SOMA

Location

3350 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110
(Strip mall in the Midway district next to the Sports Arena)

Capacity

2500 (Main Stage) / 500 (Sidestage)

History

Originally opening in the late 1980s, SOMA started as a small venue in an old warehouse in downtown before moving to its current location in the Midway District in the early 2000s. It has long been a major hub for punk, alternative, and hardcore shows - hosting acts like Green Day, Blink-182, and The Smashing Pumpkins early in their careers. Typically, bands on the level of Fontaines D.C., Explosions in the Sky, and The Mars Volta play on the larger main stage when they come through San Diego, although the side stage plays host to all sorts of younger, smaller, up-and-coming and/or under-the-radar artists. Over the years, it has expanded its booking to include a wide range of genres, from metal to indie and electronic music. It remains to be seen whether or not SOMA will stick around in the long-term, given upcoming plans to re-develop the Midway District and Sports Arena.

Vibe

SOMA is a high-energy venue that’s large and cavernous with a raw, underground warehouse-type feel. Despite its capacity, it manages to maintain a somewhat intimate atmosphere. Crowds are typically young and passionate and ready to experience high-intensity shows. The venue’s industrial design and dark, no-frills aesthetic emphasize its history as a DIY music space. Overall, the building is a little bit beat up, though that’s kind of part of its charm. 

Alcohol Situation

Despite being an all-ages venue, SOMA does serve alcohol for its main stage shows, with a booth set up on the side stage that features a limited menu of canned cocktails, seltzers, and well-drinks, and a small selection of beers on tap and in cans.

Parking Situation

The strip mall lot where SOMA is located is almost always full, but there’s still plenty of street parking in the area, though be mindful of potential break-ins. It is NOT the safest neighborhood late at night.