Transforming Petco Park into a football field is no easy feat, but crews are working diligently to prepare for the Holiday Bowl. NBC 7’s Audra Stafford shows you their progress.
When thinking of the holidays you may think of delicious food, quality time with loved ones, special shopping discounts, and family traditions. But of course, there's always football.
If you’re one of the people who think the holidays aren't complete without a good ol’ ball game, this is for you. After an abrupt cancelation in 2021 due to COVID concerns, the 43rd annual 2022 SDCCU Holiday Bowl is returning to Petco Park on Dec. 28.
This beloved San Diego tradition comes with more than just the football game, itself. To accompany the pigskin toss, there is a parade, a 5K run, tailgates and more.
Here’s everything you should know for all things Holiday Bowl.
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The Scene
When is the 2022 Holiday Bowl?
The San Diego Holiday Bowl is returning to Petco Park on Dec. 28. and tickets for the game went on sale Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 10 a.m.
The football game itself will have teams from the Pac-12 Conference and the Atlantic Coast Conference facing off for the holiday season. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. but a pregame party will start at 2 p.m., when the gates open, at Gallagher Square next to Petco Park.
Before the game, you may be thinking tailgate. The SDCCU Holiday Bowl has an official tailgate party with locally-brewed beer, a buffet and more fun pre-game activities. Tickets are sold separately for this event, so check back here to find out when they go on sale.
If you're heading to the game, get there 30 minutes early to watch the Pregame Show with performances by both universities' marching bands, parachute jumpers and "The Big Flag."
Tickets start at $35, but if you’d like further amenities, those can be purchased here. Don’t forget to stay after the game for the 101.5 KGB Sky Show. The sky will be lit up with an explosive firework show and the show is included with your ticket.
Where else can I watch the Holiday Bowl?
The Holiday Bowl is set to be televised nationally on Fox starting with a pregame show at 4:30 p.m.
What about other Holiday Bowl Events?
The Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade
All along the bayfront in Downtown San Diego, the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade will take over with unique floats, huge balloons, magnificent marching bands and drill teams performing along the way. The parade has also deemed itself “America’s largest balloon parade,” so this is a can’t-miss opportunity.
Information on the date, time and the parade route has not yet been released by the Port of San Diego but NBC 7 will be sure to update this page when it drops.
Holiday Bowl 5K Walk/Run
If you want to jump-start your holiday, you can kick it off with a breezy 5K along the Embarcadero. As a big part of the Holiday Bowl celebration, San Diegans can take part in the 26th annual National Funding 5K Run/Walk right before the parade.
Runners -- or walkers for those who prefer a slow pace -- will finish off the victorious race and be awarded a medal, t-shirts and goody bags. When resting after the big race, there will be a post-race party where guests can enjoy live music, breakfast snacks and a prime spot to view the rest of the parade.
Registration information has not yet been released but check back here for more.
Guests will also be able to register the day of the event starting at 8 a.m. at the Wyndham San Diego Bayside. This is also where you'll grab everything you need for the race. Runners will start here and follow the course until finishing off near Ruocco Park.
Concert benefiting Rady Children's Hospital
This concert is all about good music and having a good time for a good cause! In Gallagher Square right outside of Petco Park, a band will perform for charity. Tickets are only $5 and all of the ticket sales will be donated back to Rady Children’s Hospital.
Snapdragon Bowl Bash
Don’t get confused on this one … it may be called the Snapdragon Bowl Bash, but it’s actually taking place in Downtown San Diego. In the Gaslamp Quarter, there will be the face-off we’ve all been waiting for -- the ultimate battle of the bands with two local universities facing off head to head with their top-tier trumpeters and best-in-class band directors.
While the date and time is still to be determined, this event is free for all and attendees can expect to play interactive games, pose for the photo booth and take advantage of special deals at local participating restaurants.
Leading up to the main events, there will also be a ton going on to get you ready ahead of time. Some of these events include a game day tailgate in Gallagher Square, a show before the game and the classic tuition throw where students can throw footballs at a huge Dr. Pepper can in hopes of getting some extra tuition money.
For all the details and more visit the Holiday Bowl website.
