For the first time in College Football Playoff history, the fans are taking the field, at least in spirit.
The CFP and Shaw Sports Turf announced on Wednesday a new nationwide fan vote that will determine the look of the Playoff Fan Central field, the centerpiece of the popular three-day fan festival held ahead of the national championship game. Beginning today, fans can visit the CFP’s social media channels to choose from four turf design concepts, with the winning look set to be unveiled in Miami this January.
The designs were developed in partnership with graphic design and social media content creator, ‘The Graphic God’, who has a reputation for creative, out-of-the-box ideas.
The initiative marks a first for the College Football Playoff, giving fans creative control over one of its most visible installations. The winning design will be installed at Playoff Fan Central, part of the festivities leading up to the title game on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium.
“We are thrilled to welcome Shaw Sports Turf back and to give fans a unique opportunity to shape the look of the Playoff Fan Central field,” said Ryan Allen Hall, senior director of public events and sponsorship at the CFP. “This year’s activations will elevate the experience for both fans and athletes alike.”
The move deepens the partnership between the CFP and Shaw Sports Turf, which returns for a third consecutive year as The Official Synthetic Turf Provider of the College Football Playoff. Shaw will also provide turf for the Allstate Championship Tailgate, another fan-focused event outside the stadium on game day.
“This is all about giving fans a way to be part of the celebration,” said Chuck McClurg, president of Shaw’s turf division. “They bring the energy every season, and now they get to leave their mark on one of the most exciting weekends in college football.”
Playoff Fan Central has become a staple of championship week, a massive, family-friendly event filled with interactive games, live entertainment, and special appearances from college football legends, and now a fan-first initiative.
To vote on this year’s addition of a fan-chosen field design, fans must follow Shaw Sports Turf and the College Football Playoff on Instagram and select their favorite field on the website.
You can VOTE NOW on your favorite field design here, and maybe you could see the winning field take shape in Miami as the countdown to college football’s biggest game begins.
