October 26, 2004
Nobody goes there, it's too crowded
Take it with the same grain of salt that you would the usual anecdotal reports on how stadiums are great for local businesses, but now there's anecdotal evidence on the other side: Business owners in San Diego's Gaslamp District are griping that parking problems on game days at the Padres' new Petco Park are driving away their regular customers. Among the comments from local restaurateurs:
"There isn't enough parking on game days. That's really hurting us. The parking lots are expensive, and the valets take business from us." --Veronica Covey, Greystone Steakhouse banquet events coordinator
"It's horrible. We get a ton of cancellations on game nights. People don't want to come down here then." --Michelle Kveen, general manager of Chive Restaurant
"I don't think it will benefit us at all. [Petco Park] is a beautiful structure, but the people who go to the games come at 5 o'clock, park, take up the spots, and eat at the park. The worst times were the day games. We were empty. This is not really my cup of tea." --Jack Turner, manager of Asti Ristorante
Posted by Neil deMause
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