Amid much fanfare and some notable changes, the annual San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl festivities–and the kickoff of the college football game itself–will fill downtown San Diego on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022.
Prepare for large crowds to take over the city center all day for a slate of activities, including: a 5K Run/Walk; a major parade (featuring a new route); the college bowl game held for the first time in Petco Park; and a legendary fireworks show at the conclusion of the game.
The Holiday Bowl game was scheduled to premiere at Petco Park last year. At the last minute, the UCLA Bruins pulled out of the game due to COVID protocols.
This year, due to the concurrent arrival of a cruise ship at Broadway Pier, the traditional parade route has been altered (see details below). Residents and visitors should be aware of a different set of road closures.
Here’s the rundown for the day:
5K Run/Walk. The 27th annual SDCCU Holiday Bowl 5K Run/Walk at the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade presented by Kaiser Permanente starts at 9:45 a.m. Starting point is the corner of Harbor Drive and Park Boulevard and the finish line is at Ruocco Park. Race day registration is $50. To register, go to: 5K Run/Walk.
Balloon Parade. This year’s new start of America’s Largest Balloon Parade is at Harbor Drive near the south side of the San Diego Convention Center, near the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. It will end at Pacific Highway and G Street. (Note: Past parades have started at the San Diego County Administration Building. The new path is effectively an opposite route from previous years.) The parade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. (15 minutes after the start of the 5K Run/Walk). Harbor Drive road closures will be similar to those that go into effect for the annual Comic-Con convention.
Holiday Bowl Game. Petco Park, home field of the San Diego Padres, has been reconfigured to host the 43rd edition of the Holiday Bowl college football game, featuring the Oregon Ducks and the North Carolina Tar Heels. Kickoff time is 5 p.m. The game will air nationally on FOX-TV. For tickets, go to: Holiday Bowl Game.
BONUS: The first 10,000 fans through the gates at Petco Park for the game will receive free one-day park admission tickets to SeaWorld San Diego. (Petco Park gates open three hours prior to kickoff.)
Fireworks Show. At the conclusion of the Holiday Bowl game, the 101.5 KGB Sky Show will fill the downtown air with fireworks and unique pyrotechnic displays. SD Sun
