Great music in a stunning setting. That’s one way to describe Bayside Summer Nights, the San Diego Symphony’s summer concert series at Embarcadero Marina Park South. Now, the venue is about to get bigger and better.
A new lease with the Port of San Diego will turn the current, temporary concert space into an ultra-modern one.
"Fabulous sound and light, indoor plumbing, and also backstage amenities so that we can welcome in the absolute best way the many, many guest artists that are gonna want to perform here," said Martha Gilmer, CEO of the San Diego Symphony.
The project will feature a 13,000 square foot stage. The current porta-potties will be replaced by permanent restrooms.
The new facility will be able to seat 10-thousand, which is three times more than the current space.
"We will actually be able to invite artists who will fill those seats and that play to a larger audience," Gilmer said.
The construction of a permanent facility also means the space will be available more days during the year.
"We will be occupying this space for ticketed events 110 half days a year. Right now we’re at 37 performances," according to Gilmer.
This project will cost around $45 million. The Symphony will pay for all of it, but they will get a nearly $3,000,000 rent credit for upgrading surrounding amenities.
The hope is that construction can begin in September with the new facility ready for next summer’s concerts.
But there are still hurdles … permits and such, so it could be pushed to 2021.
