Sakura Roberson • December 10, 2025

California State Games is Part of Something Bigger

The California State Games (CSG) has been the state’s largest amateur-sports festival since 1988, offering a “Olympic-style” experience for amateur athletes across California.


Following the retirement of the California State Games’ founding Executive Director Sandi Hill, who served in the role for 35 years, Sports San Diego assumed management of the CSG in 2023.

 

What is Sports San Diego?

Sports San Diego is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) with a purpose to drive visitor demand to economically benefit the San Diego region through producing the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl, Rady Children’s Invitational, and California State Games and recruiting, supporting, and hosting world-class sports events.


How did Sports San Diego Start?

The Trust & Will Holiday Bowl is college football bowl game hosted annually San Diego since 1978. Since its inaugural edition on December 22, 1978, at the former San Diego Stadium, when the BYU Cougars faced the Navy Midshipmen, the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl has become a major fixture in the college football postseason calendar.


Since its launch, the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl, originally produced by the San Diego Bowl Game Association which evolved into Sports San Diego, has created immense economic value for the region, generating more than $1 billion in impact for San Diego.


In 2023, the San Diego Bowl Game Association officially rebranded as Sports San Diego to reflect its broader mission: not only producing the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl, but producing events like the Rady Children’s Invitational and the California State Games and functioning as the region’s sports commission.


Part of Something Bigger

The integration of the California State Games under Sports San Diego highlights the organization’s ongoing commitment to promoting sports, tourism, and community engagement throughout the region. Sports San Diego has become a driving force for athletic excellence and economic growth, positioning the city as a premier destination for world-class sporting events. By uniting athletes, fans, and communities, it strengthens San Diego’s identity while supporting tourism and creating lasting experiences.

From Ice to Arena: The 2026 California State Games Opening Ceremonies at the Gulls Global Games Night

By Sakura Roberson • October 22, 2025
The California Winter Games Youth Ice Hockey Tournament is Back! This upcoming President’s Day Weekend, February 13–16 , the California Winter Games will welcome over 80 youth ice hockey teams to arenas across San Diego. Get ready for action-packed competition on the ice, with the next-level experience of Opening Ceremonies at the San Diego Gulls AHL game on February 14 th . “I love to see the looks on the kids’ faces when they get to the front of the line and they see the whole ice for the first time.” Says Bill Foltz, Manager of Group and Inside Sales at the San Diego Gulls. “Not to mention the smiles and looks of awe as they pass the torch around and see the big torch get lit.” The San Diego Gulls have been longtime partners of the California Winter Games ice hockey tournament, hosting the annual Torch Lighting Ceremony for the past four years. What to expect at our premier youth ice hockey tournament: Competitive matchups for all levels Gold, silver, and bronze medals for 1 st -3 rd placing teams A chance to participate in the Torch Lighting Ceremony at Opening Ceremonies An exclusive invite to Gulls Global Games Night Gulls Global Games Night: February 14 th at Pechanga Arena Registered teams are invited to take part in a night of celebration, hockey, and community spirit at Pechanga Arena in San Diego! Here’s what’s in store: Torch Lighting Ceremony Step onto the ice and witness the ceremonial lighting of the torch and cauldron, a symbolic kickoff to the Games. Teams will line up on the ice for this unforgettable Olympic-style moment. Tailgate Party – 4:00 PM After the ceremony, head to the North Lot of Pechanga Arena for the ultimate Gulls tailgate experience, featuring fun games, delicious food, and exciting prizes for players and families. San Diego Gulls Game – Doors Open at 5:00 PM Cheer on the San Diego Gulls as they face off against the Bakersfield Condors! The puck drops at 6:00 PM , and the first 20 teams to sign up for Gulls Global Games Night will receive FREE admission to the game! Don’t Miss Out! Sign up now to secure your spot in the Torch Lighting Ceremony and Gulls Global Games Night here => Torch Ceremony and Gulls Global Games Night! This is more than just a tournament — it’s a weekend your team will never forget!

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY TO PROVIDE 250 COMPLIMENTARY ENTRIES INTO 2025 CALIFORNIA STATE GAMES, JULY 13–20 IN SAN DIEGO FOR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY MEMBERS/DEPENDENTS

June 6, 2025
*Click Here For Details*

Celebrate the Spirit of the Games at the 2025 California State Games Opening Ceremonies presented by Kaiser Permanente!

June 4, 2025
Celebrate the Spirit of the Games at the 2025 California State Games Opening Ceremonies presented by Kaiser Permanente!