Holiday Bowl to Provide Free SeaWorld Tickets to Attendees

Fans celebrating at Snapdragon Stadium with SeaWorld tickets

San Diego, CA, December 3, 2025

The Holiday Bowl will offer free SeaWorld tickets to the first 10,000 fans entering Snapdragon Stadium on January 2. This partnership highlights local business engagement and community spirit, with SeaWorld also hosting festive events surrounding the game. The initiative promises to enhance attendance and celebrate the collegiate football culture in San Diego, with ticket distribution beginning at 3 p.m., available on a first-come, first-served basis.

San Diego, CA

Holiday Bowl Offers Free SeaWorld Tickets to First 10,000 Attendees

San Diego, CA — A festive spirit is coming to Snapdragon Stadium this January as the first 10,000 fans entering for the 2025 Holiday Bowl on January 2 will receive complimentary one-day admission tickets to SeaWorld San Diego. This initiative marks the fourth consecutive year of partnership between SeaWorld and the Holiday Bowl, showcasing how local businesses engage with community events to enhance the experience for fans.

As San Diego continues to grow as a hub for both tourism and local innovation, this collaboration highlights the entrepreneurial drive within the region. Pairing a beloved sporting event with local attractions promotes economic activity and encourages collaboration among businesses. This type of community-focused initiative symbolizes how reduced regulatory barriers can lead to creative partnerships that benefit local economies.

Event Details

The Holiday Bowl is set to kick off at 5 p.m. on January 2, featuring an exciting matchup between a top team from the Atlantic Coast Conference and a current or former member of the Pac-12. Sporting events like this one bring together fans from diverse backgrounds and contribute to regional pride and economic vitality.

SeaWorld’s Participation

SeaWorld San Diego has had a longstanding relationship with the Holiday Bowl, dating back over 35 years. In addition to providing tickets, SeaWorld will participate in various festive activities, including the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade on the morning of the game. Attendees will enjoy a giant inflatable shark promoting the upcoming Shark Encounter experience, scheduled to open in spring 2026. As part of their commitment to community and celebration, SeaWorld will also host the annual Bowl Bash for the first time and welcome football teams on New Year’s Eve.

Ticket Distribution

The free SeaWorld tickets will be distributed at each of the three main entrances of Snapdragon Stadium. Gates will open at 3 p.m., and the tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. This initiative boosts attendance and drives excitement for the event, as admission will remain valid through January 31, 2026.

Background

The Holiday Bowl is a time-honored college football game that has been an integral part of San Diego’s sports culture since 1978. It features teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Pac-12, drawing thousands of enthusiastic fans each year, thereby enriching the local community and providing valuable economic benefits. The collaboration with SeaWorld enhances the overall fan experience and showcases the potential for community partnerships in promoting regional events.

Key Features of the 2025 Holiday Bowl

Feature Details
Event Date January 2, 2026
Kickoff Time 5 p.m.
Location Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA
Participating Teams Top team from the Atlantic Coast Conference vs. current or former member of the Pac-12
SeaWorld Ticket Distribution First 10,000 fans at Snapdragon Stadium gates; gates open at 3 p.m.; tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last; admission valid through January 31, 2026
SeaWorld Participation Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade featuring giant inflatable shark; annual Bowl Bash; hosting football teams on New Year’s Eve

FAQ

How can I obtain a free SeaWorld ticket at the Holiday Bowl?

The first 10,000 fans entering Snapdragon Stadium for the 2025 Holiday Bowl on January 2 will receive complimentary one-day admission tickets to SeaWorld San Diego. Tickets will be distributed at each of the three main entrances starting at 3 p.m., on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Admission is valid through January 31, 2026.

What is the schedule for the Holiday Bowl?

The Holiday Bowl is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. on January 2, featuring a matchup between a top team from the Atlantic Coast Conference and a current or former member of the Pac-12. The game will be broadcast nationally on Fox Sports.

How has SeaWorld been involved with the Holiday Bowl?

SeaWorld San Diego has been a partner of the Holiday Bowl for over 35 years. In addition to providing free tickets to the first 10,000 fans, SeaWorld will participate in several Holiday Bowl festivities, including the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade on game day morning, featuring a giant inflatable shark to promote its Shark Encounter experience opening in spring 2026. SeaWorld will also host the annual Bowl Bash for the first time and will host the football teams on New Year’s Eve.

Where can I find more information about the Holiday Bowl?

For more details about the Holiday Bowl, including ticket information and event schedules, visit the official Holiday Bowl website.

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