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Cricket Wireless Amphitheater
Category: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Music Venues [Edit]
2050 Entertainment CirChula Vista, CA 91911
(619) 671-3500
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- Yes
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
138 reviews for Cricket Wireless Amphitheater
138 reviews in English
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Review from Erin H.
11/2/2011 2 photos
I came here for ID fest back in September but I totally forgot to review it.
ID fest was my first rave/music fest/wtver, and I thought it was going to be some little dinky event. NO! It was huge! Probably not as big as a massive but still! The Cricket Wireless Amphitheater held a lottttt of people, and there are like 2 big stages. It was a little confusing to navigate when buzzin but my friends and I managed to find the stages. There was a "3rd stage" but it was this tiny itty bitty little made up stage.. oh well
What sucked was the parking situation. I guess they have real lots for people who have premium parking or something? Not too sure about that, but there was this makeshift dirt lot a little down the road that people made into a parking lot. It was poorly organized but I managed to find a spot (got lucky too, a handful of cars came right after me and had to leave)
As much as I had fun, this venue was wayy too far (from LA, and from SD). Too far south :[ -
Review from Anna H.
San Diego, CA
10/26/2011
So I wrote a nice, detailed post, which just got deleted by my internet...so here's the cliff notes!
Love outdoor venues. Chill staff. Easy security check for gate entrance. Nice layout of venue with vendors, stadium food, and full-bar (cross to the other side of venue for exact same options, but ZERO lines). Texting messages to be posted on megatrons is tacky and highly entertaining at points. Tickets aren't too expensive.
WAAAAAYYYYY overpriced alcohol. Make sure you have your wristband for the pit. Parking before is painful, trying to leave is excruciating. -
Review from Lily A.
10/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cricket Wireless....use to be Coors Amphitheater.
Located in Chula Vista.
All by it's lonesome self.
I'll start with the good.
* No parking charge.
* Cheap tickets, we saw John Legend and Sade for only $20 on groupon. Also they were selling Santana tickets for just $20!
* They rent out chairs for the lawn.
* The views from the venue face the mountain, and it's very pretty.
* The lawn is chill and comfy....bring a blanket just relax!
Now the not so good.
* Traffic to get into the parking lot sucked nuts.
* They do have lawn chairs for rent, but if you don't get there soon enough, they run out.
* The sound of the venue is not the greatest.
* It's located in Chula Vista ... there really isn't really much out there in terms of food and events before the concert.
I still had a fantastic time seeing the super hot and talented John Legend! And Sade rocked it with her bangin' dance poses and voice! This venue however wouldn't be my first choice in concerts...but for $20 I can't complain!Listed in: Why I love San Diego, Concert time! Who's playing?…
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Review from Naomi C.
Los Angeles, CA
11/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I like that this place has free parking and that it's a big place. I'm not a fan of the fact that sometimes you have to go up a whole section just to get back to your seat. I've been here for a couple of events. They have more than enough bathrooms and concession stands.
Overall, a good venue. It gets cold though, so bring a jacket for sure. -
Review from Maria C.
8/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been here several times to watch several concerts over the years. My most recent visit is to watch my FAVE band, Maroon 5, and Train.
I like how the venue is a nice outdoor amphitheater, and on a clear summer night, perfect with a warm blanket and a warm body next to you.
I'm grateful for the large screens next to the stage since the bands are barely visible unless you're front row. Unfortunately, there were some instances where there were some technical difficulties, but the projections worked overall.
What I really dislike about Cricket is the traffic and parking. It's miles from the freeway and only one road that takes you to and from. Parking is free, but they instill a "facility charge" on tickets.
The parking situation could be a bit disorganized getting into and leaving the amphitheater. Hope this issue gets better the next time I visit. -
Review from Mark L.
9/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
The last time I came out to this spot it was still called Coors Amphitheater, so it has been a bloody long time since I've been here! I was here last week for IDfest and this place has gotten a lot smaller than I remembered, but I honestly was impressed by the way the festival was setup. My only gripe was that the third stage was super tiny and was placed right in front of the front entrance. However, the main stage the Dim Mak stage was where you needed to be anyway.
As usual, getting in is never a problem, but going home is always a pain in the freakin' butt! Especially coming from one of these events, it's the worst...we weren't there for just a couple hours, we were there all day! So getting out of traffic is nutso, you're better off just chillin in the car while the mass exodus gets out of the area. However, with all that great music and an awesome good time, I'll let it slide, but if I was here for a three hour event, I would be so annoyed!
Can't review the food since I didn't get any, but I will say that the liquor is expensive, as usual. As for the liquor, I think it sucks that the guy you are paying and tipping isn't really the guy pouring your shot. So it's kinda like hit and miss, or ask for heavy poor, if you don't, you're gonna wish you did. Especially when you pay $10 for it...I mean c'mon workers, I know you know how it is to feel like it needs to count, so come on!Listed in: Public Venues
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Review from Michelle J.
San Diego, CA
8/24/2011
Horrible venue for lawn seating! I swear our group almost got into a fight every 15 minutes! We arrived 3 hours ahead of time so we could be in the front row of the lawn, which we did get, and multiple people in the front row around us had problems with random people coming and sitting right in front of them ON THEIR BLANKET! This happened to us too, and I got pretty heated. I ended up getting security and he said he would see what he could do. So I see security yell something in his ear, then they high five each other and laugh! So...I ended up throwing trash at their heads until they finally left...lol
The food and drinks were OUTRAGEOUS, $16 dollars for a margarita, $7 for a small Redbull, $17 for a small fries cheeseburger combo, $6 for water! I also asked for a cup so I could split my Redbull with my friend and the guy said it would cost me $10!!! Ten bucks for a cup?! I swear the disappointment just kept coming.
Paid $20 for "VIP Parking" because they said we would be able to exit "first of the line" through a seperate exit. That was a load of BS because when we left, they opened the VIP exit, to everyone!
I will never come back to Cricket Wireless.
By the way Sade was amazing! ha ha :D -
Review from Kristin F.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 7/30/2011 16 photos
My buddy and I paid Cricket Wireless a visit 2 weeks ago for 91X Fest. We went to see only Bush, though after Bush's set we did end up staying for the majority of Incubus' totally decent set too.
The Bush show was very good and very Sixteen Stone-heavy. A shame that we didn't hear a single song from Razorblade Suitcase--my favorite Bush album; it's darker, brooding, more poetic--but I suppose that when a major band is given a mere 60-minute set they stick to their big guns. I don't know what 91X Fest organizers were thinking when they awarded Incubus the 100-minute headliner spot over Bush.
Gavin Rossdale...WHEW. The guy has such a stage presence and can really, really sing. While watching him my 7th grade crush came rushing back as if the last 15 years had never passed.
No doubt Bush will tour after their new album drops later this year, and when they roll to San Diego I pray to God they play at this venue again. Parking, atmosphere, sound quality, video screens--in my opinion no other large San Diego concert venue compares to Cricket Wireless.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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9/3/2010
I'm not a maaaajor Green Day fan, so color me surprised that last night's incredible show (with… Read more »
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Review from Courtney H.
San Diego, CA
7/25/2011
Had $20 lawn seats to see Gavin DeGraw, Maroon 5 and Train and enjoyed the space and view we had even from the very back. The lawn area was maybe a little over halfway full which helped us spread out plus we brought blankets and low-back chairs (which can also be rented there) to make it more comfy.
There was never a line for the bathroom or the concessions, but that could be do the venue not being at full capacity. The venue seems to literally be out in the middle of nowhere, which actually makes for a very pretty backdrop for a concert.
However, as with most venues, parking is a pain when it comes to LEAVING. If you find yourself in the back "lot" filled with strawish mulch then you are screwed come time to leave. There is no order. So, best bet is to enjoy the antics of those around you as I did. Case in point: middle-aged couple heavily making out, girl puking out the backseat of the car, two cars bumper carring into each other. Carpooling is smartest. And patience is key.
I will have to go to another concert to see if the lack of lines is a consistent thing because I have never experienced that and it was awesome! -
Review from Ernesto M.
Bonita, CA
9/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Well what can I say about this place that hasn't been said. Whenever an artist decides to play here, I really think about whether or not I want to deal with the BS that involves coming to this way out of the way venue.( I say that living in the south bay)
The place is huge, and I have seen huge artists here, and not so great ones. When there is a huge artist here though you better come early and be ready to stay late.
The parking is horrible along with the exit, there is really no one directing traffic so its to each their own, finally by the on ramps is where the police get involved but on the property itself, you have no help.
If you arent in the orchestra or the 100's then you are better off in the cheapest seats you can get, wait for the goupon or something, every one that has played here has had trouble selling out entirely with out the help of some type of discount.
Really shows how much the public hates this place -
Review from Mandy d.
8/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
The first time I went to what used to be Coors Amphitheater (which just sounds better than Cricket Wireless), was to see a Jimmy Buffet concert with my mom. I was much younger than I am now, so I didn't retain a lot of memory from it past my sister got in a fight with a drunk person, and it was really muddy.
So when the Boyfriend and I went there to see 311, I had no idea what really to expect. My sister informed us that she believed that there was a lot of restaurants right around the theater, where we could pick up drinks and food.
We made a left off the freeway and passed a small shopping center with a few places (Panda Express, fast food type places) and a man holding a sign advertising alcohol for purchase, all which were very busy. This should have been a clue that we weren't going to find anything close to the actual venue. So when we started up the hill, we realized our mistake. I drove over the hill, and ended up in a car demolition area, and after that what appeared to be an abandoned business park. We were getting pretty desperate, and thank god were able to find a random gas station to get some beers at.
When we got to the amphitheater, we just did regular parking, which honestly seemed to be by far the better choice, I think we were literally just across the little street from the VIP parking area. There were quite a few people tailgating in the parking lot. There were also a lot of cops roaming around, but they only stopped to tell people to put their drinks in plastic cups.
We headed in right before the concert, there wasn't much of a line to get in, and they have nice big bathrooms right at the entrance. Food and drink is not surprisingly expensive there. But, they did have 22oz Karl Strauss beers for $13 each, which honestly isn't an awful deal
We were in the front row of the first seating section after the lawn on the left side of the venue. Its nice to have a seat considering how crowded and steep the lawn can get, and they don't cost much more. You do lose some of your vision since the seats wrapped pretty far around the stage.
The concert was really fun, and 311 was really awesome live, and almost the entire audience was on their feet the whole time (though our section was inexplicably the only area where people weren't dancing to the music).
Leaving the venue was really easy, though there were two car accidents on the way to freeway, so drive safely, and enjoy!Listed in: San Diego
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Review from Lalo G.
8/24/2011
What a dump! Seeing Sade and John Legend was rad but I regret doing so at this venue.
If you can avoid this place, do so at all cost. Not worth the money or the hassle. -
Review from Joshua W.
Berkeley, CA
12/14/2011
This place has the worst parking I have ever seen in the world. And I must point out, I have actually been to countries around the world.
I don't know what insane man designed the parking lot, you have an amphitheater out in the middle of the desert, yet you manage to make a parking lot that has only ONE EXIT FOR THOUSANDS OF CARS. And this ONE EXIT doesn't dump out on the desert side where there would be nothing but open road, it dumps out right in front of the amphitheater so absolutely EVERY VEHICLE has to take the one road in front of the concert grounds, thousands of pedestrians blocking the street, hundreds of cars picking people up blocking the other cars. Dozens of massive transport vehicles all trying to pick up concert equipment while thousands of people and thousands of cars are trying to get out.
I only experienced the parking lot once. That was enough. Everyone who's ever worked there should go to jail for this design. We tried to leave, sat in our own parking space for over an hour, because the traffic was so blocked up we literally couldn't even back up to get in line. I don't know how long others waited that evening, maybe hours, maybe days, maybe they're still there. But we got the hell out, my friend tossed some traffic cones to the side and we floored it cutting off thousands of cars and jetted out of there. It was the single greatest feat in the history of southern California, only having had to wait about an hour to leave A FREAKING PARKING LOT.
p.s. a bottle of water is about $5 but that's not unique. -
Review from Jenny C.
Monterey Park, CA
7/11/2011
Went to System of a Down concert on May 21st at Cricket Wireless Amphitheater, and I was in the pit seats..
Not bad, not bad. :) :) :)
Warning though, make sure you save your original ticket and wristband if you are in the pit seats... you need both to get in and get back in... in case you want to look around at the merchandise, get drinks, or food.
Overall the place wasn't as bad, the restrooms were actually cleaner than restrooms of beach's or your local park! The place is clean and has a really nice atmosphere out here because its in the middle of no where. :)
The food there is expensive, so eat before you come, and don't even think about bringing a backpack! They do not allow bags in, unless you are carrying a purse. So guys, a fair warning! Unless of course, you're coming to this place by car... then leave it in your car! I had backpacks and they didn't even have a place to hold your things... I was lucky that some kind strangers let me leave my stuff in their car...
The reason I gave this place a 2 star was because this place is in the middle.. of MOTHERFUCKING NO WHERE! I mean, seeing as System of a Down coming back from their hiatus.... they should have their concert at a more well known city.. and not in CHULA VISTA. THIS PLACE IS FILLED WITH FRESH MEXICANS THAT SEEMED TO HAVE CROSSED THE BORDER. (Not being racist, but just stating the facts.) Aghhh!!!
And what pissed me off more is that.. since I do not have a car... I had to find public transportation... And no I will not take a taxi because the tickets for the show was already expensive enough! So I took the bus from Chula Vista to as close as I can get to the theater... and then I had to walk about 1 mile in what seems to be a ghetto car dealer ship, car part selling place, AND landfill! What. The. HECK!!!
And then, it gets worse AFTER the concert is over.... There is no public transportation to take you back to San Diego... So I had no choice but to take the taxi, I was desperate. And the worse thing about it is that people "wait in line" for a taxi just so other people who decide to jack the taxi that was rightfully yours. The concert was over at 11. And I got back to San Diego at 2. And let me tell you something... from Cricket Wireless Amphitheater to San Diego... it's only about 30 minutes.
Oh and another thing... if you drive, beware of traffic because right next door to the theater is the freaking Knott's Berry Farm Soak City Water Park...........
Enjoy your concert, but beware of the venue... -
Review from Gary Royale T.
Orange, CA
9/6/2011
The event I attended was the Identity Festival featuring Kaskade, Aoki and Afrojack. I have been to many events hosted by Insomniac, and this was one of the few that I anticipated a let down coming because Insomniac was not involved. Surprisingly, ID and Cricket Amphitheater definitely got it all right for throwing a rave out in Chula Vista.
Our group arrived in two separate cars. One car had 6 guys (clown car style) and another car had one girl. So much for figuring out the logistics! The group of guys feat. Me, Gio, Eddy Spaghetti, Rob Rob and Eddies cousin and friend came to this event ready to rage. Heck we event made a stop in the hood to pick up some ghetto fab cans of Joose to knock down before we head in.
The rave started at 1'ish, but we didn't get to the venue till 4. Being late wasn't a huge deal because our goal was to see Afrojack at 6, and we had plenty of time to kill. The free parking at this venue was awesome. Right when we parked, we found a traffic construction plastic barricade that 4 of us picked up and tossed on an empty spot next to us. We needed space to shuffle in between other cars parking! Plus it was a VIP spot saved for Michelle so she can park next to us. We did all this in front of a cop that did a U-turn and just let it go.
So we were looking around, and everyone was just straight up drinking their booze with no brown sacks in the lot. Lighting up J's right and left. We decided to join the madness by popping cans of Joose. Gio cranked his system all the way up with Aoki's EDC set. Once the boose started to kick in, it was pure shuffle madness. There was even an empty dry grass field infront of us if we needed to make our own restrooms.
Finally closer to 5'ish Michelle gets there, and we toss the barricade aside and let her park. She said she felt like the VIP of the whole rave because we saved her a spot. Sure enough she had all of my rave gear. My monkey backpack, purple bandanas to match my Lakers hat, 100 Kandi to put on both of our arms and of course 2 jumbo downtown LA sized tubes of glow sticks. I quickly assembled my gear in the car while Michelle was downing the rest of the Joose. I stuffed all of the glow gear into my monkey backpack and off we went!
The most nervous part of entering a rave is the whole pat down search procedure. At Cricket I walked up to the security guy, and he looked me up and down and said I was good to go. AWESOME! At no point I was smuggling any contrabands, but I just don't like some random getting a feeler. Also at Insomniac events, I would already be in trouble with the plushy monkey back pack and wearing bandanas as dust masks (it looks too raver for their taste).
The entire event was simply awesome once the artists took over. I ended up getting chocolate wasted and losing my digital camera there. Guest services was pretty friendly and atleast made an attempt to help me locate my item. Overall I must say Cricket and ID know how throw a medium scale rave in a city we haven't heard much of. I m definitely looking forward to coming to more venues here since everyone from police, security and staff are the chillest we have seen in a while.
*I m on the bandwagon to keep raves out of LA!* -
Review from Leslie C.
San Diego, CA
9/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went to this venue for the IDENTITY Festival.
Parking was okay. Pretty crowded and dusty, but at least they capped the closest free parking lot.
I guess the venue itself wasn't too bad. Pretty spacious, but I wish they didn't close off some of the stairways. It made it cumbersome to get from point A to point B. -___- -
Review from Christina K.
San Diego, CA
9/24/2011
The weather on Wednesday night was perfect and the stars in the night sky provided a relaxing and calming backdrop to one of the greatest guitar players of all time, Carlos Santana.
I have seen concerts at many venues around San Diego and Los Angeles and this venue provides an unmatched ambiance of romance and excitement that seems much more personalized in nature because of its size.
I also love that I don't have to pay $15-20 for parking and then subsequently have to wait an hour in the parking lot after the concert is over to leave like other venues. It isn't worth it to me to leave a concert early and miss what is usually the best song of the night, just so I don't have to wait in traffic. It just defeats the whole point of even going to the concert in the first place.
My only wish is that there were more food choices like there are at other venues. -
Review from Megan I.
Torrance, CA
8/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love making the drive down here to see some concerts and have mini weekend getaways with my boyfriend. So far, we've seen 311, Jack Johnson, and most recently the 91X-Fest headlining Incubus. The venue isn't crazy big like most around the LA area and the crowd is pretty chill, so there isn't much to criticize. Also, parking is pretty reasonable, even better when it's free and there is plenty of space for all the cars. The sheriffs usually roll through to maintain tailgaters, so I haven't seen anyone get too gnarly here. My only gripe is the amount of time it takes to get out the traffic jam post-concert. However, I can't hold it against the venue too much since it happens everywhere.
What shall we see next? -
Review from Yadi R.
San Diego, CA
8/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Just like with any other big concert venue, traffic is anticipated... But CWA takes this to another level. You have to get there early and either leave early (WAAHH!) or stick around until everyone else leaves to avoid the Sig alert on Main St- this of course shows us that nothing makes sense anymore.
If you have lawn seats, be prepared to squint at the big screens- the display resolution sucks. However, an upside to seating in the lawn section is that you can rent a lawn chair for $5 instead of lugging one around the whole evening.
If you actually have assigned seats, expect to scurry around since there's not much direction as to what section your seats are located in. Also, since it is an amphitheater, the sound may not carry as well and one moment may sound better than the next.
Since you do realize you are at a concert-venue, concert prices are expected for food and beverages. Don't be surprised to shell out $12 for beer, but the upside to that is that they have a variety of 24oz draft beers on tap. -
Review from Dee M.
10/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
My sweetie LOVES Sade, so I treated him to see her in concert on 8/23/11. John Legend was there too (booooring). This is a pretty nice venue, but small for concert purposes. Has a cozy more intimate vibe. It's an outdoor space with lots of lawn seating, probably the best bang for your buck if you can get a close enough spot to the front rail.
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Review from Cynthia W.
San Diego, CA
7/30/2011
This concert with Train & Maroon5 was excellent. Except they really need to do something about the horrible traffic situation. It was the reason the concert started late, and it was no better leaving the place!!! Will think again if the venue is Cricket.
Also , a ramp would have been nice for a friend I went with had a sprained ankle.The stairs seemed to go on & on. -
Review from Maribel F.
San Diego, CA
8/24/2011
I haven't been to this concert venue since it was known as the Coors amphitheater and from what I remembered it was a great venue. Last night's concert proved me otherwise.
We saw Sade here last night. She was beautiful and sung her heart out! I definitely recommend seeing her if you are a fan. But I wish she was at another venue other than CWA.
I think it is a MAJOR fail if it takes more time to get into and out of the parking lot than the duration of the concert. There's only one main road going to CWA and you will be stuck in traffic worse than on a LA freeway. They also make you meander all around the outskirts of the parking lots until you can finally park. There are several parking lots, a front paved (which was VIP and paid parking) and the free parking lot in the back. If you decide to go the free lot route, gals leave those heels at home since the lot is fit for barnyard animals with all of the dirt and hay. I also saw many women walking back or wobbling back on their heels or barefoot. It is quite a trek to the actual gates of CWA and then you need to walk around to find an open gate. There also doesn't seem to be any order on where or how you should park. Exiting the parking lots also was horrendous since they didn't let anyone out of the free lot for over a half an hour. They really need to open more gates and have more ways to enter and exit the parking lots.
They also need better signage so everyone can find their seat and sit down. There were too many people scrabbling around lost.
I was really disappointed in their sound system. There were times where it sounded good and then something would go wrong so Sade's voice sounded muffled. :-/
Yes they do have two large video screens focused on the performer, but I think they need to since 80 percent of the seats are way too far. We were in section 103 and I think anything beyond this section is not close enough. It would also be nice if the stage jutted out more or was a different shape, since those people in the seats on the sides can't get a good view.
Concession stands are expensive as can be expected from concert venues, but beer $13 for a 24 oz. can of Heineken and $5 for a glass of chardonnay is relative to what you would spend at a downtown bar. But why must you make us pour out beer out of the can and into a large plastic cup? My theory is that they hate the environment and want to create more trash. The BF's theory is that they want you to spill your beer and therefore you buy more. Either way, it's ridiculous.
The only pros that I can think of is that it is outside and bathrooms are close and clean. Otherwise, I would rather go elsewhere. -
Review from Jeff M.
Montclair, CA
6/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Pricing- Prices for seating can get pretty ridiculous for how many people the place can sit in the first place.. *shrugs* concerts have been getting way pricier by the year. Though if your a lawn fan I saw some good deals from what Ive seen.
Entrance- fast
seating- typical for an ampitheater
environment- nice
parking- free and not a bad walk either, VIP parking seems like a rip.
drink pricing- rape, but anything to do with live nation usually is.
restrooms- could use a couple more, but they make up for it by keeping them relatively clean compared to other amphitheaters.
use of sound system- BULL... S**T...
staff- seemed to be pretty nice, didn't get any stink eyes.
I would overall rate this a 4 star venue, BUT the last few shows I have been to here have been seriously dampened from the lack of utilizing their sound system to its full potential. If they do not want to run the lawn speakers they should not have sold lawn tickets. It doesn't make any sense to me.. I was in the further back rows of seating and could still tell they didn't have all of their speakers on.. What is up with that? I don't drive to San Diego to hear a boombox, I want the concert experience.. LOUD music that you want to hear is part of it... Not some retarded drunk guy from 15 seats away screaming over it without an effort. If I make it back and the issue has been fixed ill definitely be changing my review rating. -
Review from Stephanie S.
Lakewood, CA
10/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I Loveeeee this venue. Came here for ID festival in August (2011) and the grass area and other stages were nice and well kept. Seems very close knitted together, like a circle kind of...very intimate. Would def come here for future concerts and festivals
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Review from Jim L.
San Diego, CA
3/30/2011
I've seen several concerts here and while the venue is nice, getting to and from isn't so nice. The lines are long as you'd expect with any concert but getting out of the parking lot is insane. You can expect a couple hour delay here.
Once inside, the upkeep is very nice. The lawn area, although I've never been seated on it, looks as if it is well maintained considering the traffic that passes through here.
The concessions are expensive as you'd expect but they have typically moved you through the line rather quickly.
This is your typical outdoor theater so the acoustics will vary depending on where you're seated.
All in all, I've had good and fun experiences here. -
Review from Jeff J.
San Diego, CA
10/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I always come here for the music, not the food, drinks or the warm and fuzzy feeling when I go to an event. The parking could be better but when isn't that always the case?
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Review from Jason F.
9/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Decent event venue for concerts!
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Review from Robert H.
Oceanside, CA
I have been to this venue around 5 times over the years for things like radio station concerts to catching artists on-tour. The Cricket Wireless Amphitheater always has the hottest acts stopping by. I am not a huge fan of the paperless ticket as it leaves me with a blank spot in the concert scrap book.
I live around several different venues and this is the furthest away and practically resides in Mexico. You would actually be in Mexico if you miss the exit. The drive is a big pain but that's what I get for living in North County right? I guess I am better off cruising to Irvine for a concert.
My biggest complaint about this venue is the irregularity for VIP entrance into the venue. The staff is always very ignorant as to when people will be let in and where they should wait in line. I have been fortunate enough to fin 1/10 people that know whats going on, but do I really need to ask that many times? I Am not the only one that has this problem and find myself having to tell other ticket holders once I find out.
Once inside the open-air location you are better off gong straight for food if you ever expect to eat because you'll be fighting off long lines of drunks at the concert break (if you wait that long :). If I know anything about arguing with drunk people, it's that no one wins and if security has to get involved it's as irritating as mosquito bites.
That being said, the only place worth getting seats for is the front or 100 level. Everything else is too far back to matter. you'd be better off in the parking lot listing to the artists album. The venue often sets the front area up as a "pit" but will also have seats. You never know when they are doing either so it's a coin toss. There was a pit for 933's hip hop concert and seats for John Mayer.
That's all I have to say about the venue specifically. Getting a little off track, here's a bit of info on the actual John Mayer concert.
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For our John Mayer Concert my wife and I arrived about 15 minutes after the event started but didn't miss much as the opening act Owl City was quite drab. The weird on-stage movements and awkward conversation with the crowd seemed to pair unequally to the type of music John Mayer plays. Perhaps something closer to the same genre next time?
Our seats were in a great spot in section 102 but to my surprise the pit tickets had seats! Had I known they would actually add seats for this concert I would have purchased those instead. I have to admit I feel a bit robbed. All of the other 3 concerts I have been to at this venue had a standing pit.
John Mayer rocked the stage with songs new and old until the day passed to night. Backed by a great band, large video screen and great videography, the concert is close to #2 all-time. JM passed the time in-between sets by talking with the crowd, something that not only personalizes the experience but makes you feel like you're getting more than just a "concert".
Great experience overall and I would be more than happy to see John Mayer next time he is in-town.
Favorite moment: John Mayer's monologues were pretty comical in-between sets. It kept the crowd entertained and made the night.
Opening act(s): Owl City- not sure what kind of mind altering drugs this singer was on but the act was very odd and forgettable. I give them credit for trying but it's just not my style- very hippie modern. -
Review from Colleen B.
San Diego, CA
8/23/2011
Tips:
* Make sure you allow for plenty of time to get in and out of the "parking lot."
* Use a car finder app to mark where you parked your car. Everything looks different in the dark and there are no signposts or other landmarks to orient you.
* If you are a woman attending the concert, carpool with friends so that you are not sitting bored to tears in the car by yourself. If you do not carpool, remember to park your car in a lighted area (even if this means parking somewhere different than the attendants tell you.) -
Review from T S.
San Diego, CA
8/24/2011
i hate this place and will never attend a concert here again.
The idea of building a venue at the end of a two lane road is ludicrous. it took almost 1.5 hours to get into the parking lot and another 20 minutes to walk from our spot to the entrance. needless to say, we missed John Legend
the parking lot is all dirt, dimly lit, and not very safe. there are no markers so you have to make sure you remember where you park. we left the concert early just to make sure it didn't take 1.5 hours to leave as there's only one exit.
again, i hate this place. -
Review from Yvonne C.
8/5/2010
Best part...we got free parking and it was kind of close. Worst part..the price for a beer, geesh!!!
First time here for Hunny and I, very easy to get in and out. Staff was friendly and helpful. Beautiful view too.
We went to see Slightly Stoopid but to our suprise Cypress Hill opened for them and I was transported to the "good ol' days". They were great and snapped Hunny out of his bad mood for forgetting his "smokes" at home.
Getting out was a breeze also...we left a little early and was back home in a flash. -
Review from John M.
San Diego, CA
8/21/2010 3 Check-ins Here
My wife and I went to the Cricket Wireless Amphitheater last night to see "The Dave Matthews Band" and the show was GREAT! This venue is a cookie cutter of the following other Amphitheaters:
1. The Shoreline Amphitheater in Palo Alto, CA (San Francisco)
2. The Sleep Train Amphitheater in Wheatland, CA (Sacramento)
3. The San Manuel Amphitheater in Devore, CA (Fontana)
That being said, this Amphitheater is designed very well for all us concert goers. Plenty of restrooms, wide walkways, lots of concession stands for both food and drink.
Getting in and out was a bit of a pain-in-the-butt but let's be real, how many concerts have any of us every been to that we did not have to deal with this issue. In other words, its to be expected so all of you other reviewers that are whining about this fact "learn to deal with it, as it comes with the territory when being in close proximity of 15,000 other humans ."
So I say go enjoy yourself and enjoy your favorite music while saying "hello" to another fan along the way ;-)
P.S. If you like beer be prepared to shell out $10 for the least expensive draft $12 to $15 for the better beers. -
Review from Roger W.
8/30/2010
Cool open air venue. I like that. Sound was pretty good too. obnoxious people sitting beside me... eh. can't be helped.
PARKING is a pain in the ass.
So is traffic in and out.
Just sayin' -
Review from alex c.
San Diego, CA
8/28/2011
Rarely make it out to Chula Vista (more of a coastal man myself), but went for the Lil' Weezy concert. As described, traffic can be expected, but they don't have the best road infrastructure for a venue that size. I liked that the venue is newer, open air and has good bathroom facilities/food/drinks. Downside is that draft beers were $12- I mean come on... that's more expensive that Yankee stadium. Also, tight security, i.e. the security guard got very near third base.
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Review from Tim S.
5/24/2010
Meh is the key word.
We came here last night to check out the Eagles concert. Getting down here from Kearny Mesa wasnt too bad and there wasnt much traffic. We had to park in BFE in the last dirt lot. It wasnt too far away or anything but my wife was wearing flip flops and cruising through the hay/dirt fields wasnt fun for her feet.
We got inside without any hassles and got some grub. 5 bucks for a small hot dog(x2), 8 bucks for a funnel cake and 6 for a lemonade. 24 bucks.....expected to be pricey at a concert but man....the dogs were small and the funnel cake tasted like old oil. They coat the shit out of it with powdered sugar too and its like you are walking around with a mound of cocaine covering a fried dough item. It was windy as hell too so the funnel cake dust was blowing everywhere. Anyways..........
We got to our seats a bit early which was cool because the seating here blows. I understand that its needed to be done but jesus.....like 60 seats across in a row with no way in our out except to shuffle and excuse me past 30 other people either way you go. Our seats were awesome though(except the fact they were in the middle of the row) and that was the lone saving grace. Section 303 front and center right in the middle of the stage.
The concert began and the music was good. Im not the biggest fan of the Eagles but whatever....they have some good songs. Sound was awesome so they get props for that and the concert didnt have a bunch of douchebags so thats always a plus.
The reason this gets 2 stars though is the traffic getting out of this bitch. We seriously sat there from about 11 until 12:15 and didnt even attempt to start the car because nothing was moving. Finally at about 12:30 we got out of there. There is one way in and one way out. For that I call BS and it kind of ruined what would have been a really decent night. -
Review from Lindsey P.
San Diego, CA
8/27/2010
Lawn seats are freakin' awesome here!!
We went to see John Mayer Wed. night [thanks for the tix Laura!] and brought a big comforter and set up shop on the front edge of the grass. There are a few places to buy swag, food, and TONS of places to buy alcohol....DO NOT not buy a mixed vodka drink from a Blondie girl @ "Liquid Aloha"....it's watered down vodka and it was terrible. Beer = Good
All in all, very cool venue, great sound and I think the lawn seats are more comfy (not to mention more affordable). I think if you show up to lawn seats with no blanket they will upgrade you for free to fill seats in the front (HINT).
We drove from Carlsbad and the concert was at 7pm so we were obviously concerned about traffic. We took I-5 south to the 905....wtf is the 905 you might ask? That's exactly what I thought!!! Truth is, it's just about where you stop seeing signs in English and Mexican flags are seen in great numbers. I was starting to think we were going to go a little too far and end up in Mexico...that would have sucked!
Long story short, we missed our exit somehow [after driving on the said 905] to the 805 and ended up turning off of this crazy weird freeway at one of the Subways....there are a million Subway restaurants out there, I mean, how much lunch meat can people eat???
How did we escape our almost sure demise in USA Mexico? My Verizon wireless VZ Navigator -- THANK YOU VERIZON for short cutting us through the old Heritage road! I think that is where people stash dead bodies because it was really really creepy! Glad it was light out!!
:) -
Review from Rudy L.
Lakewood, CA
6/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
The venue is decent, though not as nice as the Verizon Wireless in Irvine. It's in the middle of NO WHERE, which sucks when you have to take a taxi. Cost me $40 each way! And the parking lot? About as crazy as I've experienced.
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Review from rick h.
San Diego, CA
8/25/2011
Saw Sade and John Legend on a warm summer night. Great lawn seating, and sound.
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Review from Doc P.
San Diego, CA
8/24/2011
I'm definitely echoing many of the other's sentiments with this place. The goods. The venue's general setup (INSIDE), cleanliness,
The bad: Parking, attendants, and the typical concession ripoffs.
I saw Sade / John Legend and the show was put on perfectly. My wife and I planned on an early arrival knowing that parking can get hectic.
Upon arrival, there were groups of people ambling about to "The Front". Although I saw 3 or 4 people in red shirts with headsets doing nothing, There was no clear direction given to visitors on exactly where to go, which line to go to, etc.
When it came time to leave, this problem became worse when there was virtually no staff to manage the traffic, Cars were in disarray, unsure on where to go, cutting around each other, forming 6 lanes wide to squeeze into one lane. If I paid $50 for V.I.P. parking I would have been more than irritated. Not even the vip's were immune to the confusion. The handful of people who were directing traffic appeared to be all under the age of 21 and seemed to be unclear on what their job was.
Recommendations, training for traffic attendants, increased staffing, SIGNS throughout the parking lot to indicate location, lighting, and more barriers to route the traffic properly.
I understand that large events like this will have their share of traffic woes and slowdowns, but this was utter chaos and an accident waiting to happen. A lawsuit will cost much more than the additional man hours to hire the proper help.
Concert was awesome!! ***** for J. Legend and Sade -
Review from Henry B.
Hacienda Heights, CA
7/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
My favorite place to see a concert! I just seen Rush here a couple weeks ago and it was awesome. This amphitheater is big and very clean. Of course getting food and beverages are pricey but what more do you expect, its like that everywhere you go to see a concert!
