Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
Waddup ya’ll this is Josh the Venumaster here to give you the scoop on Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre. This place is San Diego’s biggest, baddest concert venue so let’s check out what it has to offer.
SEATING
- The best seats in the house are ones closest to the stage. Sections 101, 102, and 103 are up close and personal seats that almost make you feel like you’re kickin’ it with your favorite band… almost.
- The worst tickets are probably lawn tickets. They aren’t really THAT bad; you can bring a towel, blanket, and/or folding chair and still watch the show comfortably, but if you’re used to having really good seats you’ll feel like you’re watching the show from San Fran. If you didn’t bring a chair you can always rent one for $5. Sometimes you can’t see what’s happening on the stage really well, so they have a couple of very big tv’s that show what’s going on, but it sucks that you’d have look on to the tv when you’re at the show.
- If you’re in the pit (standing area at the very front for those who have no idea what that is) KEEP YOUR WRISTBAND AND TICKET. If you want to leave the pit for a bit to grab a drink or some food you’ll need your wristband and ticket to get back in!!!
PARKING
- Parking and exiting is generally proportional to the fame of the band or artist. If it’s a band like One Direction, parking and exiting will be a nightmare because the venue will probably be packed to its 20,000 person capacity with screaming preteen girls. It could take you up to an hour-and-a-half to park, and two to leave. If you’re going there to see your favorite hipster band (that obviously nobody else knows about… that’s why they’re hipster) you’ll probably be in and out in less than 30 minutes.
- There are 3 types of parking for this venue.
- The first one is VIP parking which costs $20. I wouldn’t pay for it. It doesn’t make that much of a difference when it comes to gettin’ there and gettin’ out.
- The second is a FREE parking area. Soak City is literally right across the street and if it is closed, you’re usually allowed to park there too which opens up traffic for free parking.
- The third option is getting a taxi or something to that effect. If you live in San Diego or are staying in a local hotel, you can get a ride to Cricket from UBER (check them out at https://www.uber.com/). It’s especially cool if you’re going with a few friends, cause you can all grab a ride there and back, split the cost, and not have to wait a ridiculously long time to grab a parking spot and leave. Before you do it though, go to Google and search “Uber car service promo codes” or “Uber car service coupon codes”. You’re likely to find a deal that will make your trip cheaper.
FOOD/DRINKS
- There really isn’t that “one spot” that serves the best food. There’s a few vendors who sell typical concert eats. Just prepare yourself to pay $10-12 for a beer, $8-12 for a burger, and $6 for fries. If you’re hungry before the concert, take a little detour to Tacos El Gordo in Chula Vista beforehand and grab some Adobada taco’s (689 H St Chula Vista, CA 91910. Trust me, they will change your life).
DIRECTIONS
If you’re North of Chula Vista
Take the 805 South to Auto Park Drive/Main Street, turn left onto Auto Park Drive, then stay on Auto Park Drive to the entrance of the Amphitheatre
If you’re South of Chula Vista
Take the 805 North to Auto Park Drive/Main Street, turn right onto Auto Park Drive, then stay on Auto Park Drive to the entrance of the Amphitheatre.
Take the 805 South to Auto Park Drive/Main Street, turn left onto Auto Park Drive, then stay on Auto Park Drive to the entrance of the Amphitheatre
If you’re South of Chula Vista
Take the 805 North to Auto Park Drive/Main Street, turn right onto Auto Park Drive, then stay on Auto Park Drive to the entrance of the Amphitheatre.
OTHER INFO
- This place isn’t what I would call “kid friendly”. It isn’t a place I would take my 9 year old to see John Mayer (it’s not uncommon for people to be pretty wasted or puffin on some weed). Kids 2 and under get in for free.
- If you are disabled, don’t worry, Cricket is wheelchair accessible.
- Shows generally aren’t cancelled. They usually go on, rain or shine.
- Gates open about an hour before the concert, sometimes a little more than an hour depending on who’s playing. Parking opens an hour before the gates open.
- Bathrooms are pretty decent considering it’s a concert venue. It’s not like a luxury bathroom but it’s waaaay better than a fly infested, “I need to take a gas mask with me if I want to survive”, porta potty.
- The venue shut’s down at 11:00pm.
- Last but not least, there’s a bunch of stuff you can and can’t bring to the concert, like an umbrella (what the heck am I gonna do with an umbrella that would cause them to not let me bring it in?). For the full list, check out http://cricketwirelessamp.com/about/policies_faqs
This venue generally has solid sound for it being outdoors, really cool lighting, and a fun atmosphere. If you’re really concerned about parking, food, or ease of location this place might not be for you. All in all, Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre is a pretty cool spot.
That’s all things Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre. Hit me up with some comments if you have any info from your experiences at Cricket. Next up, Petco Park.
Later -
The Venumaster
