For the past 43 years, the San Diego Sports Arena has hosted hosted epic concerts that include Elvis, The Rolling Stones, The Boss, U2 and many others. Now the arena is getting a $2.5 million dollar makeover, and a hot new club comes with it.
The Sports Arena's general manager hopes sparks will fly for the public, giving the old venue a new start.
"I think anything that is old gets a bad rap," Ernie Hahn said.
Hahn says the signature piece of the makeover will be club 3500, a swank, members-only VIP experience.
"There's a certain niche out there that wants to have a VIP parking area, a VIP entrance, have the ability to come into a club where they can get bottle service and come two hours early and eat," Hahn said.
The $2.5 million renovation will include new lighting and 2,200 new seats close to the stage. But does this mean we don't get a new Sports Arena any time soon?
"I don't think that means that at all. AEG is committed to doing what it needs to do," Hahn said.
Hahn and entertainment giant AEG have formed a partnership that holds the Sports Arena lease until 2017. Together they hope to offer the best of both worlds - a new look and a powerful past.
"It goes on and on. Elvis played here three times in the 70s, the Doors twice," Hahn said.
Now instead of its history, Hahn wants you to think about the Sports Arena's future, which will include 80 new big screen monitors.
"If you liked the Sports Arena in the past, you're going to love it now, and if you have not seen us in a while, you need to come and see it," Hahn said.
If you're going to the upcoming Britney Spears and Kiss concerts, you'll get the old seats, but the new ones are ordered and will be installed in January just in time for a new season of rock and roll.
Club 3500 is scheduled to open in early October. It will be limited to 170 members who will pay annual membership dues of $2,500.
