SAN DIEGO -- In the first ever Holiday Bowl hosted at Snapdragon Stadium, the Syracuse Orange came away with a victory against the Washington State Cougars, 52-35, on Friday night.
This year’s bowl game was featured in a new but familiar venue where the San Diego State Aztecs play. For 41 years, the Holiday Bowl was previously played at Qualcomm Stadium (1978-2019) and had been held at Petco Park for the last three years (2021-2023).
Even at a new stadium, the game once again showcased top notch entertainment, highly regarded talent and some of the most passionate and respected fan bases in college football. On or off the field, the energy throughout the night was electric with roaring cheers from the fans and drums pounding by the marching bands play their fight songs.
“Honestly very fun, this event is very well hosted,” Michelle Giesy, a mother to one of the dancers on Washington States’ dance team, said. “The guys in the red jackets they really have been catering to the team. It’s a very nice event.”
Well-known for its stunning beaches, scenery and food culture, it’s not surprising to see the large turnout from both of the universities’ supporters.
“It’s been great,” Charles Chestnut, father of Syracuse safety Duce Chestnut, said. “I’ve been following him for a few years down here in Syracuse. This has been a great experience right here in San Diego.”
Another factor that brought visitors to “America’s Finest City” is their year around sunny weather. However, this year’s game experienced some colder than normal temperatures including some rain earlier in the week as the teams arrived into town.
Nonetheless being somewhat conditioned already, they didn’t let the weather rain on their parade. Both fan bases were loud, proud and on their feet anytime a play was made by their respected team.
“There’s a lot of guys in there that bleed Crimson and Gray and they want to be Cougs for life,” Kyle Thornton, Washington State linebacker, said. “There’s something special here in Pullman and in the Cougs. That’s not going anywhere.”
Teams and their company touched down a few days before Christmas, giving them the opportunity to explore the city and participate in typical San Diego staples including a 5K marathon, a parade, Navy ship tour, battle of the bands featuring the school’s marching bands and a day at SeaWorld on Christmas.
“It was a blessful experience,” Washington State quarterback Zevi Eckhaus said. “ Not everybody gets the opportunity to play in a bowl game let alone the Holiday Bowl, a very prestige bowl game… Speaking on my own behalf I’m just grateful.”
Before and during the game, fans in attendance were treated with multiple productions that featured an aerial show, Dr. Pepper Tuition Toss, field goal challenge and a drone firework show that produced a standing ovation.
“We were just here to visit (San Diego) for vacation and we heard Syracuse was playing so we came here to support” Syracuse alum Justin said.
Back in October the Cougars played a game against the Aztecs at Snapdragon Stadium where they won a nail bitter 29-26. For that game, Wazzu fans drew a large attendance and made their presence felt and heard all night long.
“The word 'everything,' I know it’s cliché, but it really is everything,” Thornton said. “You don’t realize everything when you’re young and so self-absorbed, you don’t really realize it but just the amount of love that truly pours into this place...
"It’s a real thing man and it’s so so special. It’s honestly why we do what we do. As much we love playing football, last time I checked, we don’t play at empty stadiums. We play with people all around us… just all the love they have for us, Cougnation.”
Whether it’s family ties, alumni paying a visit, die hard fans traveling across the country or locals in the area wanting a night out, the crowd made sure their presence was felt. By good fortune, their voices were recognized by the teams.
“This is the furthest I’ve traveled for their game, but most of the time we do the home games,” said Jackie Pulalasi, mother of Washington State running back Leo Pulalasi. “It’s beautiful out here. I’ve enjoyed it and I can’t wait for them play here for everybody else.”