San Diego Gulls hockey is back to play again in their hometown! After the last season where games were played in the Anaheim bubble, I am really looking forward to the upcoming season. The home opener is on October 22nd. Also, details on their vaccination event on October 9th are included.
I’ll update this post with live-action shots and specials as the season progresses.
**Disclaimer** The businesses or resources mentioned are not affiliated with Savvy Cali Girl and we have not received any compensation. They are simply helpful resources our Savvy Cali Girl contributors have deemed worthy of a shout out. In addition, all images are the property of the Savvy Cali Girl Blog unless otherwise noted. In addition, all San Diego Gulls logos and promotional materials are expressly the property of the San Diego Gulls.
About The Gulls And San Diego Hockey
San Diego Gulls hockey has been a long-standing staple in San Diego sports. Although there have been several teams over the years, starting in 1966 with the original Gulls. Other names like the Mariners or even different league affiliations have played here.
In recent years, the Anaheim Ducks purchased an AHL affiliate franchise and moved that team to San Diego. It is one of the five charter teams of the American Hockey League’s new Pacific Division. The first season of the Pacific Division officially launched in 2015. Typical home games host between 8,500 and 9,00 plus fans.
During COVID, the team played in Anaheim temporarily so we are looking forward to the return of live-action again in San Diego.
The Unique Atmosphere For Gulls Hockey
While I may not be a “superfan” of hockey by any means, I do live with two of them. Going to a Gulls game is a rite of passage despite crazy work and school schedules among us. We relish taking time together as a family to have fun and relax.
Why do we enjoy an evening with our San Diego Gulls? First of all, the scoreboard is almost as fun as the game. There are short videos with the players, trivia questions, and of course quirky animation. Also, because you are in a smaller arena, fans are immersed immediately in the game. I mean, the action is right there!
Lastly, the whole atmosphere is a plain old good time. We share laughs, get loud when a brawl on the ice breaks out, suck down a few brews and enjoy the evening.
Fun Fact: we have one very old original jersey that makes it to a game each year. It’s proof positive my family is hockey obsessed.
San Diego Gulls Schedule And Tickets
To be perfectly honest, an evening with the Gulls will not break the bank! It’s the kind of fun that could be experienced regularly even on a budget. They often have specials for families or groups that make it super cost-effective. A ticket, drink, and hotdog was all included in the previous San Diego season. The only extra is the parking. I didn’t see the family combo promoted yet this year but I’m crossing my fingers it makes a comeback!
Tickets range from $19 up to $48 per ticket. A group of 10 or more can come with extra perks and falls within the same price range. On top of that, like all major sports teams, there are those fun promotional “give away” items like bobbleheads and rally towels.
The Gulls Are A Community Partner
One thing to know about San Diego sports teams is that most are very involved with the local community. The Gulls are no different. One page of their site is entirely dedicated to stand out community members doing work in a variety of areas.
Discounted tickets are available to the military through the GovX site as well as tickets are readily available on local San Diego bases.
The Gulls are hosting a COVID-19 vaccination event on October 9, 2021, at The Rinks – Poway Ice. Those that are completing their second dose will receive a Gulls Prize Pack which includes two free tickets to the November 5, 2021 game. Flu shots are also available at the October vaccination events.
The Pechanga Arena
While most locals refer to the arena as the “Sports Arena” it is officially now the Pechanga Arena. It hosts the San Diego Sockers (Indoor Soccer), the San Diego Seals (National LaCrosse League), and the San Diego Strike Force (Indoor Football) along with the San Diego Gulls (Hockey).
As with any venue, there are concerts and special events like Monster Trucks and such. Every weekend, the Kobey’s Swap Meet operates in the parking lot as well.
What To Know Before You Head To A Gulls Game
Like many venues across the country, there are additional health and safety practices to protect both employees and visitors to events. In addition, California has changing guidelines which include proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to attend events. Please visit the policy and rules page for Pechanga Arena for the latest information before heading to the park.
Please also note that Pechanga Arena is a cashless arena and tickets must be loaded onto mobile devices. The usual restrictions concerning bags, outside food and other prohibited items are listed on the same page linked above.
Parking is incredibly easy on the grounds of the arena and usually reasonably priced even for popular events. I would just advise allowing for extra time as there can be lines to enter the parking lots or enter the venue.
While there are the usual offerings like popcorn, pretzels, hot dogs, and one of my favorite pizza spots, Pizza Port is part of the lineup now. Rockin Baja Lobster is also joining in the mix, both of which keep local tastes in mind. Find more on the concessions via this link.
