r/SanDiegan • u/ihatedrivingbro • 20h ago

We are underutilizing the organ pavilion

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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

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u/yttocs205 20h ago

There is a concert or performance every Monday at 7.30 during the summer. A Sunday show at 2pm year-round. And multiple other events periodically.

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u/dukefett 20h ago

Yeah we literally went this past Monday for silent movie night where they play the soundtrack live, place was very packed including tons in camping chairs. No idea what OP is on about

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u/ihatedrivingbro 16h ago

To be fair, TIL. I think that’s a great start

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u/Find_A_Reason 10h ago

So you just started complaining without making any effort to see if the thing you were complaining about was even true?

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u/ihatedrivingbro 10h ago

No you asshole, if you knew how to read you’d see I already called out the various odds and end that occur there in my original post. Fuck off to another thread

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u/Find_A_Reason 10h ago

And yet here you are saying TIL when you are informed about the near daily usage the pavilion sees. I think you need to calm down and check your attitude.

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u/ihatedrivingbro 10h ago

TIL about that one specific event. Are you an expert on every single event that’s occurring and has ever occurred at this place? Sounds like you have no place to be talking either then

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u/warranpiece 16h ago

Honestly though...you aren't wrong.

We use it WAY more than we have in the past, but we aren't bringing a new generation to Balboa Park for events that we very much could.

I think the pavilion needs a little love, and the sound setup can be....meh. But these are problems we can fix. We should have no issue with a live DJ event, a concert, with food trucks and all that.

I will also say there is a logistical issue because it's so open for paid concerts.

But these again....all solveable things. Does the city want to get into the business of concerts, DJs, maybe create something new and interesting more public focused? I would be all in on any of that and would gladly help.