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San Diego Symphony's waterfront 'The Shell' gets opening date

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Posted at 1:23 PM, Feb 11, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-12 16:41:55-05

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — San Diego Symphony's waterfront venue has a new name and opening date for this summer.

"The Shell" concert venue will open at Embarcadero Marina Park South for its inaugural season on July 10, according to the symphony.

The symphony will celebrate with a three-day opening weekend, featuring Grammy and Academy Award winning actress Jennifer Hudson; Tony Award winners and nominees Ali Stroker, Robert Fairchild, Rebecca Luker, Patina Miller, and others; and more special guests.

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The Shell's season begins this summer and will host acts like famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Motown legend Smokey Robinson, beloved rockers The Beach Boys, the "Empress of Soul" Gladys Knight, and other big names.

“The work of creating a new venue is among the most rewarding work that exists,” said Martha Gilmer, San Diego Symphony CEO. “The Shell has been formed over time and with great care and affection to shelter and focus the musicians that will perform for years to come on this stage. They are the organic material that will fill The Shell with life and offer unimaginable and unforgettable experiences to audiences."

San Diego Symphony calls The Shell one of the "most acoustically superior" outdoor concert venues in the U.S. The 13,000-square-foot stage is covered in a shell-shaped dome, projecting entertainment toward audiences. The venues seating allows up to 10,000 guests.

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During events, guests will be able to order concessions from a new food pavilion and at carts stationed around the venue.

Surrounding The Shell is a public promenade with lighting and other features for use during non-event hours. To see the symphony's full season lineup, click here.