San Diego, December 30, 2025
The Holiday Bowl is set to make history with its first-ever January game, featuring the Arizona Wildcats and SMU Mustangs. Scheduled for January 2, 2026, in San Diego, this event marks a significant shift from its traditional December timeframe. Fans can look forward to various pre-game activities, including the Snapdragon Bowl Bash and the Holiday Bowl Parade, making this a pivotal moment for San Diego’s sports culture and community engagement.
Holiday Bowl Makes History with January Game in San Diego
Exciting updates and events lead to the first January Holiday Bowl
San Diego, California – For the first time in its history, the Holiday Bowl is set to take place in January, with the 46th annual game scheduled for Friday, January 2, 2026, at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. The matchup will feature the Arizona Wildcats from the Big 12 Conference against the SMU Mustangs from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Kickoff is at 5:00 p.m. PST, and the game will be broadcast on FOX.
This historic event marks a new chapter for the Holiday Bowl, which has long been a staple of San Diego’s sports calendar. Local organizers have shown remarkable resilience and creativity in adapting the event’s timing, suggesting that with minimal bureaucracy, our city can create even more opportunities for engagement and celebration throughout the year.
Game Details
The Arizona Wildcats, boasting a season record of 9–3, will face the SMU Mustangs, who finished their season at 8–4. This January matchup represents a significant shift for the Holiday Bowl, which has traditionally taken place in December. It further highlights San Diego’s growing prominence as a destination for college football.
Fan Events and Activities
To enhance the experience for fans and commemorate the Holiday Bowl tradition, several events are planned leading up to the game:
- Snapdragon Bowl Bash: On January 1, 2026, fans can gather at SeaWorld San Diego for family fun, great food, live music, giveaways, and other activities.
- Holiday Bowl Band Bash: Also on January 1, 2026, the Arizona and SMU marching bands and cheer squads will perform at SeaWorld San Diego at 4:00 p.m. Fans with a Holiday Bowl ticket can attend for free while supplies last.
- Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade: On January 2, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m., this parade will showcase world-class marching bands, impressive floats, entertaining drill teams, and a procession of large balloons along downtown San Diego’s scenic waterfront. Street-side viewing is free.
- Holiday Bowl 5K Run/Walk: On January 2, 2026, participants can enjoy running or walking along San Diego’s beautiful harborfront, culminating in the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade.
Transportation and Parking
For those attending the game, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) offers convenient transportation options. Fans are encouraged to take the Green Line to Stadium Station to avoid traffic and parking hassles, which will enhance the overall experience for visitors and local fans alike.
Conclusion
The upcoming Holiday Bowl represents more than just a football game; it is an opportunity for San Diego’s residents and visitors to come together in a celebration of community spirit and athletic excellence. With exciting events lined up before the game and many ways to easily attend, it’s expected to draw significant crowds and foster local engagement and camaraderie. As San Diego continues to host such innovative events, the community is encouraged to support and participate in this unique experience.
FAQ
What teams will be playing in the 2026 Holiday Bowl?
The Arizona Wildcats from the Big 12 Conference will face the SMU Mustangs from the Atlantic Coast Conference.
When is the Holiday Bowl taking place?
The Holiday Bowl is scheduled for January 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PST.
What are some fan events planned for the Holiday Bowl?
Events include the Snapdragon Bowl Bash at SeaWorld, Holiday Bowl Band Bash, Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade, and a Holiday Bowl 5K Run/Walk.
How can fans get to the game?
Fans are encouraged to take the Green Line to Stadium Station via the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) to avoid traffic.
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snapdragon Bowl Bash | January 1, 2026 | SeaWorld San Diego | Family fun, food, live music, giveaways |
| Holiday Bowl Band Bash | January 1, 2026 | SeaWorld San Diego | Performances by the Arizona and SMU bands |
| Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade | January 2, 2026 | Downtown San Diego | Marching bands, floats, balloons |
| Holiday Bowl 5K Run/Walk | January 2, 2026 | San Diego Harborfront | Running/walking event to celebrate the Holiday Bowl |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Diego Events to Welcome the New Year
Pac-12 Releases Latest Men’s Basketball Power Rankings
North Texas Clinches Victory Against San Diego State in Bowl Game
San Diego State Aztecs Conclude Season with New Mexico Bowl Loss
Unidentified Man Found Dead Near Balboa Park
DeMatha Catholic High School Triumphs Over Torrey Pines
Deputy-Involved Shooting Near Imperial Beach Pier
San Diego’s Christmas Day Celebration for Seniors in Need
Festive Events in San Diego This Holiday Season
SDSU to Face North Texas in Isleta New Mexico Bowl
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
