I am so surprised that I have not yet reviewed this Amphitheater. It is currently called the Cal…read moreCoast Credit Union Amphitheater, but I always think of it as the "SDSU Open Air Theater". Regardless, it is generally a great place to catch a show.
Through the years, I have seen many great shows here including Flogging Molly, The Shins, Prince, Interpol, and many others.
I hadn't been in a couple years, but last week my husband and I went to see The Human Leave, Soft Cell, and Alison Moyet (Yaz). It was an incredible show.
Starting out, there are a few things that I dislike about the venue. First, because it is on a college campus, parking can be difficult and you are basically forced into the $30 paid parking garage. Also, I was suffering from a recent sports injury, making the trek across campus to the theater a bit of a task. In the past, the lines for swag and drinks have been nearly impossible, though, this time, they were much improved. Finally, the trek to the ladies' room is a bit far depending on your seat. Also, it is not a large restroom and the line goes slowly, However, it is clean.
On the flip side, there are a lot of positive points to this venue. The location is generally decent as it is not far from town. Despite the crowds coming in for shows, it doesn't take too long to get in and out of the parking lots.
The event staff consists of many college students working concessions or ushering, and they are very friendly. It is really a nice, open, outdoor, relaxing venue. There is not a bad seat in the house (as many other reviews state). I have been in front, in back, and in the middle. I have been able to see and hear the show very well from each of my seats. It has also been my experience that the crowd has been generally a well-behaved, polite group, though I guess you can't alway count on that.
All in all, it is a great place to catch a show, especially during the beautiful San Diego summer months.