NFL Conference Championship Sunday: AFC & NFC Game Times

Championship Sunday NFL marks the most dramatic day of the postseason, deciding which two teams will advance to the Super Bowl. Featuring the AFC Championship Game and NFC Championship Game, this single Sunday delivers elite matchups, massive national viewership, and some of the most electric atmospheres in professional sports.

For fans searching for AFC Championship time, NFC Championship kickoff, or planning travel to experience playoff football at its highest level, this section breaks down how Championship Sunday works, what to expect from the schedule, and why it is one of the most sought-after weekends for NFL travel.

2026 AFC Championship

The 2026 AFC Championship matchup will feature New England Patriots at Denver Broncos in a single-elimination showdown. With the Super Bowl just one win away, the AFC Championship is one of the most anticipated events on the NFL calendar, drawing fans from across the United States and Canada to experience the intensity of Championship Sunday in person.

2026 NFC Championship

The 2026 NFC Championship Game is where everything comes down to one final Sunday. Played in Seattle, this winner-take-all matchup between Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks decides who represents the NFC in the Super Bowl. With a season on the line, the atmosphere is electric, the stakes are massive, and every play matters. For fans, the NFC Championship is one of the best opportunities to experience playoff football at its most intense before the spotlight shifts to the Super Bowl.

Each conference crowns its champion on Championship Sunday, with the winners advancing to the Super Bowl in Santa Clara.

AFC Championship Game Location

The 2026 AFC Championship Game will kick off at 3:05 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, where the Denver Broncos will host the New England Patriots. Denver’s Mile High Stadium, known for its altitude and passionate fan base, creates an intense playoff atmosphere as the Broncos look to punch their ticket to Super Bowl LX. The Patriots’ visit brings one of the league’s most storied franchises to the Mountain West, giving fans a dramatic backdrop for Championship Sunday in the Mile High City.

NFC Championship Game Location

Later that same Sunday, the 2026 NFC Championship Game will begin at 6:40 p.m. ET at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, where the Seattle Seahawks will host the Los Angeles Rams. Lumen Field’s reputation for deafening crowd noise and a raucous home environment makes it one of the toughest places to play in the NFL. With the Seahawks aiming to return to the Super Bowl and the Rams looking to cap a deep postseason run, this Pacific Northwest showdown promises one of the most electric atmospheres of the playoff season.

Fan Travel for the AFC Championship

Fan travel for the AFC Championship is centered on Denver, Colorado, where the Denver Broncos host the New England Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High. With a Super Bowl berth on the line, fans traveling to Denver know they are attending one of the most consequential games of the NFL season. The matchup brings together a top-seeded home team and one of the league’s most established playoff franchises, driving strong demand for tickets, flights, and downtown hotels. Championship Sunday in Denver delivers a packed stadium, national spotlight, and a city fully focused on one outcome, making it a priority trip for fans who want to be part of a defining playoff moment.

Fan Travel for the NFC Championship

The NFC Championship shifts the spotlight to Seattle, Washington, where the Seattle Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field. Seattle’s reputation for crowd intensity and home-field advantage adds another layer to an already high-stakes matchup. Fans traveling in for this game are met with limited ticket availability and fast-filling hotels as the city prepares for a winner-take-all showdown. With only one NFC game standing between these teams and the Super Bowl, the atmosphere in Seattle reflects the significance of the moment, making this one of the most sought-after playoff trips of the year.

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Travel Considerations for AFC & NFC Championship Games

Travel planning for Championship Sunday is more time-sensitive than any other point in the NFL postseason. With only two games played nationwide, demand concentrates quickly once the Divisional Round ends and host cities are confirmed. Hotels near the stadium and in downtown cores tend to sell out first, while flight prices rise sharply as soon as the matchups are set. Weather can also become a factor, particularly for outdoor stadiums in northern cities, adding another layer of uncertainty for last-minute planners.

For Canadian fans, additional preparation is essential. Valid passports, potential winter travel delays, and border-crossing timing should all be considered when building a travel plan. Booking accommodations and tickets together in advance helps reduce risk and ensures fans are positioned close to the action in high-demand cities. Traveling on game day is strongly discouraged, as weather or flight disruptions can easily derail plans for one of the most important games of the season.

Championship Sunday as the Gateway to Super Bowl Planning

Championship Sunday marks the exact moment the Super Bowl matchup becomes official, triggering immediate movement across the travel market. As soon as the AFC and NFC champions are crowned, demand for Super Bowl tickets, flights, and hotels spikes within hours, particularly among fans traveling with advancing teams. Prices adjust quickly, availability tightens, and options narrow as thousands of fans pivot from Conference Championship weekend directly into Super Bowl planning.

Many experienced fans treat Championship Sunday as a natural decision point. Attending the Conference Championship provides clarity, emotional investment, and momentum, allowing fans to move seamlessly into Super Bowl arrangements if their team advances. For those considering the full postseason journey, exploring Super Bowl travel options before Championship Sunday ensures better availability and reduces the pressure of making high-cost decisions in a compressed window.

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Why Championship Sunday Is a Bucket-List NFL Experience

From a fan perspective, Championship Sunday NFL represents the perfect balance between exclusivity and accessibility.

It offers:

• Higher stakes than earlier rounds
• Fewer games than Wild Card Weekend
• More realistic access than the Super Bowl

For many fans, attending an AFC or NFC Championship Game is the most authentic way to experience playoff football at its peak.

Frequently Asked Questions: Championship Sunday NFL

What is Championship Sunday in the NFL?

Championship Sunday is the day when the AFC Championship Game and NFC Championship Game are played, determining the two teams that advance to the Super Bowl.

What time is the AFC Championship Game?

The AFC Championship time is typically scheduled for the late afternoon, most often around 3:00 PM ET, though exact kickoff times can vary.

What time is the NFC Championship kickoff?

The NFC Championship kickoff is usually held in prime time, commonly around 6:30–6:40 PM ET, making it the final game of Championship Sunday.

Are Championship Sunday games good for travel?

Yes. Championship Sunday games are among the most popular for travel due to elite matchups, intense atmospheres, and direct Super Bowl implications.

Should I book Super Bowl travel before Championship Sunday?

Many fans monitor Championship Sunday closely and book Super Bowl travel immediately after their team advances, as prices and availability change rapidly.

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