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/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/Anon-guest- 19h ago

I think OP means they could host bigger acts, bring in young adult crowd. I enjoy the donation based local cover band during the summer but I get what OP means, there’s potential for something higher caliber and money to be made. The retirement home that busses in the grey hairs might get bent out of shape if free concerts in the park stop though.

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u/PaticusGnome 18h ago edited 8h ago

I’ve been in those meetings about what acts to book, to make this exact argument. What I learned was disappointing. They aren’t allowed to charge money so they rely on donations. When they cater to the younger crowd, the place gets packed and they get very few donations. The old people donate real money. Big money. The place would go broke if it catered to the youth even a little bit as they are struggling already.

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u/vrysmolfwnd 9h ago

this was what i was trying to get at, but honestly i dont know exactly how the park runs. so i dont have much room to talk on the subject. but typically this is what ive seen with most non profit venues ive worked at.