The 2010 Poinsettia Bowl is almost here and San Diego is proud to not only be the annual host, but also that the San Diego State University Aztecs are in the game this year.
The Aztecs accepted an invitation to play the United States Naval Academy Midshipmen in this year's sixth annual Poinsettia Bowl. You and your family are invited to join some of the participating teams in the weeklong celebration of daily activities, where you can show your team spirit and prepare for the big game.
Monday, Dec 20: Let the competition begin. At the Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Comp. Grand Prix at Miramar Speed Circuit, players and coaches from each team will race karts at speeds up to 40 mph on an indoor 1/4 –mile asphalt track. The ten fastest drivers from the qualifying session will advance to the finals and hope for a podium finish. Players will also play on-site video games and enjoy pizza.
Tuesday, Dec 21: You can be a part of the preparation celebration at SeaWorld. Join the Navy team as they say “hello” to Shamu, count the teeth on a shark and even come face to face with polar bears. While there, explore Sea World’s newest thrill ride, Journey to Atlantis.
Also on Tuesday, it's "Team Day at the San Diego Zoo," the MWC team, specifically. Join the team as they journey to the depths of Monkey Trails and Forest Tales, swing by the Children's Zoo and visit the rare habitats.
Lastly, don't miss the Gaslamp March, featuring the "Battle of the Bands." Marching bands and spirit squads from participating universities will parade from each end of 5th avenue, performing holiday classics and will meet up at Market Street for the big band showdown. The parade begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday and is free to all spectators.
Wednesday, Dec. 22: Time to make football fans dreams' come true. The "AT&T Luncheon" gives college football fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dine with the players and coaches. But not just anywhere. They will board the historic USS Midway and have lunch on the hangar bay at 12 p.m. After lunch and the rousing speeches made by the coaches, take a self-guided tour through the famous aircraft carrier.
Thursday, Dec. 23: The big day has finally arrived. Start the game off right at the "VIP Tailgate Party" at Qualcomm Stadium, Section F-1from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Poinsettia Bowl Board of Directors, major sponsors, Civic and Military Officials and fans will all come together to kick-off the evening of football. Feel free to arrive empty-handed as there will be unlimited food, beer and wine provided at this "Mexican Fiesta." Performances by the college bands and cheerleaders will get the crowd riled up and ready to cheer on their teams.
At 4:30 p.m., the "TriWest Healthcare Alliance Pre-Game Show" will begin. Marching bands from the Mountain West and U.S. Naval Academy, as well as, the “Hope. Strength. Joy” parade, featuring children from the Make-a-Wish Foundation will kick things off. The children will serve as the game's honorary captains, will sing the national anthem and participate in the coin toss ceremony.
The Poinsettia Bowl will begin at 5 p.m. and air nationally on ESPN, along with ESPN Radio. Ticket prices to the game range from $35 to $55 and can be purchased through Qualcomm Stadium or on the Bowl's website.
Before getting up to grab a refill or some football apparel, stick around for the San Diego International Auto Show Halftime Show. More college band performances and fireworks are planned. Want to get in on the halftime show action? Find out if you have what it takes.
