Festivities for the 2009 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl kick off in downtown San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter at 6 p.m., Monday, December 21st. Marching bands and spirit squads from the participating universities will parade from each end of 5th Avenue performing fight songs, and meeting up at Market Street for a heart-pounding marching band exhibition. After the dust has settled at Market Street, bands will continue on with their marching conert.

“To stage a unique event like this in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter truly is special”, said 2009 bowl president Barbara Warden. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for San Diegans to join fans of the Utah Utes and Cal Bears and celebrate the festivities surrounding the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl.”

This San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl event is being produced in cooperation with the Gaslamp Quarter Association.

“The Businesses of the historic Gaslamp Quarter welcome once again the San Diego Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl Battle of the Bands to kick-off the bowl season in San Diego. Though it will be tough to match last year’s inaugural event, we are excited to see Pac-10 and Mountain West Conference powerhouse programs like the California Golden Bears and the Utah Utes marching on 5th Avenue,” shared Jimmy Parker the Executive Director of the Gaslamp Quarter Association. “We recommend visiting www.gaslamp.org for parking information and reservations for that perfect viewing location on 5th Avenue.”

This downtown event is free for spectators. For more information fans are encouraged to visit www.PoinsettiaBowl.com.