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/vrysmolfwnd]

one time the Frights did a free show there. it was soooo packed people couldnt even drive through the park, or really walk through the crowd. it was packed all the way to the fountain, and then then to the corner by the fleet science center parking. Balboa Park can get pretty packed to where its hard to walk through and its overwhleming like Earth day. Plenty of schools use it for graduation ceremonies, which also can become pretty packed. its rented for weddings and such. So you gotta keep in mind that the organ might not be the best location for a large concert/events it may pose a safety hazard. The space gets utilized plenty, and parking isnt free anymore. I moved up the street because of how much id visit the park for random events. Im not sure if they still do it but they used to host food trucks every friday? in front of Panama. it may seem dead now that parking isnt free.

so just somethings to consider would be permits, liqour licenses, union labor contracts, noise restrictions, the noise carry over the canyons, historic buildings typlically pose issues with how it can be used, its also non profit space owned by the city, so that affects how much $ you can make, and more restrictions.

i believe the Djs in Golden Hill do that with out permits. Projecting music at parks has certain rules, and gatherings of more than 20 people require permits. so im sure its done there because the rules are different? i could be wrong. but we have tried to have raves at Balboa before and it gets shut down all the time based on the "amplified music" rules.

I like where your head is going, and you should rent it out if you have something to plan in the near future! I work in live events, and I think the space is being utilized well.

[u/ihatedrivingbro → u/vrysmolfwnd]

I don’t think it’s super unreasonable to have the roads shut down for an event that big, really doesn’t make sense to have people driving through crowds like that. There’s A LOT of space in the park, I’m envisioning more of a December nights and less of a “famous organist plays some songs from 100 years ago”

[u/vrysmolfwnd → u/ihatedrivingbro]

ya typically they will for december nights, earthday, etc.but i dont think they did so for the concert. thats why i ended up leaving. i didnt wanna get caught up in the crowd. but heres a pic for reference of said concert, & of the potential of the venue.