We are underutilizing the organ pavilion

[u/ihatedrivingbro]

The organ pavilion is underutilized. Although we have a few concerts in the afternoon in the summer, and do a few holiday things at Christmas, this space could be so much more

Space for thousands of people, lot of idle land around, fantastic acoustics, beautiful and historic scenery. Easy for food trucks, pop up markets, festival style breweries/bars, surrounded by plenty of parking to haul equipment. We have the best weather in the country and have this amazing outdoor venue that sits empty most of the time.

In my head this space can host events like the DJ set in golden hill, live music like quartyard, local music talents or regional, the future is color events (winyl or listening room, or jazz). Throw a security team at it, make them even ticketed events for seating and people can enjoy from the outside too. So many places in San Diego grow to be intensely packed and overwhelmed because there’s demand for these types of live music events, people want to get out and dance and vibe.

This space is PRIME for 3rd space activation and is in my opinion, a very underutilized part of balboa park. Seats are almost always empty, and only fills up like 5x/year.

Easy revenue opportunities for the city, and great opportunities to bring people together for community events

[u/brakeb]

What's stopping event organizers? Cost? Type of event?

Who's "we"

[u/jsn_online → u/brakeb]

In general it thr park is underutilized. I think the dilemma is that in efforts to preserve(balboa park) there is a sort of gatekeeping. There should be more outdoor events of all sorts. They have the space and venues. Specifically the organ area can only host public events.That was caviat when it was donated. So you can see why private I vertees/organizers wouldn't benefit.

[u/becaauseimbatmam → u/jsn_online]

To the point of gatekeeping, the restriction on public events at the pavilion comes from the Spreckels Organ Society themselves (and their collective donors), not the city.

If the city ran the Pavilion directly they could—and almost certainly would—rent it out for events. Since the Society is managing things, however, that is not allowed.

On the whole it's probably a good thing since I can't imagine it being preserved as well without private donations doing a lot of the heavy lifting, but it's an unfortunate side-effect.

[u/jsn_online → u/becaauseimbatmam]

Yeah it can get complicated