Viejas Arena Rules

The Viejas Arena has a code of conduct that is expected to be followed by all guests. This is to ensure the health, safety, and enjoyment of everyone in the venue, including you! 

The team at Viejas Arena will work hard to ensure that these rules and regulations are abided by, but you’ll also need to do your part. Here is an overview of the main features of the Viejas Arena guest code of conduct. 

» Alcoholic beverages are to be consumed responsibly. Any impairment, intoxication, or alcohol consumption from underage guests will require intervention from Viejas Arena staff, who will handle the situation safely and efficiently. 

» Any indecent or inappropriate clothing or indecent exposure is not allowed. 

» Guests must respect the sports players, officials, and coaches as well as contracted service providers, arena staff, arena property, and their fellow guests. 

» Guests must refrain from obscene gestures and offensive language. 

» Guests must refrain from physical violence, such as fighting or throwing objects. 

» Guests must not enter the basketball court, the stage or any other restricted areas without the correct credentials. 

» Guests must refrain from inappropriate displays of affection while in a public setting with families. 

» Guests must refrain from smoking in the arena or on the San Diego State University campus. 

» Guests must present their tickets when requested by Viejas Arena staff. They must also only sit in their designated seat as assigned by their ticket. 

» Guests must follow requests made regarding operations. 

» Guests must follow any provided emergency procedures if necessary 

If guests witness inappropriate behavior that goes against the code of conduct, they are encouraged to report it to the nearest Viejas Arena team member. You can also give the team a call at 619-594-0234. 

Those who do not comply with the Viejas Arena code of conduct could be removed from the venue without the possibility of a refund. If there is a chance that a guest’s behavior violates state or city ordinances, they could face arrest or prosecution. 

Security 

Before entering the Viejas Arena, all guests will have to go through a security screening. Personal items will be inspected and guests will only be allowed into the arena when it is clear that there are no prohibited items on their person. 

Prohibited Items

While we are on the subject of prohibited items, Viejas Arena has a thorough list of what cannot be brought into the venue. 

If you don’t want to deal with any problems when entering the arena, make sure you read this list thoroughly and don’t have any of these items on your person. 

» Air horns

» Any inflatables

» Any large bags or backpacks

» Any pets other than service animals

» Any weapons

» Alcohol

» Basketballs

» Beach balls

» Bottles 

» Bullhorns

» Cans

» Chains

» Containers

» Coolers

» Computers

» Drugs of any type

» Face masks

» Full head masks

» For basketball games: Any signs or banners that are larger than 20 inches by 20 inches. Signs will also be reviewed to ensure content is appropriate before it will be allowed into the arena

» For concerts: No banners, posters, or signs are allowed

» Footballs

» Fireworks

» Folding chairs

» Frisbees

» Glow sticks

» GoPro Cameras

» Guns

» Ice chests

» iPads

» Knives

» Laser pointers or any laser devices

» Laptops

» Lawn furniture

» Mace

» Non-alcoholic beverages (most events have an exception of a 20-oz sealed water bottle of water)

» Noisemakers

» Pepper spray

» Rollerblades

» Selfie sticks

» Skateboards

» Spiked jewelry and clothing

» Sticks and signs with sticks

» Stools 

» Strollers

» Super soakers and squirt guns

» Tablets

» Wallet chains

» Zappers

With regards to bottles, cans, and containers, this applies to both empty and full ones made from aluminum, plastic, and glass. 

During basketball games, empty refillable water bottles – made from aluminum or plastic – are permitted, but they must not be any bigger than 32 ounces. 

Certain bags are allowed in the Viejas Arena, but they have to abide by the required size specifications. They also have to be clear, as the arena is a clear bag-only venue. Clear vinyl or plastic bags no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches are permitted. One-gallon freezer bags made of plastic are also permitted. 

If you have any queries regarding the prohibited items for specific events, contact the management office at Viejas Arena. 

Emergency procedures

There are trained security and general staff members who will ensure the safety of everyone in the Viejas Arena should an emergency arise. 

If this occurs, ensure that you comply with all requests from the staff so that you can evacuate the area quickly and safely. 

You can also call the management office on (619) 594-0234 if there is an emergency in your seating area in the arena. You will need to have the exact location of the situation when you call, such as the seat number, row, and section for the person who needs help. 

Seating

The seating at the Viejas Arena changes to accommodate the needs of each individual event. For instance, a stage will replace the basketball court when a concert is due. Set up will change for events as well, such as reserved seating for students that is included during the San Diego State Aztecs games. 

For center-stage concerts, seat capacity can increase to around 12,845 seats, whereas end-stage concerts reduce the seating capacity to 12,200. There are also floor seats available at certain events.

There are a few different sections to choose from at the Viejas Arena, with upper and lower floors that fill the circular-shaped venue. 

The seats are numbered clockwise around the arena, and rows are lettered from A to V.  You can also choose from premium and VIP seating at an additional cost. 

Seating charts are a useful tool, as they can show you exactly how the seating arrangements change depending on the event that is taking place. 

Accessibility

There are plenty of accessible, disabled-friendly features at the Viejas Arena, so let’s take a closer look at some of the most noteworthy ones. 

Assisted listening devices

Guest Services can provide assisted listening devices to those who need them. The service is complimentary, though a photographic ID will be needed as a deposit. 

The Guest Services area can be found adjacent to the box office at the VIP/Pass Gate. 

Companion seats

Companion seats can be reserved for those accompanying wheelchair-bound guests. If there are any unsold companion seats, they will be available to buy two weeks before the event (this can change if ticket sales dictate otherwise). 

Disabled seats

The Viejas Arena is a top-loading facility, so the disabled seating is located on the upper concourse of the venue. This is because they can be accessed easily but also evacuated easily in the case of an emergency, 

There is sometimes designated disabled seating set up for guests who need it during seated floor events as well. For disabled seating inquiries, give the venue a call at (619) 594-5085).

Interpreting services

You will need at least three weeks’ notice if you want to book interpreting services at the Viejas Arena. Those who have bought seats in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing section of the venue will need to contact the box office for more information. 

Mobility devices

Those with a disability that requires a wheelchair or scooter (power-driven or manual) are allowed to use this in any accessible area in the venue. 

Because of pedestrian traffic and health and safety, those who require a scooter, wheelchair, or any other OPDMDs (Other Power Driven Mobility Devices) must check them in at Guest Services. 

For those using motorized scooters, they must be able to fit within a 30-inch by 36-inch area to be allowed into the arena. 

Parking

Accessible parking for the disabled can be found in parking structures 7 and 12 and parking lot 8. To use these spaces, guests will need a valid disability placard. Regular parking fees are also still required ($31 per vehicle).

Service animals

Service animals are allowed in the Viejas Arena, but regulations are compliant with the ADA’s revised guidelines. These guidelines specify a service animal as a dog who has been trained to aid their disabled handler. 

The tasks that the dog can perform must be connected to the disability of their handler. Emotional support or comfort dogs do not qualify as service animals. 

As per ADA guidelines, all service animals must be leashed or harnessed. The only exception to this is if this interferes with the duties of a service animal. 

The service animal must be controlled at all times. If this is not through a leash or harness, then it must be via signals, voice commands, or any other methods of communication. 

Services for the deaf, hard of hearing, and visually impaired

There are areas in the Viejas Arena that can be accommodating to those with visual or hearing impairments. However, these seats are limited and can only be provided on a first-come first-serve basis. Make sure to contact the box office for more information. 

Wheelchair escorts

There are escorts available to take guests to and from their seats via a wheelchair per request. These escorts can be found at the Guest Services area in the arena.