MARCHING BANDS & FOOTBALL COME TO THE SAN DIEGO HOLIDAY BOWL

HORTON PARK PLAZA

     Sometimes you happen to come upon an event that turns out to be special, and you wonder why you haven't done it before. Our trip to downtown San Diego the day after Christmas turned out to be one of those times.

     Friends from Minnesota were in town for the San Diego Holiday Bowl and suggested we meet them for dinner after the “Battle of the Bands” performance that is held on the day before the game.

     

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA BAND

Ron and I decided to head downtown to find out what this marching band event at Horton Park Plaza was all about. We arrived an hour early and planned to walk around for awhile, but we were quickly pulled into the events of the evening when over one hundred marching band members and spirit squads from the University of Minnesota, started gathering outside the plaza early for an impromptu performance.

     We were standing right next to them and couldn't help but feel the exuberance and appreciate the talent of these young people. There was also a bit of nostalgia for both Ron and me because the University of Minnesota is our alma mater. I also have fond memories of playing in the percussion section of my high school marching band.

     

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

HORTON PARK PLAZA SAN DIEGO

The instrumental sections of the band alternated taking their gold plumed hats off, lining them up on the sidewalk, and then started weaving with a bounce and a sway throughout the band area before returning pick up their respective hats. It appeared unplanned, but it was clearly well thought out. Then, the trumpets gathered on the three upper floors of Horton Plaza shopping center and started playing back and forth with those below. It was great. Next, the baton twirlers started an exhibition – and the flag twirlers. Then, it was the cheerleaders. Next, 24 tuba players marched and danced around, and we were entertained by a conductor up on the second floor above who was directing them. They were having fun and so were we. It continued for about thirty minutes.

      Soon, thereafter, the University of Minnesota and Washington State bands and their respective spirit squads entered the plaza center for the official “Battle of the Bands.” A contest to decide the best band of the evening based on audience response.

     The two high energy and spirited bands alternated their performances in hopes of winning the audience over. Approximately, 1,000 spectators were sitting for an hour on concrete steps surrounding the plaza center cheering for their favorite band. It was a comfortable evening temperature of about 50 degrees. There seemed to be more people from Washington State in the audience, so they may have gotten the edge on audience response. However, the University of Minnesota, my alma mater, is ranked the #6 band in the Big Ten conference. It was by far the superior group. There was no official announcement of a winner so I guess it doesn't really matter. It was great entertainment and I look forward to attending the event next year.

     The following day we watched the Holiday Bowl game on TV. The University of Minnesota Gophers beat the Washington State Cougars 17-12.

HISTORIC LANDMARK FOUNTAIN

TRUMPETS ABOVE  IN SHOPPING CENTER

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

AMPHITHEATER