Fresno State Battles Washington State In 2022 LA Bowl

It’s Bowl Season, baby!

This weekend kicks off the start of college football’s annual postseason celebrations. One of the more exciting games could be the second annual 2022 Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl.

2022 LA Bowl takes place on Dec. 17

Fans can certainly travel to Los Angeles to watch the LA Bowl, but they can’t bet on it legally in the Golden State. Both California sports betting initiatives failed in last month’s election.

While much of the nation will be huddled around the heater on Saturday, Dec. 17, the Fresno State Bulldogs and Washington State Cougars will kick off at 12:20 p.m. (PST) at SoFi Stadium in sunny Inglewood.

In preparation for the game, here’s a guide and preview of the game and what to expect from the full game-day experience.

Bulldogs battle Cougars at 2022 LA Bowl

Cats vs. dogs. Which side are you on?

Fresno State (9-4) earned its berth into the LA Bowl by defeating Boise State University to claim the Mountain West division title earlier this month. The Bulldogs started the year 1-4, including losses to Boise State and two Pac-12 teams (Oregon State and USC), before finishing the year on an eight-game winning streak.

Meanwhile, the Washington State Cougars (7-5) finished seventh (4-5) in the Pac-12 but rode a winning record into a bowl berth. Washington State played a challenging schedule this year, including five games against ranked opponents.

Only one resulted in a win, a road upset vs. No. 19 Wisconsin in September. Nonetheless, WSU’s battle-hardened schedule has prepared the team to finish the season on a high note.

Oddsmakers expect a close game, with plenty of points and plenty of action all afternoon.

What to know to attend the game

If you haven’t secured tickets to the 2022 LA Bowl yet, don’t worry. Plenty of tickets remain, with prices starting at $30 (plus fees). Ticketmaster is the official ticketing partner of the LA Bowl, and all tickets purchased on its platform are safe and secure.

Unfortunately, parking at SoFi is not as easy as getting a ticket to the game.

ParkWhiz handles SoFi Stadium parking sales, where prices begin at $25 (plus fees). Many lots surround the stadium, but you will still have to walk at least half a mile to reach the front gates. If you want to walk less than a mile, you’ll have to fork over more dough than that.

And who can forget Los Angeles traffic?! Even on a Saturday morning, freeways and local streets are liable to become congested. Lots will open four hours before kickoff (8 a.m.). Attendees should arrive at the stadium before 9 a.m. to ensure a stress-free morning.

As for food inside the stadium, you’re looking at the standard, okay-yet-nothing-great stadium fare. It’s also going to come with an L.A. stadium price tag. If you enter the stadium hungry, you should expect to spend at least $25 per person on food.

If you’re drinking, double that.

What other LA Bowl festivities are out there?

Given the early start time on Saturday, hopefully, you will get into town at least a day early to take part in other activities surrounding the LA Bowl.

A pep rally begins the fun and games, starting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16. The event takes place at American Airlines Plaza, adjacent to SoFi Stadium, and will involve food trucks, drinks and family-friendly games. The event is free, parking included, and is open to the public.

Head back to American Airlines Plaza before kickoff on Saturday morning for the Tequila 512 Fan Fest. It will have more food trucks and interactive games, along with music, giveaways, photo opportunities and other events.

Washington State fans also have a party all to themselves Saturday morning. The Pregame features its own tailgate with food, drink, music and several prominent WSU faculty in attendance.

What to do around town after LA Bowl

With any luck, you’ll be out after the game by 5 or 6 p.m. Hopefully, you’ll be celebrating a victory. Regardless, you may be looking for a way to fill up your evening. There are some interesting events in Los Angeles on Saturday night.

NHL: LA Kings vs. San Jose Sharks, 7:30 p.m. at Crypto.com Arena
Stevie Wonder: The 24th House Full of Toys Benefit Concert, 8 p.m. at Microsoft Theater
Trey Songz, Sean Kingston and Chris Brown: 7 p.m. at Banc of California Stadium
Ice skating: Even Southern California has outdoor ice skating rinks this time of year. Depending on where you stay, you’ll likely have several options within a short drive.

When all else fails, L.A. has innumerable world-class food and drink options for all budgets. Inglewood, the West Side and Downtown L.A. all have excellent choices, as do Orange County and the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys if they aren’t too far out of your way.

Whether you opt for a premium steakhouse or more affordable fare such as street tacos or a bowl of noodle soup, you should treat yourself to one of L.A.’s many unique, non-chain restaurants while in town.

Southern California to host three bowl games this season

In addition to the LA Bowl, SoCal residents can look forward to two more games in town this Bowl Season.

The 109th Rose Bowl Game takes place at 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 2. It follows the iconic Rose Parade. These activities usually occur on New Year’s Day, except when it falls on a Sunday, like in 2023.

The Pac-12’s Utah Utes (10-3) make their second straight appearance, squaring up against the Big Ten’s Penn State Nittany Lions (10-2).

All roads then lead back to SoFi Stadium for the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, which is at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 9. The matchup will be determined by the winners of the two semifinal games on Dec. 31: