San Diego’s newest venue, Snapdragon Stadium, made the news for the wrong reasons at its first event recently when more than a dozen people were treated for heat-related issues in 100-degree temperatures without protection from the sun.
Critics after the event asked why the stadium didn’t have more shade. The athletic director of San Diego State University responded by saying that the canopy would add $50 million to $100 million to the overall construction cost.
More than just a stadium for university events, Snapdragon plans to be an entertainment venue for bands and other events. For example, Jimmy Buffett played there in October.
Snapdragon sold out for the first event, the Aztec game, but many ticket holders chose not to attend due to the heat. Many critics on Twitter questioned whether the new stadium would work if people actively avoided it whenever it got hot.
Q: Can Snapdragon Stadium be successful without a canopy?
Norm Miller, University of San Diego
YES: If heat is a recurring issue, which is unlikely to happen for at least the next few years, they can try and schedule games and events in the evening. Most of the time we will have perfect weather and if any city can get away with it without a canopy it is San Diego. They can include free bottled water and even install some large fans. Lawyers will write a huge disclaimer warning everyone that heat can happen, even here.
YES: This stadium would be a success without a canopy. We recently experienced very unusual weather conditions in San Diego. The inaugural Aztec match was unfortunately a midday kickoff during an abnormal heatwave. Yes, a canopy would be nice to have, but most of the games and events that will take place are supposed to take place in the afternoon or evening when the weather isn’t too hot. Like Petco Park, Snapdragon Stadium is a welcome addition to San Diego where residents and visitors alike will enjoy attending concerts and sporting events for years to come regardless of the weather.
David Ely, San Diego State University
YES: Many other university stadiums operate successfully without a canopy. They are not a requirement for success. Most matches and other events on Snapdragon will be scheduled in the evening so excessive heat is rarely a concern. Even for events scheduled during the day, extreme temperatures will not be the norm. Rain will rarely interrupt the event. Unlike stadiums located in cooler areas, events can be held on Snapdragon even during the winter months.
NO: Not as successful as it could be. For a stadium to optimize its utility and be as successful as possible, it must be available all year round and at any time of day. The climate today is very different from the past. More days where dangerous conditions persist will become the norm in the future. Outdoor seating without protection from the sun is not only a drawback of Snapdragon Stadium but also a potential downside.
Caroline Freund, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy
Haney Hong, San Diego County Taxpayers Association.
YES: Don’t overreact, guys. Sure, the scorching heat causes some real problems, but most of the comments are just hot air that will cool off with fall. It won’t be worth the extra cost – which will probably end up on ticket buyers – to make the stadium completely risk-free for every eventuality. We had great weather in San Diego, and ticket holders will be right back (with a bit of sunscreen).
Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute of Economic Research
YES: Located in the best climate in the country, the new stadium will be a success with games and other events being held at a later date during the warmer months. It will no doubt be enhanced by having a canopy with more aesthetics and functionality at times when the San Diego weather is less than ideal. The stadium should take cues from the city center’s signature waterfront displays including the new Rady Shell screen, airport and Convention Center.
YES: Replay of the first game asking for a canopy will be rare. Significantly, 85 percent of home football matches will take place after 5pm. Most other sporting events are also in the evening. Rain will be rare. Only three of the last 100 matches have faced rain. More important than the weather is the quality of the concert team and artist. Snapdragon’s success shouldn’t be condemned by the weather.
YES: The game is an anomaly and probably won’t be repeated for years. This facility is designed for usually night football matches and concerts. Any cost for additional shade is not worth the investment.
Gary London, Advisor to Moder London
NO: I’ve never been there, but complaints about the lack of shaded areas and issues with entry and exit, should be addressed where possible, especially if it’s to host other types of events. The economic benefits of sports venues to society increase significantly when used for more than a few sports-related dates. Petco Park is the best example: it is a great venue for concerts and events.
Alan Gin, University of San Diego
YES: The opening match of the Aztecs was an anomaly with the start of midday during one of the hottest days of the year. While climate change could lead to hotter days in the future, San Diego’s weather will still be more moderate than most cities. Many sporting events, especially college football, are scheduled for the fall when the weather is cooler. Which is held during the summer can be done at night. And it rains so infrequently in San Diego that a canopy isn’t necessary for that either.
Bob Rauch, R.A. Rauch & Partner
YES: It’s not uncommon for a combination of a day’s play and a heatwave like the Labor Day weekend to experience. Stadiums are not built for the worst-case scenario. They can add a canopy if needed, in the future, and they definitely can and should add more shade on the outskirts of the stadium. This state of affairs is similar to what happened when extreme ice, wind and cold hit Buffalo — defenders and fans alike could resist.
YES: But it will require more careful planning and scheduling. My recommendation is not to schedule the event before 4pm. during the months of June to September. TV networks may offer more revenue if games are scheduled earlier. But if fans have bad experiences or if SDSU ends up being sued by participants suffering from heat exposure, that’s not a good thing for the university even from a narrow financial perspective.
Yes: But it shouldn’t. Since most events take place after 5pm, the stadium can still be used for many events without cover. Apart from that, the increased risk of skin cancer, increased temperatures, and the possibility of being a daytime soccer stadium all suggest that cover is a wise choice. It feels irresponsible to create a hostile environment for guests. Spending $50 million to $100 million on shade seems odd. Maybe a local university engineering competition?
Chris Van Gorder, Scripps Health
YES: Fortunately, 100 degree temperatures and stormy weather are not normal in San Diego. Snapdragon is not designed to be a full-fledged replacement for Qualcomm Stadium. It was also designed to be an affordable stadium—otherwise it’s very likely it wouldn’t have been built at all. Because it is so open, sometimes medical and weather treatment plans have to be made. But most of the time, the weather is friendly here in San Diego.
Have an idea for an EconoMeter question? Email me at phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com. Follow me on Twitter: @PhillipMolnar
Can I take a fanny pack to SoFi Stadium?
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: wallets larger than a clutch bag, cooler, briefcase, backpack, duffel bag, diaper bag, cinch bag, unapproved seat cushion*, any luggage, computer bag and briefcase any camera or bag larger than the permitted size.
Can I bring an empty water bottle to SoFi Stadium? Food & Drink: Simplified stadium concessions will be served, provided by LA Eats. Outside food and drink is not permitted, with the exception of one 16.9 ounce or less factory sealed bottle of water per guest. You can also bring reusable non-metallic bottles with you.
Is outside food allowed at SoFi Stadium?
According to sofistadium.com, all food from outside should not be brought into the stadium by fans. However, fans can carry one factory-sealed water weighing 20 ounces or less. What’s this?
Do you have to wear a mask at SoFi Stadium?
The rules require masks at all times, except when “actively” eating or drinking. “That doesn’t mean you buy a bucket of popcorn and eat it for two hours. Actively eat and drink,” said Russ Simons, senior vice president for campus and facilities operations for SoFi Stadium, previously. “We to you.”
Can I bring a bag to SoFi Stadium?
SoFi Stadium is a Clear Bag facility; guests are strongly advised not to bring any bags or containers into the stadium, but if necessary, bags must comply with the NFL Clear Bag Policy. Bag Valet is located outside of Entry 1, 5, 8, and 9 for a surcharge. SoFi Stadium is a cashless facility.
Are there lockers at SoFi Stadium?
SoFi Stadium Luggage Storage – 24/7 – From $0.95/hour or $5.95/day.
Can I bring a clear backpack to SoFi Stadium?
SoFi Stadium is a Clear Bag facility; guests are strongly advised not to bring any bags or containers into the stadium, but if necessary, bags must comply with the NFL Clear Bag Policy. Bag Valet is located outside of Entry 1, 5, 8, and 9 for a surcharge.
Can you bring a backpack into SoFi Stadium?
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: wallets larger than a small purse, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, duffel bags, cinch bags, any luggage, seat cushions that have pockets or metal, strollers, computer cases, camera bag, diaper bag, or other bag larger than the permitted size.
Can you tailgate at Snapdragon Stadium?
The parking lot is open five hours before kickoff for all SDSU football matches. Tailgating fans before the game must park in the parking lot directed by the parking attendant. Fans can arrive at the parking lot five hours before the game. For parking information or to download a map, click here.
Where is the San Diego State football stadium located?
Why is SDSU stadium called Snapdragon?
On December 6, 2021, San Diego State announced a naming rights agreement with Qualcomm, which also owns the naming rights to the original stadium. The stadium came to be known as Snapdragon Stadium, named after the Qualcomm Snapdragon System brand on a chip.
What is Qualcomm Stadium called now?
San Diego Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in San Diego, California. The stadium opened in 1967 as San Diego Stadium and was known as Jack Murphy Stadium from 1981 to 1997.
What’s the capacity of Snapdragon Stadium?
San Diego State delivered a 35,000 capacity stadium just in time – in the midst of a global pandemic – in the first phase of SDSU Mission Valley. Snapdragon Stadium opened two years and two weeks after the groundbreaking of the SDSU Mission Valley site.
Will Snapdragon Stadium serve alcohol?
Alcohol is served at most major games and events. Guests must follow these guidelines: All guests must consume alcohol responsibly. California liquor regulations prohibit guests from bringing alcoholic beverages to Snapdragon Stadium.
Will Snapdragon Stadium sell alcohol?
Snapdragon will serve alcohol inside from the time gate opened until the third quarter to those 21 years and over. Fans will only be allowed to bring two drinks at a time.
Is Qualcomm Stadium parking lot open?
Hours – The stadium parking lot opens four hours before kick-off. Vehicles with a pre-purchased parking permit can enter the parking lot five hours before kick-off. The parking lot is expected to reach capacity and close one hour before kick-off. The lot closes two hours after the end of the game.
What will replace Qualcomm’s stadium? The new State of San Diego Stadium in Mission Valley is named Snapdragon Stadium. SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – San Diego State University’s new football stadium in Mission Valley will be known as Snapdragon Stadium. On Monday, SDSU officials announced a long-term partnership with San Diego-based technology company Qualcomm.
Is Qualcomm stadium closing?
The stadium’s plaza level will continue to be damaged over the next several months, according to San Diego State University. The university, which purchased the land following the passing of Measure G in November 2018, said it was still on track to complete the Aztec Stadium by Fall 2022.
Is Qualcomm Stadium being torn down?
DroneRanger 7 NBC 7 flies over SDCCU Stadium in Mission Valley on October 6, 2020. The site will be demolished to make way for a future football stadium for SDSU. Let’s fly to “The Murph” one last time.
Has Qualcomm stadium been demolished?
Demolition of San Diego Stadium began in December 2020 with the last freestanding section of the stadium’s superstructure being cut down on March 22, 2021. Following the demolition of San Diego Stadium, the site became the site of the San Diego State Aztecs football team’s new Snapdragon Stadium.
Did they tear down Qualcomm Stadium?
Just a few hundred yards away is the ruins of Qualcomm Stadium, demolished to make way for an expanded campus, river park and new housing after the San Diego Chargers moved to Los Angeles.