Belk Bowl
2026
The Mayo Bowl kicks off in…
Your independent guide to the best live sports in Charlotte! This website is operated by a ticket broker.
Ticket prices are set by third-party sellers and may be above or below face value.
We are not affiliated with nor endorsed by the Belk Bowl.
Duke's Mayo Bowl 2026: Wake Forest vs Mississippi State
The Duke's Mayo Bowl 2026 brings an exciting ACC vs. SEC showdown to Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Friday, January 2, 2026. The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (8-4) face the Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-7) at 8:00 PM ET on ESPN, continuing the bowl's tradition of featuring top programs from both conferences.
Formerly known as the Belk Bowl, this Charlotte classic has been the Duke's Mayo Bowl since 2020. The 24th edition brings the beloved mayo dump tradition, exciting pregame events, and competitive college football to the Queen City. For the first time since 2021, the bowl features both an ACC and SEC team.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons: Building Under Dickert
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons finished 8-4 in head coach Jake Dickert's first season in Winston-Salem. Notable victories included wins over Virginia and SMU. Charlotte is a home away from home for Wake Forest football. The Deacons have played more games in the Queen City than anywhere else outside their home stadium. Follow the Deacons at GoDeacs.com.
Mississippi State Bulldogs: First Bowl Under Lebby
The Mississippi State Bulldogs earned their 27th bowl appearance in program history and the first under second-year head coach Jeff Lebby. Despite finishing 5-7, Mississippi State received a bowl invitation after Notre Dame, Kansas State, and Iowa State opted out of postseason play. Follow the Bulldogs at HailState.com.
Bank of America Stadium
Bank of America Stadium, home of the NFL's Carolina Panthers, provides a world-class venue for college football's bowl season. Located in Uptown Charlotte, the stadium offers excellent sightlines and modern amenities.
Get Your Duke's Mayo Bowl 2026 Tickets
Secure your Duke's Mayo Bowl 2026 tickets through our trusted resale marketplace. We connect fans with verified sellers offering authentic tickets at competitive prices with all fees included. With 20+ years in the business, we guarantee secure transactions.
The Mayo Dump Tradition
The Duke's Mayo Bowl has become famous for its unique postgame tradition: the mayo dump. The winning team's head coach receives a ceremonial dousing with Duke's mayonnaise instead of the traditional Gatorade bath. This quirky celebration has made the bowl a social media sensation.
Game Day Quick Facts
- Game: Duke's Mayo Bowl 2026 (24th Annual)
- Matchup: Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State
- Date: Friday, January 2, 2026
- Kickoff: 8:00 PM ET
- Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
- TV: ESPN
- Conference Tie-ins: ACC vs. SEC
Series History
This bowl game marks just the second all-time meeting between Wake Forest and Mississippi State. The Bulldogs won their previous matchup 23-17 in the 2011 Music City Bowl in Nashville.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Duke's Mayo Bowl 2026?
The Duke's Mayo Bowl 2026 is scheduled for Friday, January 2, 2026, with kickoff at 8:00 PM ET. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
Who is playing in the Duke's Mayo Bowl 2026?
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (ACC) will face the Mississippi State Bulldogs (SEC) in the Duke's Mayo Bowl 2026. Wake Forest finished 8-4 while Mississippi State went 5-7.
What happened to the Belk Bowl?
The Belk Bowl was renamed the Duke's Mayo Bowl in 2020 when Duke's became the title sponsor. The bowl maintains the same ACC vs. SEC format at Bank of America Stadium.
What is the mayo dump tradition?
The mayo dump is the bowl's signature postgame celebration where the winning head coach gets doused with Duke's mayonnaise instead of Gatorade.
How did Mississippi State make a bowl at 5-7?
Mississippi State earned a bowl bid after Notre Dame, Kansas State, and Iowa State opted out of postseason play. The Bulldogs' strong APR helped secure their spot.
Have Wake Forest and Mississippi State played before?
Yes, the teams met once before. Mississippi State won 23-17 in the 2011 Music City Bowl. This will be their second all-time meeting.
How can I get to Bank of America Stadium?
Bank of America Stadium is located in Uptown Charlotte at 800 South Mint Street. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is approximately 15 minutes from downtown.
Secure Your Mayo Bowl Experience
Don't miss your chance to be at Bank of America Stadium when Wake Forest and Mississippi State clash on January 2, 2026. Browse our selection of verified Duke's Mayo Bowl tickets and secure your seats for this exciting ACC vs SEC showdown!
Bank Of America Stadium Seating Chart for Belk Bowl
Bank Of America Stadium Upcoming Events
Follow your to Bank Of America Stadium
See Belk Bowl live at Bank Of America Stadium!
- 800 South Mint St
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202