One of the most popular college football bowl games in California of its time, the San Francisco Bowl was first played in 2002 at AT&T Park in San Francisco. The following year it was renamed the Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl, while today it is known as the Redbox Bowl (as of 2019).
The San Francisco Bowl, also known as the Redbox Bowl, is a post-season college football bowl game. Owned and operated by the 49ers Foundation, it showcases NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision teams, particularly from the Pac-12 and the Big Ten conferences. The game is held annually at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, which is also the home of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers. This location, situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, provides a unique backdrop for the event, combining high-tech innovation with the tradition and spirit of college football.
The San Francisco Bowl was founded in 2002, originally named the Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl. Its establishment aimed to fill the void left by the discontinued California Bowl, providing a new postseason opportunity for college football teams. Over the years, the Bowl has undergone several name changes due to various sponsorship deals, including the Emerald Bowl and the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, reflecting its dynamic nature in the evolving landscape of college sports.
The Bowl’s main achievements include hosting memorable matchups between notable college teams, contributing significantly to the local economy, and providing a platform for players to showcase their talents on a national stage. These games have often featured future NFL stars, making the Bowl a must-watch for scouts and fans alike.
Currently, the San Francisco Bowl holds a prominent position in the college football postseason lineup. It continues to attract a wide audience, both in the stadium and through television broadcasts, reinforcing its status as a key player in college football’s bowl season.
What is the San Francisco Bowl?
The San Francisco Bowl is a collegiate football bowl game, part of the NCAA’s postseason lineup. It features teams from major conferences, offering a competitive and entertaining showcase of emerging football talent. As a bridge between college athletics and professional sports, it not only provides thrilling football action but also contributes to the cultural and economic vibrancy of the San Francisco Bay Area.
The San Francisco Bowl logo used to have a pretty vivid and memorable design. It was dominated by the elements of the brand identity of its sponsor, the Diamond Foods. At the center, there was a large maroon rhombus housing the lettering “Diamond of California” in white. Below, the arched word “Walnut” could be seen together with a green banner housing the lettering “San Francisco Bowl.”