Photos of concert crowds from the 70s and 80s in San Diego

SAN DIEGO (FOX5/KUSI) – From The Beach Boys to the Rolling Stones, the 70s and 80s brought several music concerts to America’s Finest City.

Many of those performances took place at stadiums that are no longer operational in present day. Another major change since then is the cost of tickets.

Here’s a look back at a few San Diego concert crowds from the era:

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Balboa Stadium

This stadium was built in 1914 with a capacity of 15,000. It was later expanded to 34,000 capacity, serving as the home of the San Diego Chargers from 1961 to 1966. Balboa Stadium was demolished in the 1970s after seismic safety concerns were raised. A smaller stadium was later built in 1978, only seating 3,000.

Before the original stadium was torn down, some big name concerts took place, drawing large crowds.

(1975) Fleetwood Mac, Loggins and Messina, Rod Stewart and Faces, and Lynyrd Skynyrd

According to the city archives, general admission lawn seats to this concert were $7.50.

(1975) The Beach Boys, Jesse Colin Young and Pure Prairie League

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San Diego Stadium/ Jack Murphy Stadium

The San Diego Stadium was originally opened in 1967. It was later renamed in 1980 for local sportswriter Jack Murphy, according to the city archives.

Then in 1997, another renaming occurred. This time is was called Qualcomm Stadium after Qualcomm Corporation paid $18 million for the naming rights, which expired in 2017.

San Diego County Credit Union then purchased the naming rights, pinning it SDCCU Stadium until demolition began in December 2020.

(1976) The Beach Boys

As explained in the city archives, the band was on a 32-city tour which was documented in the film titled “The Beach Boys: Good Vibrations Tour.” This concert took place when the venue was still known as San Diego Stadium.

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(1981) Rolling Stones

This concert took at Jack Murphy Stadium. The Rolling Stones stopped in San Diego as part of their 29-city “American Tour 1981” to promote the album “Tattoo You.” According to the city archives, the average ticket price was $16.

The city provided another interesting detail, explaining that the elaborate stage was created by Japanese designer Kazuhide Yamazak.

Do you know anyone who was in attendance to one of these historic concerts?

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