The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

First opened in the Summer of 2021, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is an architectural wonder on the edge of San Diego Bay and the heart of downtown. Years in the making, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is the soaring culmination of a long-time civic desire to have a state-of-the-art concert venue that elevates the experience of live music while also serving as a public center for all of San Diego. Like well-known national venues such as Wolf Trap, Tanglewood and Ravinia, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park provides a sparkling summer home for the San Diego Symphony.

Principals and Partnerships: Made possible by an agreement between the San Diego Symphony and the Unified Port of San Diego, the Embarcadero Marina Park South site provides the community with a venue where culture and nature intersect, where music and a restored park are combined to give San Diegans a unique gathering place. Managed and programmed by the Symphony, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park and surrounding park represents a partnership of business and the arts in service of the community.

“Business leaders no longer need to choose between arts and economic development. An investment in the arts is an investment in an industry that supports jobs, generates revenue and helps encourage new business to our region.” Mark Cafferty, President and CEO San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation

Almost entirely funded by private philanthropy, the five-year long project was led by the San Diego Symphony and a host of business and government leaders. Complementing the city’s Downtown renaissance, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, with its dramatic design and unique waterfront location, greatly enhances opportunities for tourism, residential life and business growth.

Venue Programming: Led by our Music Director Rafael Payare, the Orchestra brings to audiences both the most beloved works of classical music as well as the brilliant new composers of our time. As in years past, the best in popular music and guest artists are also well represented at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park Experience: For San Diego concertgoers The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park sets a new standard in customer experience. Besides the visual splendor of the natural setting by the bay and the architectural drama that is The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park itself patrons find comfortable seating either in table settings up close, rows of seating in mid-range and lawn seating at the top of the Skyline Terrace.