ENCORE SDS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(SUMMER POPS EDITION)

What is Encore SDS?

What is Encore SDS?
Encore SDS is San Diego Symphony’s newest Young Professional Series designed for Young Professionals in their 20s and 30s to experience a San Diego Symphony concert at a great price, mix and mingle with other Young Professionals and enjoy an after-party after each event where we will have FREE cocktails and appetizers available. Plus, get to know our musicians and guest artists (when available) on a personal level.

Who is eligible for Encore SDS?
Anyone who is in their 20s through 30s. You must be able to verify your age to get access to the after-parties.

How do I take advantage of the Encore SDS Summer Pops $25 ticket offer?
When purchasing use promo code: ENCORE

How do I get access to the Encore SDS After-Party?
To get access to the after-party, pick-up your Encore SDS wristband at the Encore SDS pick-up table in front of the Box Office. Bring your Photo ID with you.

Can I bring a young professional group to the concert?
Yes, you can! Simply call Group Sales Manager Annette Grieshaber at 619.236.5403 or email agrieshaber@sandiegosymphony.org

How do I get to the San Diego Symphony’s Summer Pops?
The address of the Summer Pops is Embarcadero Marina Park South, 206 Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA 92101.

DRIVING
If you must drive to the concert site, then follow these directions:
From North – take I-5 south, exit Front Street, drive south to Harbor Drive, turn left, proceed to Park Blvd. (just past Convention Center), turn right, parking on your left.
On occasions of heightened Downtown activity (such as Padres games or Comic-Con), we recommend avoiding Downtown traffic by proceeding farther down I-5 to the Cesar Chavez Parkway exit. Take a right on Cesar Chavez, proceeding SW to Harbor Drive. Turn right, proceed to Park Blvd. (just before Convention Center), turn left, parking on your left. Patrons coming down Hwy 163 should take the I-5 south exit before downtown, then once on the 5, take the Chavez exit as noted above.
From South – take I-5 north, take the Cesar Chavez Parkway exit, turn left, drive SW to Harbor Drive, turn right, proceed to Park Blvd. (just before the Convention Center), turn left, parking on your left.
From East – take King/Hwy.94 west toward downtown. Before coming into downtown, exit to Hwy. 15 south, and then shortly exit to I-5 north. Take the Cesar Chavez Parkway exit, turn left, drive SW to Harbor Drive, turn right, proceed to Park Blvd. (just before Convention Center), turn left, parking on your left.
(Please note: Except for buses, left turns will be disallowed onto Harbor Drive after the concert, please plan accordingly)
For more details click here (http://www.sandiegosymphony.org/concertcalendar/summerpopsgettingthere.aspx).

What is the parking situation at the Summer Pops?
What will I find when I arrive at Summer Pops?

• Gates open, food and beverage service begins and pre-show entertainment starts at 6pm.
• All concerts begin at 7:30pm, except...
• Comic-Con weekend: Thu July 18 and Fri July 19 and Sat July 20 concerts begin at 8pm. Note: due to high traffic and limited parking options, carpooling and/or public transit is encouraged.
PARKING:
• Adjacent reserved pre-paid parking is available for advance subscription purchase in the Preferred Lot near the venue. (Note: availability of this parking may be limited for certain concerts, even for subscribers.) All parking in the Preferred Lot is $20. (Note: subscribers get parking discounts only during the subscription renewal period in Feb/March.)
• A “Pre-Paid Parking Will-Call” will be conveniently located at the entrance to the Preferred Lot every concert evening beginning at 4:30pm.
• Remaining spots (if any) will be available for drive-up purchase in the Preferred Lot and (when the Preferred Lot is full) the Convention Center Complex underground lot across the street.
• The Hilton Bayfront Parking Structure at Park & Harbor is another, slightly farther away pay option. (Free shuttles will run from this structure.)
• Patrons with a reserved parking ticket that says "Preferred Lot" should drive all the way down Convention Center Way behind the Convention Center, and through the left curve. The entrance to the Preferred Lot will be to the left BEFORE you drive onto the Embarcadero peninsula. Traffic control personnel will be present to guide you.
• Reserved parking tickets purchased online for the Preferred Lot within 5 days of a performance will NOT be mailed, but instead can be picked up from the "Pre-Paid Parking Will-Call" box held by the attendant at the entrance to the Preferred Lot every concert evening. (Valid ID is required for the Parking Will-Call. Will-Call concert tickets for the associated concert will often be attached for your convenience.)
• Golf cart shuttle service is available for ADA patrons, if needed, to and from the concert venue entrance from the Preferred Lot. A shuttle bus will be available, if needed, from the entrance to the Convention Center Complex parking.
• Other parking options may be added as local event conditions warrant, please check the red box above for the latest Summer Pops parking advisories.
• All parking prices are subject to change. Call the Ticket Office at 619.235.0804 with any questions.
For more details, go to the Summer Pops Parking Page

What should I wear to a concert?
There is no dress code at the San Diego Symphony.  Our patrons often tailor their attire to the experience that they would like to have at the Symphony.  There is a range of dress at the Summer Pops—many people wear business attire, while others prefer to wear khakis.  You will also see people dressed in cocktail attire.  Our biggest piece of advice: wear what you feel most comfortable in. It tends to get chilly after the sun goes down as this venue is outdoors so please also bring something warm with you to wear. There are blankets available on site for purchase.
When is it appropriate to applaud?
Most of our performances welcome applause at any time.  Applause is always welcomed when the conductor steps out on stage.  It is generally most appropriate to wait until the end of a piece to clap.  (There are exceptions: audiences will often respond to a particularly bravura movement or soloist performance at a movement's end; let your fellow audience members be your guide.)  Keep an eye on the conductor, as he or she usually signals when the piece is over by putting his or her arms down and turning to the audience.

What are the Ticket Office hours at the Summer Pops?
Embarcadero Marina Park South Box Office (located at 206 Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA 92101) hours are:
During the Summer Pops season, the Embarcadero Box Office is open from 12 noon through intermission of any concert day. Will call tickets for the evening's performance are available beginning at 5:30pm.

What is San Diego Symphony’s ticket exchange policy?
Tickets must be returned to the Ticket Office either in person, by mail or by fax (619.231.3848) no later than 48 hours in advance of your performance. Please rip your tickets up when faxing to show proof that you do not have the old ones so we can re-issue new ones for you for another date.

What happens if I lose my tickets?
San Diego Symphony concert tickets can be reprinted free of charge at the Ticket Office or Box Office with proper ID.

How long are most San Diego Symphony Summer Pops performances?
Performance times vary. Summer Pops concerts usually average around 2 hours.

What should I expect at a Summer Pops concert?
Below are a few guidelines to help you in your ticket purchasing process.

• Summer Pops: San Diego’s finest entertainment on the waterfront is located at the beautiful Embarcadero Marina Park South just behind the San Diego Convention Center.
• Enjoy a variety of incredible pops concerts featuring guest artists performing with the San Diego Symphony.
• Gates open at 6pm with fun pre-concert entertainment.
• Choose from a variety of food and beverage options available on site for purchase or you may bring your own food just no alcohol or glass containers allowed. 
• The Encore SDS program offers comfortable Cabaret II table options that seat four people per table.

Where can I find additional information about the Summer Pops?

Check the Summer Pops General FAQ Page.