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Originally Posted by mello
Caligrad interesting analysis and I know what you are saying. Losing the Chargers has nothing to do with "something missing" downtown but I've heard from a few guys who work at hotels say that guests ask what is there to do downtown besides nightlife and dining after dark. I think a lot of people have become a bit spoiled by Vegas with there being so many options to choose from. This show, that show, events what have you, that when they come to SD its like "great you have tons of bars/clubs/restaurants but what else is there". Balboa park closes early for example.
In the summer if Padres happen to be playing that is cool, but I think a new arena with an NBA team and the Gulls which is very high quality hockey even though its not NHL would really help with that "missing" feeling downtown. I know we have some comedy clubs and Balboa Theatre/Spreckels but that is about it. You can take a party boat thing out and cruise around the bay.... Hopefully the nice new aquarium that eventually will come with the Seaport Village redo will stay open late.
So Caligrad if our downtown got a new arena behind Petco with NBA and Expanded the convention center would we still have anything "missing"? Remember the waterfront will be totally revamped with the Manchester Pacific Gateway project and Seaport Village redone.
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Interesting. You're right. I personally have become spoiled with Vegas entertainment. I even said on the DTLA thread that I wish one of those big new developments would add a theater for a Vegas type show.
I think what I mean by "Missing Something" is that San Diego is a great city. But. It needs something to say
IM HERE ! not just talking about downtown but the city as a whole needs something. I think sadly the city sometimes gets overshadowed by LA because of its close proximity, which isn't fair.
San Diego needs an Aquarium, maybe even the biggest and best on the West Coast. It would compliment the San Diego zoo nicely, which I feel is the best Zoo in the country. The Gas Lamp is great, it needs more, that monolithic mall needs to be torn and the gas lamp should be expanded on the property. San Diego needs more solid Museums, its needs a fisherman's ward type development. It needs more to draw in the tourist.
The Chargers leaving is fine and I agree that the people of San Diego should have shown them the door, granted I hate that door was an entrance to LA lol I hate the Chargers being here and a lot of people feel the same. What San Diego needs is for a downtown arena for an NBA team that can be shared with a hockey team.
San Diego also needs more theme/amusement parks. SeaWorld isn't cutting it, I went there for the first time in years and was severely underwhelmed. Legoland is tooo far away. Maybe a Sixflags are expansion of another theme park.
Shopping. The downtown mall/thing I found to be weird and underwhelming and a waste of space, not to mention monolithic. Tear it down to street level and make it a continuation of the Gas lamp. Maybe put a stage in the center for performances. Mission Valley, lots of hotels and 2 big-ish malls that flanked the Chargers Stadium...Well... two very middle America shopping destinations are good enough. San Diego needs a solid shopping destination.
Last but not least. Can someone PLEASE relocate the DA** Airport ! I get that its "Historical" for whatever reason but I feel with its location, not only is it hindering Downtown but its hindering the entire San Diego region. Its needs to bee relocated and expanded. Has anyone every though of taking the Tokyo approach and maybe building into the ocean ? on the other side of Coronado? I know it will be expensive but the long term benefits would be amazing. Billions added to the economy a year. With the land that the current airport sits on, expand downtown and/or create a new hotel/shopping/entertainment corridor for San Diego. maybe even some Casinos ? make it a more pedestrian friendly version of the Strip. Tourists from all over would flock to San Diego.