Duran Duran at Viejas Arena in San Diego, CA

Catch Duran Duran live at Viejas Arena in San Diego on Jan 4, 2026—an 80s-iconic show at the 12,400-seat venue you won’t want to miss!
Venue Overview
Located on the campus of San Diego State University at 5500 Canyon Crest Drive, the Viejas Arena opened in 1997 and serves both the Aztecs athletic programs and major live music events. Wikipedia+2Associated Students+2
For concerts, the capacity reaches up to about 12,800. Wikipedia+1
As a venue, it strikes a balance: big enough for a major show, but small enough that most seats still feel connected to the stage.
Things to Know Before You Go
Here’s your fan-friendly checklist to make sure your night at Viejas Arena with Duran Duran on January 4, 2026 starts smooth:
✅ Clearance & Bag Policy
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Viejas is a clear-bag venue: only clear plastic or vinyl bags (max 12″ × 6″ × 12″) or one-gallon clear freezer bags allowed. Small purses up to 4.5″ × 6.5″ are permitted. Associated Students
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Backpacks? Leave ’em in the car.
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Expect security screening at entry—no shortcuts.
🎟 Entry & Timing
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Concerts usually open 60–90 minutes prior to showtime. Heartlight San Diego+1
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Arrive early. Parking and crowds can become congested, especially on a big-name act night.
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Sitting upstairs? Enjoy better sight-lines. Floor sections? Get in early to stake your ground.
🅿 Parking & Access
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Parking lots P12 and P7 are commonly used for event parking. Associated Students+1
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Public transit: You can reach Viejas via the SDSU trolley/bus stop—ideal if you want to skip parking hassle. Reddit+1
🛍 Venue Comfort & Amenities
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The sound and visuals are top-tier; many concert-goers praise the acoustics. Wanderlog
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Downsides: Some seats have steep climbs; food & drink can get pricey. Bring water if allowed or plan accordingly.
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Note that the arena is cashless—cards, phone payments only. Associated Students
🎤 Seating & View
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Section ratings emphasize that lower bowl seating (especially nearer to the stage) will deliver the best experience. See vantage points on “RateYourSeats”. Rate Your Seats
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Standing on floor? If your ticket is general admission, arrive early for a decent spot; if seats, aim for areas with airtime in front.
Smart Fan Tips for the Night
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Dress smart: This is San Diego in January—chilly enough to bring a light jacket, but you’ll be warm once the lights drop.
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Merch: If you want band tees or limited editions, consider arriving early (often before doors) to avoid long queues.
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Phone battery: Concert nights drain batteries fast—carry a battery pack if you’ll be documenting the show.
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Ear protection: Real-deal advice from local concert-goers—bring earplugs for comfort, especially if you’re near the floor. Reddit
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Seats vs. Floor: If you prefer to sing, dance, and move freely, go floor. If you want comfort and view, pick lower-bowl seats.
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Post-show exit: After a big show, parking lot traffic can back up. Consider rideshare or walking to nearby parking if possible.
Venue Vibes & Expectations
Expect a night full of energy. Viejas Arena’s size means you’ll get both the intensity of a large show and the connection of a more intimate venue. For Duran Duran fans, this means your front-row heart-moment (“The Reflex”, “Ordinary World”) will land hard—and even up in the nosebleeds, the sound and visuals hold up.

