College Football Brasil will mark the first-ever American FBS college football game played in South America. The event will showcase American college football on a global stage, bringing together student-athletes, fans, and communities across two continents.

The name hybrid naming convention, College Football Brasil, intentionally combines English and Portuguese. “College Football” from the English language, and “Brasil,” using the native Portuguese spelling, reflects the spirit of cultural connection at the core of this event. Together, the words College Football and Brasil highlight the blend of tradition and innovation, where American football intersects with Brazilian culture, in an event that honors competition, connection, and the global reach of the game.

The native language in Brazil is Portuguese, and in Portuguese, Brazil (US) is spelled with an ‘s.’

College Football Brasil is powered by Athlete Advantage in partnership with Brasil Sports Business, and with the full support of the Governor of the Rio de Janeiro State, Claudio Castro, and the city of Rio de Janeiro through the Mayor Eduardo Paes.

Rio is one of the world’s premier sports cities, known for hosting the FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games, Copa America, and National Football League (NFL) games. Its world-class infrastructure, vibrant culture, and football passion make it the ideal host for this historic event. The city was selected for its international prestige, stadium quality, and ability to host large-scale events safely and efficiently.

College Football Brasil will be held at Nilton Santos Stadium (Engenhão) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The address is as follows, R. José dos Reis, 425 – Engenho de Dentro, Rio de Janeiro, – RJ, 20770-001, Brazil.

College Football Brasil will take place on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026. The kickoff time will be determined as we get closer to the game.

The historic matchup features two ACC teams, NC State and UVA.

The UVA will be classified as the home team, and NC State will be the away team for this matchup.

Teams were chosen based on brand reach, competitive profile, and audience interest.

Yes, it is an official regular-season NCAA football matchup hosted in Rio de Janeiro to celebrate the global reach of college athletics, sportsmanship, and cultural exchange.

Rio de Janeiro is on Brasília Standard Time (BRT), which is two hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST) and one hour ahead of Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

According to data obtained from The Weather Channel, the average temperature in Rio during the weekend of the game will be a high of 78 degrees and a low of 66 degrees Fahrenheit. Please check for weather updates as we get closer to the game date.

The most common airport to fly into is the Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG). Direct flights from the United States are available from Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, and New York. Connecting flights are available from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Dulles International Airport (IAD).

The safety of the participating university student-athletes, coaches, personnel and fans is the number one priority for event organizers and U.S. and Brazilian government
authorities.

The US Consulate, in partnership with the State Department, is coordinating safety measures for the College Football Brasil event and American tourism related to it.

In alignment with the U.S. and Brazilian authorities, comprehensive safety and medical protocols are being designed to ensure a safe and memorable event and experience.

Prior to the event, the State Department will issue a FAQ on travel in Brazil, a Do’s and Don’ts While Traveling Guide and a Key Contact List. Detailed event and game-day security will be provided to participating universities and their student-athletes, coaches, personnel, and fans prior to leaving the U.S.

Athlete Advantage is actively collaborating with the American Conference and FBS universities to arrange matchups, events, and experiences abroad.

The game will air nationally on one of ESPN’s linear cable networks. Plans for digital streaming across one of the ESPN platforms is in discussion.

The game in Rio reflects how college football is changing, balancing competition, education, NIL innovation, and global connection. It shows that the next chapter of college football will be international, inclusive, and full of opportunity.

University Ticket Sales: Participating universities will open an exclusive presale window

for tickets and fan packages on Dec. 1, 2025. Fans may purchase priority tickets and packages through their respective ticket office links or by visiting www.CollegeFootballBrasil.com, which will direct them to their school fan ordering page.

Public Ticket Sales: Tickets will go on sale to the public on Dec. 15, 2025, through www.ticketmaster.com.br/.

Fan experience: Travel packages, cultural events, and VIP hospitality will be available at CollegeFootballBrasil.com.

• For more information, visit CollegeFootballBrasil.com or contact participating universities.

Yes. Fan packages will be customized and feature the ultimate Brazilian experience, including hotels, transportation, event packages, and game tickets. All packages will be available through our official website at www.CollegeFootballBrasil.com, or participating universities. Once you are on the website, please choose your country of origin to be directed to your home site.

Yes. There will be several premium seating options, including suites, club seating, and field-level access.

Pregame hospitality options will range from VIP, all-inclusive food and beverage to festive a la carte tailgate areas.

Further information can be found through your participating ticketing channels and CollegeFootballBrasil.com.

All ticket sales are final with the exception of event cancellation or postponement. Review terms and conditions before purchasing.

The process of ticket distribution and sales will be seamlessly coordinated with each participating university’s ticket office and Ticketmaster. Season ticket details will be handled on a university-by-university basis. Please contact the ticketing representative at your participating university for more details.

Yes. Each university will have dedicated fan sections to ensure supporters can sit together and celebrate their team. Tickets purchased through each university will be grouped in sections together. Details on seating assignments and ticket availability will be shared when public sales open.

Nilton Santos Stadium (Engenhão) is located at the following address, R. José dos Reis, 425 – Engenho de Dentro, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20770-001, Brazil.

Nilton Santos Stadium is the home of Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas of the Brazilian Serie A. The stadium has also hosted numerous world-class events, including the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

Nilton Santos Stadium features an artificial turf playing surface, which utilizes FieldTurf’s Vertex CORE system. This playing surface is used by multiple FBS college football teams, including Georgia Tech University, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Wyoming, to name a few.

The current capacity at Nilton Santos Stadium is listed at 44,661. Renovations to the stadium is expected to include suites, on-field access, and an overall increase in stadium capacity to approximately 50,000 seats.

Outside food or drinks, large bags, drones, and professional camera equipment. Full policies will be posted before the event.

The safety of the participating university student-athletes, coaches, personnel and fans is the number one priority for event organizers and U.S. and Brazilian government authorities.

The US Consulate, in partnership with the State Department, is coordinating safety measures for the College Football Brasil event and American tourism related to it.

Additionally, event organizers are working with local government, municipal authorities, and private security within the stadium and surrounding areas to ensure a safe and memorable experience.

Yes. Way-finding signage as pertaining to College Football Brasil adjacent events, will be in English, while the existing stadium signage will be in Portuguese. Any PA announcements will be done in both English and Portuguese.

A competitive and exciting matchup, and an entertaining American collegiate football game-day atmosphere featuring marching bands, cheerleaders, and tailgate-style food and fun blended with Brazilian culture.

There will also be a Friday night concert, featuring a major headliner yet to be announced, in conjunction with the game on Saturday.

Yes. There will be a tailgate event which will include VIP areas with local cuisine, tailgate-style food and beverage, and big screen televisions designed to directly replicate the college football pregame experience.

Yes. Each university will host both a welcome reception and an alumni event. networking sessions. Details will be determined and announced at a later date.

Yes. The designated “home” team retains its conference, uniform, and operational status.

This initiative provides student-athletes with a once-in-a-lifetime experience representing their institution internationally, increasing the university’s global brand, and connecting alumni and fans worldwide.

Yes. It’s an official regular-season contest recognized by the NCAA and ACC conference standings.

Student-athlete academic success is a priority for participating universities and event organizers. Academic schedules are being coordinated to minimize disruption for student-athletes. Study, support, and tutoring will be available during travel.

Yes. Each university will send select members from their cheer, band and mascot programs to preserve the traditional college atmosphere. Both the University of Virginia and NC State programs will share the halftime performance.

Universities gain global brand expansion, access to new alumni markets, international sponsorship opportunities, along with increased exposure and resources for their student-athletes.

In the new era of NIL and revenue sharing, universities are seeking innovative ways to increase visibility and resources for their student-athletes and programs. Expanding college football in front of a global audience, tapping into new alumni markets, gaining international sponsorship exposure, and improving recruiting opportunities are just a few of the key reasons to grow the university’s brands beyond the United States.

The event is expected to generate added tourism revenue for Rio, create local jobs, and promote international sports tourism.

Yes, sponsorships and partnerships are available for the game and adjacent events. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Russell White, russ@athleteadvantage.com.

The game will air nationally on one of ESPN’s linear cable networks. Plans for digital streaming across one of the ESPN platforms is also being discussed.

Broadcasts will follow full U.S. network standards with international distribution quality, replay systems, and on-field media coordination.

The US social media handles are @CFB_Brasil_US

The Brazilian social media handles are @collegefootball_brasil

The official website is www.CollegeFootballBrasil.com. Once you are on the website landing page, please choose your country of origin to be directed to your home site.

Playing internationally increases exposure, helping student-athletes grow their audiences, digital followings, and endorsement opportunities across two continents.

Yes, in accordance with the NCAA, the college sports commission (NIL-Go), and local compliance and guidelines. Each university’s compliance department will ensure that its student-athletes’ activities comply with the regulations.

Select partners may collaborate with student-athletes through compliant NIL-Go activations, co-branded content, and cause-based initiatives that highlight community and leadership.

Recruits increasingly prioritize visibility and life experience. International events showcase institutional innovation, leadership, and dedication to athlete development outside of sport.

Athlete Advantage Brand & Public Affairs:

Carrie Cecil, carrie@anachel.com

Hunter Ruetz, hunter@anachel.com

Brazil Event Media Relations:

Leonardo Simoes, leonardo@pressfc.com.br

Atlantic Coast Conference Communications:

Amy Yakola, ayakola@theacc.org

NC State Athletics:

Anabelle Myers, amyers@ncsu.edu

University of Virginia Athletics:

Scott Fitzgerald, sjf5c@virginia.edu