Snapdragon Stadium Sign and Palm Tree
Since the first Holiday Bowl in 1978, it has always been proudly hosted in San Diego. It’s a major annual community event and a tradition for locals and fans.
Until 2020, the Holiday Bowl was held at the same stadium, though it’s gone by many different names: San Diego Stadium, Jack Murphy Stadium, Qualcomm Stadium, and most recently, SDCCU. This was also the home of the Chargers before their move to Los Angeles, and San Diego State University (SDSU) college team, the Aztecs.
The Games Temporary Home at PETCO Park
During a two-year break due to COVID, SDCCU stadium was demolished to make way for new construction. With no permanent home, the bowl was held at PETCO Park in the Gaslamp Quarter in 2022 and 2023.
This year, it’s set to debut in a brand new location, Snapdragon Stadium - though it’s also a return to form, as it’s actually adjacent to the old San Diego Stadium’s site. As the first DIRECTV Holiday Bowl held in the “new old” location, this year’s game is set to be a big celebration for the community.
Getting Ready for a San Diego Wave Game at Snapdragon Stadium
A Look at the New Snapdragon Stadium
Located on the SDSU Mission Valley campus, the brand-new Snapdragon Stadium is the current home of the Aztecs. Opened in 2022, it promises a refresh that is planned to last for decades alongside the campus.
Snapdragon boasts a capacity of 35,000 seats, with a potential future expansion of an additional 20,000. And let me say that in the world of massive college football stadiums, like Penn State’s Stadium or the University of Tennessee’s stadium, both having capacities well over 100,000, Snapdragon will offer what I think should be a much more intimate experience. I am really looking forward to it!
Getting to the Game
You can of course drive to the game, but since it’s a crowded event, parking will be limited and crowded. My suggestion is to take public transit, specifically the trolley, which has a stadium stop on the Green Line.
Looking up at the Intercontinential San Diego
My Suggestion for a Hotel Near the Game & Festivities
If you want to make things even easier, especially if you’re not a San Diegan, I suggest you stay at a nearby hotel.
I’d recommend the Intercontinental San Diego. Not only is it by the Santa Fe trolley station, but you’ll also be close to the Holiday Bowl parade - and you can’t beat that view of the San Diego Bay from the hotel!