connection to the breakfast pastry.

The Pop-Tarts Bowl features matchups between teams from the ACC and Big 12, two conferences known for their dynamic play styles and passionate fanbases. The game often includes teams just outside College Football Playoff contention, resulting in highly competitive matchups.

One of the hallmarks of the Pop-Tarts Bowl is its lively and interactive fan experience. From tailgating festivities to creative activations involving the Pop-Tarts brand, the game is as much about entertainment as it is about football. Fans often enjoy giveaways, themed activities, and an atmosphere that embraces the joy and nostalgia of the iconic toaster pastry.

The Pop-Tarts Bowl is an integral part of Orlando’s sports and tourism industry, drawing fans from across the country and providing national exposure for the city. Its proximity to world-renowned attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando adds to its appeal as a travel destination for attendees.

 

Past Pop-Tarts Bowl teams & scores

  • 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl – Iowa State 42 – Miami (FL) 41 – December 28, 2024
  • 2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl – Kansas State 28 – NC State 19 – December 28, 2023
  • 2022 Cheez-It Bowl – Florida State 35 – Oklahoma 32 – December 29, 2022
  • 2021 Cheez-It Bowl – Clemson 20 – Iowa State 13 – December 29, 2021
  • 2020 Cheez-It Bowl – Oklahoma State 37 – Miami (FL) – December 29, 2020
  • 2019 Camping World Bowl – Notre Dame 33 – Iowa State 9 – December 28, 2019
  • 2018 Camping World Bowl – Syracuse 34 – West Virginia 18 – December 28, 2018
  • 2017 Camping World Bowl – Oklahoma State 30 – Virginia Tech 21 – Dec. 28, 2017
  • 2016 Russell Athletic Bowl – Miami (FL) 31 – West Virginia 14 – December 28, 2016
  • 2015 Russell Athletic Bowl – Baylor 49 – North Carolina 38 – December 29, 2015
  • 2014 Russell Athletic Bowl – Clemson 40 – Oklahoma 6 – December 29, 2014
  • 2013 Russell Athletic Bowl – Louisville 36 – Miami (FL) 9 – Dec. 28
  • 2012 Russell Athletic Bowl – Virginia Tech 13 – Rutgers 10 – Dec. 28
  • 2011 Champs Sports Bowl – Florida State 18 – Notre Dame 14 – Dec. 29
  • 2010 Champs Sports Bowl – NC State 23 – West Virginia 7 – Dec. 28, 2010
  • 2009 Champs Sports Bowl – Wisconsin 20 – Miami 14 (FL) – Dec. 29, 2009
  • 2008 Champs Sports Bowl – Florida State 42 – Wisconsin 13 – Dec. 27, 2008
  • 2007 Champs Sports Bowl – Boston College 34 – Michigan St. 31 – Dec. 28, 2007
  • 2006 Champs Sports Bowl – Maryland 24 – Purdue 7 – Dec. 29, 2006 ESPN
  • 2005 Champs Sports Bowl – Clemson 19 – Colorado 10 – Dec. 27, 2005
  • 2004 Champs Sports Bowl – Georgia Tech 51 – Syracuse 14 – Dec. 21, 2004
  • 2003 Mazda Tangerine Bowl – NC State 56 – Kansas 26 – Dec. 22, 2003
  • 2002 Mazda Tangerine Bowl – Texas Tech 55 – Clemson 15 – Dec. 23, 2002
  • 2001 Visit Florida Tangerine Bowl – Pittsburgh 34 – NC State 19 – Dec. 20, 2001
  • 2000 MicronPC.com Bowl – NC State 38 – Minnesota 30 – Dec. 28, 2000
  • 1999 Micron PC Bowl – Illinois 63 – Virginia 21 – Dec. 30, 1999
  • 1998 Micron PC Bowl – Miami (FL) 46 – NC State 23 – Dec. 29, 1998
  • 1997 Carquest Bowl – Georgia Tech 35 – West Virginia 30 – Dec. 29, 1997
  • 1996 Carquest Bowl – Miami (FL) 31 – Virginia 21 – Dec. 27, 1996
  • 1995 Carquest Bowl – N. Carolina 20 – Arkansas 10 – Dec. 30, 1995
  • 1994 Carquest Bowl – S. Carolina 24 – W. Virginia 21 – Jan. 2, 1995
  • 1993 Blockbuster Bowl – Boston College 34 – Virginia 13 – Jan. 1, 1994
  • 1992 Blockbuster Bowl – Stanford 24 – Penn State 3 – Jan. 1, 1993
  • 1991 Blockbuster Bowl – Alabama 30 – Colorado 25 – Dec. 28, 1991
  • 1990 Sunshine Classic – Florida St 24 – Penn St 17 – Dec. 28, 1990