Meta Title: Holiday Bowl at Snapdragon Stadium – San Diego’s Annual NCAA Football Bowl Game
Meta Description: The Holiday Bowl returns to Snapdragon Stadium annually. SMU defeated Arizona 24-19 in the 2026 game. Learn about the history and what to expect in 2027.

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Holiday Bowl at Snapdragon Stadium

The NCAA Holiday Bowl has found its home at Snapdragon Stadium in Mission Valley. San Diego’s annual NCAA football bowl game continues to bring top college football programs to America’s Finest City each January.

2026 Holiday Bowl – Game Results

The 46th annual Trust & Will Holiday Bowl took place on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Snapdragon Stadium. The SMU Mustangs defeated the #17 Arizona Wildcats 24-19 in a dramatic comeback attempt by Arizona.

Final Score: SMU 24, Arizona 19

Game Summary: SMU dominated the first half, taking a commanding 24-0 lead at halftime behind quarterback Kevin Jennings (278 passing yards) and an 80-yard trick play on the second play from scrimmage. Arizona rallied in the second half with three touchdown passes from Noah Fifita, but couldn’t complete the comeback. The victory was SMU’s first bowl win since 2012, snapping a five-game postseason losing streak.

MVPs:

• Offensive MVP: Yamir Knight (SMU) – 7 catches, 104 yards
• Defensive MVP: Ahmaad Moses (SMU) – 13 tackles

The game aired nationally on FOX with a 5:00 PM Pacific kickoff.

Looking Ahead to 2027

The Holiday Bowl will return to Snapdragon Stadium in early January 2027. The game typically features matchups between teams from the Big 12 and ACC conferences. Specific team selections and the exact date will be announced following the conclusion of the 2026 college football regular season.

Subscribe to the official Holiday Bowl email newsletter for updates on the 2027 game, Bowl Week events, and ticket information.

About Trust & Will – Title Sponsor

The game is officially titled the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl, with the San Diego-based digital estate planning company serving as title sponsor. Founded in 2017, Trust & Will is the leading online estate planning platform in the U.S., making it simple for families to create wills, trusts, and other essential documents.

Holiday Bowl at Snapdragon Stadium

After years at Petco Park, the Holiday Bowl moved to Snapdragon Stadium starting with the 2024 game. The state-of-the-art football venue provides the ideal setting for college football, with modern amenities and a natural grass playing surface. The move back to Mission Valley returns the game to its roots—the Holiday Bowl was previously held at Qualcomm Stadium for decades.

Each year, the Holiday Bowl draws thousands of spectators, resulting in significant economic impact for San Diego through spending at nearby hotels, restaurants, and throughout the region.

Holiday Bowl History

The Holiday Bowl has been a beloved part of San Diego’s sports scene since 1978. The game has featured memorable moments including:

• The 1980 “Miracle Bowl” – BYU’s dramatic comeback against SMU
• BYU’s 1984 national championship victory over Michigan
• The 2004 thriller between Texas Tech and California
• Recent high-scoring affairs including Syracuse’s 52-35 win over Washington State in 2024

Planning Your Visit to Future Holiday Bowls

When the 2027 Holiday Bowl is announced, here’s what you need to know:

Tickets

Tickets will be available through the official Holiday Bowl website and major ticket platforms like StubHub and Ticketmaster.

Parking and Transportation

Parking at Snapdragon Stadium offers multiple lots and options. It’s strongly recommended to purchase parking in advance. The stadium is also accessible via the San Diego MTS Green Line trolley to SDSU Stadium Station.

Seating

Review the Snapdragon Stadium seating chart to find the best seats for your group. The venue seats 35,000 for football.

Stadium Essentials

• Bag policy – Clear bags only
• Food and drink options
• What to bring and leave home
• Directions and traffic tips

Bowl Week Events

The Holiday Bowl features a week of festivities including:

• Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade presented by Kaiser Permanente
• Bowl Bash – Pre-game celebration
• Holiday Bowl 5K
• Team pep rallies and appearances

Why Snapdragon is Perfect for the Holiday Bowl

Snapdragon Stadium represents the best of modern football venues. Built in 2022, the stadium features:

• 35,000-seat capacity with excellent sightlines
• Natural grass playing surface
• Premium club spaces and suites
• Modern concessions and amenities
• Easy access via freeway and public transit
• San Diego’s legendary weather in January

The location in Mission Valley provides convenient access to hotels, restaurants, and attractions throughout San Diego County.

More Information

• Official Holiday Bowl website
• Snapdragon Stadium events calendar
• Complete stadium guide
• History of Qualcomm Stadium