Sakura Roberson • March 18, 2026

Two Exciting New Sports: Flag Football and Squash


Two Exciting New Sports: Flag Football and Squash

The California State Games just got bigger — and we couldn't be more excited about it. This year, two new sports are joining the lineup: flag football and squash.

 

This is the first time either sport will be offered as an official California State Games event. The athletes who compete up this year? They're the originals. The first California State Games flag football and squash athletes. 

 

Flag Football Is Having a Moment 

If you've been paying attention, you know flag football is everywhere right now. Participation is exploding at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels, and the sport just earned a spot in major international competitions. The momentum is real, and it's not slowing down.

 

Bringing flag football to the California State Games puts athletes right in the middle of that growth — and we can't wait to welcome our first teams this summer. 

 

Squash: A Classic Sports Joins CSG

Squash has been a staple in clubs and collegiate programs for decades, and fans of the sport know just how exciting it can be. Fast rallies, incredible athleticism, and a serious test of endurance and decision-making: it's the kind of sport that hooks you once you see it live.

 

Now, California athletes have a new place to compete, and new fans have a chance to see what squash is all about. 

 

Don't Forget Opening Ceremonies

Competing in flag football or squash this year means you're not just showing up for your sport; you're getting the full California State Games experience. That includes Opening Ceremonies, one of the most exciting traditions we have. Walking out alongside athletes from every sport, representing your event on a statewide stage is one of those moments that sticks with you and becomes a memory you cherish. 

 

Ready to Make History?

This is a new chapter for the California State Games, and we want you in it. Registration is open now — come be one of the firsts!

2026 Winter Games Sneak Peek

By Sakura Roberson • February 3, 2026
Winter Games Preview The 2026 California State Winter Games presented by National University is almost here! From the rink to the gym, we’re bringing the energy, excitement, and unforgettable experiences to the athletes coming in from all over California to compete in the Games. Ice Hockey | February 13–16 Location: Multiple Rinks in San Diego Ice hockey kicks off the Winter Games action from February 13–16, featuring youth divisions and high-level USA Hockey sanctioned competition all weekend long. Teams will battle it out on the ice for gold, silver, and bronze medals, with first, second, and third place awards presented in each division. But the excitement doesn’t stop with the final buzzer… Torch Ceremony | February 14 Location: Pechanga Arena Hockey athletes can participate in our ceremonial torch lighting ceremony, one of the most iconic California State Games traditions. Athletes line up on the ice and experience the lighting of the cauldron, creating a truly unforgettable Winter Games moment. The celebration continues after the torch lighting, with a tailgate hosted by the San Diego Gulls, capped off with watching San Diego’s AHL team take the ice for their game against the Bakersfield Condors. It’s a can’t-miss night of hockey and community for athletes and families alike.  Figure Skating | March 7–8 Location: San Diego Ice Arena Figure skating takes center stage on March 7–8 at the San Diego Ice Arena, showcasing grace, athleticism, and artistry on the ice. In step with a true Olympic-style experience, gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded to the first, second, and third place skaters in each division. First Ever After Party | March 8 After the competition wraps up on Saturday, March 8, skaters are invited to our first ever Figure Skating After Party from 2–5 PM at Ringers Roller Rink - and yes, athletes get in FREE! The after party includes roller skating, games, music, and a chance to celebrate with fellow athletes. It’s the perfect way to end an amazing weekend of competition! Gymnastics | March 7–8 Location: Toby Wells YMCA Gymnastics returns to the Winter Games on March 7–8 at the Toby Wells YMCA, featuring talented athletes across divisions competing in this USA Gymnastics sanctioned event. Free Athlete Gift All gymnasts receive a free California State Games leotard commemorating their competition experience. Epic Winter Incoming Between the thrilling competition, medals, ceremonies, tailgates, and celebrations, the California State Winter Games presented by National University is shaping up to be one you won’t want to miss. We can’t wait to welcome our athletes, families, and fans for another unforgettable California State Games season. See you at Winter Games!

California State Games is Part of Something Bigger

By Sakura Roberson • December 10, 2025
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 a spot 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!