Business Details
48 Years
experience
Your Premier Sports Event Partner in San Diego
Since 1978, Holiday Bowl has been a driving force in elevating San Diego's status as a premier sports destination. Our organization produces world-class events including the Holiday Bowl, Rady Children's Invitational, and California State Games, generating significant tourism and economic impact for the region. With a legacy of over $1 billion in regional economic contributions since our founding, we serve as San Diego's official sports commission, leveraging our expertise to deliver exceptional experiences for visitors and locals alike. Our team combines decades of experience in event production, community engagement, and sports tourism development.We maintain the highest standards of operational excellence while fostering partnerships with major institutions like the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and SeaWorld. Our commitment to quality is evidenced by our track record of hosting 46 consecutive Holiday Bowl games and maintaining relationships with top-tier collegiate athletic programs. We operate with full transparency and accountability, ensuring every event meets our rigorous standards for safety, accessibility, and community benefit.
Services
Sports Event Planning
Sports Tourism Development
Community Engagement
Economic Development Initiatives
Partnerships & Sponsorship Management
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We have produced the Holiday Bowl continuously since 1978
- Our events generate over $1 billion in regional economic impact
- We serve as San Diego's official sports commission
- We maintain partnerships with major local attractions and institutions
- Our team includes veteran event planners with decades of local expertise
What people say
Exciting pageantry
Well-organized events
Family-friendly atmosphere
Excellent logistics
Thrilling football experience
Services
Sports Event Planning
We specialize in organizing major annual sports events including the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl, Rady Children's Invitational, and California State Games. Our comprehensive planning covers logistics, security, and spectator experience. With decades of experience producing San Diego's signature sports events, we ensure flawless execution and maximum community benefit.
Sports Tourism Development
Our organization drives regional economic growth by attracting visitors through premier sporting events. We coordinate with local hotels, attractions, and transportation providers to create comprehensive visitor experiences. This initiative has generated over 900,000 hotel room nights and $1 billion in economic impact since 1978.
Community Engagement
We foster local participation through events like the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade and Snapdragon Bowl Bash. Our initiatives include youth sports clinics and community outreach programs. These efforts strengthen San Diego's identity as a sports destination while benefiting residents of all ages.
Economic Development Initiatives
Our events create substantial economic value through visitor spending and media exposure. We work with local businesses to maximize opportunities during major events. The Holiday Bowl alone has contributed over $1 billion to the regional economy since inception.
Partnerships & Sponsorship Management
We develop strategic partnerships with major brands like Kaiser Permanente and SeaWorld San Diego. Our team manages sponsorship programs that benefit both businesses and event attendees. These relationships enhance event quality while providing marketing opportunities for local and national companies.
People
Mark Neville
CEO
Mark leads Holiday Bowl's strategic direction with extensive experience in sports management and event production. He oversees all operations while maintaining key partnerships with local institutions and sports organizations.
Phil Snyder
Director of Ticket Operations
Phil manages ticketing operations for all Holiday Bowl events, ensuring smooth access for thousands of attendees. He coordinates with venues and partners to optimize ticket distribution and customer experience.
Marc Sawyer
VP of External Affairs
Marc develops community partnerships and manages external relations for Holiday Bowl. He connects the organization with local businesses and institutions to maximize event impact and community engagement.
Rick Schloss
Director of Public Relations
Rick handles media relations and public communications for Holiday Bowl. He coordinates press coverage, manages media credentials, and ensures accurate information dissemination about all organization events.
Natalie Schneck
VP of Marketing
Natalie leads marketing initiatives to promote Holiday Bowl events and engage audiences. She develops branding strategies and digital campaigns to enhance visibility and attendance across all programs.
Questions
When is the next Holiday Bowl game scheduled?
The 46th annual Holiday Bowl will take place on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Snapdragon Stadium with kickoff at 5:00 PM PT.
How can I attend the Holiday Bowl Parade?
The Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade is free to attend. Spectators can view the parade along downtown San Diego's streets with no tickets required for street-side viewing.
What other events are part of Bowl Week?
Bowl Week features multiple events including the Snapdragon Bowl Bash, Technology Integration Group Tailgate Party, National Funding 5K Walk/Run, and various fan engagement activities.
How does Sports San Diego benefit the community?
Since 1978, our events have generated over $1 billion in economic impact and 900,000+ hotel room nights for San Diego, supporting local businesses and tourism.
Can I volunteer for Holiday Bowl events?
Yes, Sports San Diego offers volunteer opportunities for various events. Visit our website to learn more about volunteer requirements and registration.
How are teams selected for the Holiday Bowl?
The Holiday Bowl matches top teams from the ACC against current or former Pac-12 teams, featuring some of college football's most competitive programs.
