Holiday Bowl

The Holiday Bowl, inaugurated in 1978, emerged as a crucial fixture for the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) after the Fiesta Bowl severed ties with the WAC due to the departure of Arizona and Arizona State. Originally designed to offer an automatic bowl bid to the WAC champion, it initially featured matchups with at-large teams. From 1991 to 1994, the Big Ten Conference secured the second bid if it had enough eligible teams.

Transitioning into the mid-'90s, the Big Eight Conference took the Big Ten's place, and as the conference landscape evolved, the Holiday Bowl adapted. The WAC's automatic bid was divided, with the Cotton Bowl having the first choice and a Pacific-10 team as the alternative pick. After the WAC's departure in 1997, the Holiday Bowl became a showdown between the Big 12 and the Pac-10.

From 1998 to 2009, the game featured the #2 Pac-10 and #3 Big 12 teams, but in 2010, the Alamo Bowl outbid the Holiday Bowl for the preferred matchup. Despite this, the Pac-12 and Big 12 maintained their association with the Holiday Bowl, showcasing the #3 Pac-12 team against the #5 Big 12 team from 2010 to 2013.

The landscape shifted again in 2014 when the Big Ten returned to the Holiday Bowl after a two-decade hiatus. The game featured the #3 Pac-12 team against the #4 Big Ten team.

In 2019, plans were announced to include an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) team alongside a Pac-12 team from 2020 to 2025.

Sponsors have played a notable role in the Holiday Bowl history, including SeaWorld, Thrifty Car Rental, Chrysler Corporation, Culligan, Pacific Life, Bridgepoint Education, National University, National Funding, San Diego County Credit Union, and DirecTV.

However, recent years posed challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 edition was canceled, and the 2021 edition faced last-minute cancellation due to COVID-19 protocol issues within the UCLA program. This led to a lawsuit in May 2023, where organizers sought $3 million in damages from the Pac-12 and UCLA, highlighting the financial ramifications of event cancellations and payment withholdings.

Holiday Bowl Game Schedule 2023

The Holiday Bowl 2023 is scheduled for December 27th at Petco Park in San Diego, California. This 44th annual edition, officially named the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl, features an exciting matchup between the Louisville Cardinals from the ACC and the USC Trojans from the Pac-12. The game is a prominent fixture in the 2023–24 bowl games, marking the conclusion of the FBS football season and promising a thrilling showdown between two top offensive play callers, Jeff Brohm and Lincoln Riley.

Holiday Bowl Game Time

The Holiday Bowl game is scheduled for a prime-time slot, the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl will kick off at 8 p.m. ET on FOX, providing a nationwide audience with the anticipated clash between Louisville and USC. The game unfolds at the iconic Petco Park in San Diego, promising an unforgettable evening of college football action.

Holiday Bowl Teams Qualified for 2023

In the highly anticipated 2023 Holiday Bowl, the Louisville Cardinals, representing the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), will face off against the USC Trojans from the Pac-12 Conference. Both teams have earned the opportunity to showcase their skills in this 44th annual college football bowl game scheduled for December 27 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. The matchup promises an exciting clash between two prestigious conferences as the Cardinals and Trojans, known for their storied football programs, vie for victory in this thrilling edition of the Holiday Bowl, adding to the rich history of this prestigious postseason event.

Holiday Bowl Game Tickets

Secure your spot at the Holiday Bowl 2023 with tickets starting at $63 and averaging $188. Act swiftly, as seating sells out rapidly, particularly after competing teams are announced. The prime platform for your ticket needs is StubHub, the world's largest ticket forum, offering the best seats at affordable prices. Ensure peace of mind with StubHub's FanProtect guarantee. For even more budget-friendly options, consider SeatGeek, where Holiday Bowl tickets, sponsored by Bridgepoint Education, can be found for as low as $63. SeatGeek is your go-to source for Holiday Bowl tickets, whether for the regular season, preseason, playoffs, or parking.

Holiday Bowl Location: Name of Stadium

The 2023 Holiday Bowl will occur at Petco Park, a prominent baseball stadium in Downtown San Diego, California. Serving as the home ballpark for Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres, Petco Park has been a versatile venue, hosting various events, including concerts, soccer, golf, football, and rugby. The Holiday Bowl stadium was constructed in 2004; it replaced Qualcomm Stadium as the Padres' home. Located between Seventh and 10th Avenues south of J Street, Holiday Bowl stadium, Petco Park boasts unique features like a pedestrian promenade along K Street and multiple entrance points, making it an iconic and adaptable setting for the much-anticipated college football bowl game.

Holiday Bowl Records

The Holiday Bowl history boasts a richness of records highlighting memorable moments. From thrilling victories to standout performances, these records encapsulate the legacy and excitement of this prestigious college football event.

Holiday Bowl Winner List

The Holiday Bowl has showcased thrilling matchups over the years, with each edition adding to the event's storied history. In the most recent installment on December 28, 2022, the Oregon Ducks secured a narrow victory against the North Carolina Tar Heels with a final Holiday Bowl scores of 28-27. Previous years witnessed compelling contests, such as the Iowa Hawkeyes defeating the USC Trojans 49-24 on December 27, 2019, and the Northwestern Wildcats claiming a 31-20 victory over the Utah Utes on December 31, 2018. The Holiday Bowl's winner list reflects the competitive spirit and diverse narratives that have unfolded in this prestigious college football postseason event.