OPENING CEREMONIES

SDCCU Stadium -Home of 3 Super Bowls
Master of Ceremonies: Paul Rudy, KUSI

Featuring:
Athlete Parade with LIVE Jumbotron
Free Athlete Fun Zone with Attractions and Giveaways
Parachute Jumpers and Live Entertainment
Fireworks
Lighting of the Cauldron and Torch Runners
 

2026

Opening Ceremonies

Presented by Kaiser Permanente

July 17

UCSD LionTree Arena

Purchase Tickets Here

Parking: click here for a flat rate of $6.35 to park. If you do not use the link, UCSD hourly parking is $4.50/hour with a max rate of $9/day, which can be paid onsite at paystations or through the Park Mobile app. 


Experience the Olympic Dream at the California State Game's very own Opening Ceremonies. Start out by enjoying the Athlete Fun Zone with games, food, vendors and more until it's time to march in the Athlete Parade. Join thousands of athletes from 19 other sports as all march into the Sports Arena just like Olympic athletes as they represent their country. As everyone sits down to enjoy the night, be prepared for incredible live entertainment, daring stunts and an Olympian as the keynote speaker to inspire all in attendance.


Registered athletes get in free when they march in the Parade of Athletes, and they sit with all athletes during the indoor portion of the opening ceremonies. Up to 2 Coaches per team get in for free if they march in the Parade.

All other attendees must purchase a ticket to Opening Ceremonies; If you want your registered athlete to sit with you, you must purchase them a ticket.


Ceremonies Details

  • Athletes get in free when they march in the Parade of Athletes
  • Up to 2 Coaches per team get in for free if they march in the Parade
  • All spectator tickets are reserved seats
  • Buy Tickets early as seating is limited
  • Parking is $TBD per vehicle
  • Athlete Fun Zone 3:30pm-6pm near Entrance of Arena includes lots of games, DJ, and food. Parents are welcome to attend the Fun Zone also.

July 17

UCSD LionTree Arena

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Parking: click here for a flat rate of $6.35 to park. If you do not use the link, UCSD hourly parking is $4.50/hour with a max rate of $9/day, which can be paid onsite at paystations or through the Park Mobile app. 



Registered athletes get in free when they march in the Parade of Athletes, and they sit with all athletes during the indoor portion of the opening ceremonies. Up to 2 Coaches per team get in for free if they march in the Parade.

All other attendees must purchase a ticket to Opening Ceremonies; If you want your registered athlete to sit with you, you must purchase them a ticket.

  • Athlete Participation

    All registered athletes are invited to participate in Opening Ceremonies.


    All athletes participating in the parade get in free.

    • 3:30pm - 6:00pm: Athlete Fun Zone area open in Parking Lot. 
    • Parking is TBD per vehicle
    • At 5:30pm: Line up for the Parade of Athletes in the athlete funzone. If athletes are too young to be dropped off, a coach/parent may stay with the child. Athletes will be supervised at all times.
    • After dropping off kids, parents can enter through any enterance.
    • PARENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PARADE WITH THE KIDS, unless their child is alone and very young.
    • ONLY 2 COACHES PER TEAM may march in the parade with their team.
    • Wear your team jersey, jacket or T-shirt for the parade.
    • Concessions will be available in the arena.

  • Athlete Fun Zone

    Arrive between 3:30pm-6:30pm to check out the FREE Athlete Fun Zone.  Featuring:


    Inflatable Obstacle Course

    DJ Music

    Food

    Local Professional Sports Teams

    Mascots

    Mini Hockey

    Prizes & MORE!

  • Spectator Seating

    Information Coming Soon

Timeline of Events

Date: July 17

  3:30-6:00pm - Athlete Fun Zone
Food, games, obstacle course, DJ, in parking lot near entrance
  3:30 - 5:30 -    Box Office Open
  5:00pm -          Spectator doors open
  5:30pm -          Athletes begin lining up for the Athlete Parade
  6:00pm -         Ceremonies begin with Athlete Parade
All athletes get in free when they march in the Parade
                          National Anthem                         
                          Live Entertainment
Torch Relay
   7:15pm -         Lighting of the California State Games Cauldron
Videos From Past Opening Ceremonies
2016 Video Highlights
2016 Guest Speaker - Olympian Willie Banks
2006 Opening Ceremonies

2006 Key Note Speaker - Tony Gwynn

Executive Director - Sandi Hill
Track & Field Olympian - Brenda Taylor