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
 

2024

Opening Ceremonies

Friday July 19

Pechanga Sports Arena

3500 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110

Experience the Olympic Dream at the California State Games' very own Olympic 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 24 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.

*Athletes who participate in the Athlete Parade get in for free to the event!

Tickets Coming Soon

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 4pm-6pm near Entrance of Arena includes lots of games, DJ, and food trucks. Parents are welcome to attend the Fun Zone also.
  • Beer Garden is from 4-5:45pm in the Athlete Fun Zone.
  • Torch Runners & Lighting of the Cauldron!

    Any CSG has a chance to light the Cal State Games Cauldron! Submit this form by June 26 to tell us why you should be considered for being a Torch Runner!

  • Live Entertainment & Fireworks Show Featuring

    Athlete Parade

    Live Jumbotron Feed

    Athlete Fun Zone

    Parachute Jumpers

    Live Entertainment

    Gulliver from the San Diego Gulls

    Lighting of the Cauldron 

    Fireworks Show!

  • Athlete Participation

    All registered athletes are invited to participate in Opening Ceremonies.


    All athletes participating in the parade get in free.

    • 4:00 - 6:30pm: Athlete Fun Zone area open in Parking Lot L1.
    • At 6:30pm: Line up for the Parade of Athletes at Parking Lot M1. 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 the Main Gates at Section G. Souvenir booths will be available at both sections.
    • 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.
    • COACHES don't forget to pick up your $20 Dick's Sporting Goods gift card.
    • Wear your team jersey, jacket or T-shirt for the parade.
    • Concessions will be available at the stadium.
  • Athlete Fun Zone

    Arrive between 4:00pm-6:30pm to check out the FREE Athlete Fun Zone at Section L1.  Featuring:


    Inflatable Obstacle Course

    Palm Tree Climb

    Giant Slide

    Upper Deck

    Robots

    Dunkin Donuts

    Chick-fil-A

    Woodstock's Pizza

    DJ Music

    Spike Ball

    Dave & Buster's

    Prizes & MORE!

  • Free Coaches Gift

    All Coaches that attend Opening Ceremonies with their team will receive a Free Coach's Gift Bag that includes a $20 Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Card!

  • Spectator Seating

    • Open Seating Spectator Ticket: $12.50 per spectator
    • Premium Spectator Seating: $25 includes admission and reserved seat in Plaza section with best views of fireworks and jumbotron. First ones to purchase, get the best seats.  Last year we sold out of Premium seats - so get your tickets early!
    • Athletes (and two coaches per team) that march in the parade do not need a ticket.
    • Parking is $5 cash per vehicle at the stadium.
  • E-Tickets
    • We are offering e-tickets for the first time in 2020. Spectators can view and purchase tickets from their phones or computers up until Opening Ceremonies on July 17th.  
    • Ticket prices will go up on Friday, July 17th. If you do not wish to purchase e-tickets on your computer or cell phone, tickets will be available to purchase at Gate F.
    • Parking is $5 cash per vehicle at the stadium.
  • Stone Brewing Beer Garden (must be over 21)

    $10 wristband (buy online with Opening Ceremonies tickets) gets you tickets for 2 - 12 oz craft beers.  The Stone Brewing Beer Garden will be held before Opening Ceremonies at the stadium in Parking lot O1 (near Athlete Fun Zone) from 4pm to 6:30pm.  You must be 21 years old to purchase a wristband and enter the Beer Garden.  You must show your ID at the Beer Garden to receive your wristband and tickets.

  • 2019 Photos

Timeline of Events

Friday July 19

  4:00-6:00pm - Athlete Fun Zone
Food trucks, games, obstacle course, DJ, in  parking lot near entrance
  4:00-5:45pm - Beer Garden (must be over 21)
  5:00pm -          Spectator doors open
  5:15-6:15pm  - Band plays inside Arena
  6:30pm -          Ceremonies begin with Athlete Parade
All athletes get in free when they march in the Parade
                          National Anthem                         
                          Live Entertainment
Torch Relay  - Apply to be a Torch Runner here by June 27
   8:15pm -         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
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