SMU Bowl Game Fan Guide

The Mustangs are headed to beautiful San Diego! SMU will take the field in the Holiday Bowl on January 2, 2026, and we want you to be part of the excitement. Whether you’re traveling to California or cheering from home, this fan guide has everything you need – game details, fan events, watch parties and more. Secure your tickets, join the fun, and make this bowl game unforgettable!

Game & Ticket Info Watch Parties
SMU fans celebrating in the fan zone

SMU Fan Zone

Date: Friday, January 2, 2026
Time: 2–4:30 p.m. PT
Location:
Snapdragon Stadium “East Lawn”
2101 Stadium Way
San Diego, CA 92108
Cost: $50 per person (children under 8 are free)

Bring the Boulevard energy to San Diego. Join alumni, parents, friends and fans at the official SMU Fan Zone before the Holiday Bowl. Enjoy game-day food, a high-energy SMU atmosphere and Mustang swag as you get ready for kickoff.

A portion of your registration supports the Student–Athlete Benefit Fund. Online registration is preferred by Wednesday, December 31.

Register for SMU Fan Zone

Holiday Bowl

Date: Friday, January 2, 2026
Kickoff: 5 p.m. PT
Location:
Snapdragon Stadium
2101 Stadium Way
San Diego, CA 92108

The SMU Mustangs are headed to the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl to take on the Arizona Wildcats in San Diego, California. Visit SMU Postseason Central for the latest game updates, then lock in your seats in the SMU sections and help power the Mustangs to victory.

View Game & Ticket Info
SMU Football fans celebrating the game
SMU fans gathered at a watch party

Watch Parties

Not traveling to the game? Join fellow Mustangs at official watch parties hosted by SMU Alumni Networks in a city near you.

Find a Watch Party

ADDITIONAL HOLIDAY BOWL EVENTS

SMU Holiday Bowl Welcome Party and Podcast event graphic

SMU Holiday Bowl Welcome Party + Podcast hosted by OnThePonyExpress.com

Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Time: 5–9 p.m. PT
Location: TopSail – 1360 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Cost: $150 per person (children under 8 are free)

Welcome to San Diego! Join alumni, parents, friends and fans for a SMU Welcome Party and Pregame Podcast overlooking San Diego Bay. Enjoy an open bar (beer, wine and liquor) and hors d'oeuvres. Questions? Email billy.embody@on3.com.

Buy Tickets
SMU Mustang Band and spirit squads performing at an outdoor event

Band Bash hosted by SeaWorld San Diego

Date: January 1, 2026
Time: 4 p.m. PT
Location: SeaWorld San Diego

Cheer on the SMU Mustang Band and Spirit Squads at their joint show with Arizona. Fans get in free with a Holiday Bowl ticket while supplies last.

Register for Band Bash
SMU Marching Band and parade performers at the Holiday Bowl Parade in San Diego

Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade

Date: January 2, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. PT
Location: San Diego Harbor

Kick off game day with the annual Holiday Bowl Parade featuring the SMU Marching Band. Street-side viewing is free, or purchase grandstand tickets for the best views.

Buy Grandstand Tickets
Walk in the Parade Route Map (PDF)

Postseason FAQ

All official ticket information is available on SMU Postseason Central. To sit in the SMU sections for the Holiday Bowl, purchase your tickets through the official SMU ticket site for the Holiday Bowl.
Yes. The SMU fan hotel is the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego. A limited block of rooms is available; book through the Manchester Grand Hyatt SMU hotel block.
  • Parking passes: Purchase in advance at Ticketmaster.
  • Recommended lot: The Orange Lot is recommended for proximity to the SMU Fan Zone on the East Lawn.
  • Rideshare: Drop-off and pick-up are at the Purple Lot, a short walk to the SMU Fan Zone.
  • Trolley (Green Line): The trolley stop is about a 5-minute walk to the SMU Fan Zone. Plan your trip via MTS Snapdragon Stadium information.
SMU works with campus partners and local leaders to offer SMU Fan Zone experiences and official watch parties when possible. Availability depends on location and timing, but this page will always show the most current opportunities to gather with fellow Mustangs.
Registration links for the SMU Fan Zone and any watch parties will be posted on this page and shared by email with alumni and parents. To help ensure you receive invitations and updates, please keep your contact information current with SMU.

Questions? Contact SMU Alumni Relations at 214-768-2586 or smualum@smu.edu.

Support SMU

Can’t make it to the game? You can still champion our student-athletes from wherever you’re cheering on the Mustangs. Make your gift to the Student–Athlete Benefit Fund or another area that is meaningful to you to celebrate our success and help our Mustangs thrive on and off the field.

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