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Pac-12 After Dark: Why Late-Night College Football Games Are a Blueprint Worth Copying

Pac-12 After Dark: Why Late-Night College Football Games Are a Blueprint Worth Copying
World Sports · 09:27:10 - Wednesday, 11 November 2026

The Pac-12 Conference's "After Dark" scheduling concept, featuring late-night kickoff times for West Coast games, has drawn attention as a model for maximizing television viewership and fan engagement. The strategy was highlighted during the Bucked Up LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, where the Boise State Broncos faced the Washington Huskies on December 13, 2025.

Boise State quarterback Max Cutforth (14) was among the players showcased in the primetime slot. The game, hosted by former NFL star Rob Gronkowski, exemplified the conference's commitment to late-night windows that cater to national audiences across time zones. Advocates argue the approach could be adopted by other conferences to expand college football's reach.

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