Teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and the Sun Belt Conference will meet in the inaugural TransPerfect San Juan Bowl, according to an official announcement Thursday.
The contest, which will be the first-ever Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) college football bowl game played in Puerto Rico, is slated for Wednesday, December 16, 2026, at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“The ACC is proud to participate in the inaugural TransPerfect San Juan Bowl this December,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips. “This new event will provide a memorable postseason experience for our student-athletes, coaches, and fans, while showcasing ACC football in one of college football’s most compelling destinations. We appreciate the vision and commitment of TransPerfect and the bowl’s leadership, and we look forward to being part of an outstanding celebration of college football in San Juan.”
TransPerfect is the bowl’s title sponsor and owner. According to the ACC release, the company is “…the world’s largest provider of language and technology solutions for global business.”
“Success in both football and in business depends on teams executing at a high level. Puerto Rico enjoys a rich tradition of athletic excellence that includes baseball, basketball, boxing, and more. By introducing the TransPerfect San Juan Bowl, we’re excited to add college football to this list—and look forward to creating a memorable experience for student-athletes, fans, and guests.”
Hiram Bithorn Stadium is the largest multi-purpose baseball stadium in Puerto Rico. The venue, which has a seating capacity of 19,125 for baseball, has hosted the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Major League Baseball games, international soccer, and concerts by “prominent local and internationally accomplished artists.”
“The TransPerfect San Juan Bowl will put San Juan and all of Puerto Rico in the national spotlight, showcasing the history, culture, and attractions that make our capital such a special destination,” said San Juan Mayor Miguel A. Romero Lugo. “This event also validates our investment in renovating Hiram Bithorn Stadium and demonstrates its capacity to host world-class competitions across different sports. Welcoming student-athletes, their families, and fans during the holiday season will create opportunities for our hotels, restaurants, local businesses, and workers, while introducing San Juan to new audiences and giving visitors more reasons to return.”
“As the non-autonomy leader in bowl representation over the past four seasons, we are excited to expand the postseason opportunities for Sun Belt football student-athletes,” said Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Keith Gill. “The inaugural TransPerfect San Juan Bowl will guarantee the Sun Belt a bowl matchup against an autonomy conference opponent, a significant step in strengthening our postseason bowl lineup.”
Back in May, Complete Sports Management and ESPN Events, in collaboration with Discover Puerto Rico, announced the inaugural Puerto Rico Bowl. That game is set for Tuesday, December 22 at Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, and will feature a Mid-American Conference (MAC) team against an FBS opponent to be determined.