EXPO Day 2024 Know Before You Go

Saturday, March 2 (11a-5p) at Snapdragon Stadium
Rain or Shine!

This is event is completely FREE and open to the public! No registration or tickets required. Come on down and join us, rain or shine, for a day filled with 100+ hands-on activities, stage performances and more! Great for all ages, pre-K to gray!

Sammy StemCalling All: tinkerers, explorers, star gazers, dreamers, and adventurers!

The San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering EXPO DAY is the largest event of its kind in Southern California. It’s a collective effort between industry, business leaders, government, community organizations, public outreach centers, academia, schools and school districts, and parents. The Festival began 16 years ago primarily science and engineering-focused, with a goal to provide experiential activities in these fields to diverse populations. The overwhelming success of the formative years of the Festival proved to be a catalyst for what the Festival would swiftly evolve into – a comprehensive San Diego County community event that celebrates the diverse cultures, communities and populace of San Diego, and works to inspire the curious young minds of our region to become tomorrow’s STEAM leaders. The San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering Week is ever-evolving and continually responding and meeting the desires and needs of the community. The Festival is the flagship event of Generation STEAM, a 501c3 nonprofit affiliate of Biocom California.

 


EXPO DAY MAP: 

Click here to download the 2024 Expo Day Map. Printed copies will be available at Snapdragon Stadium on the day of the event.

PARKING:

Snapdragon Stadium Parking Map

Parking onsite is $10 per vehicle, click here to purchase parking in advance. Parking will be in the yellow lot (see map for reference), but once that is full, other lots will be opened. There will be adequate signage to direct drivers to the correct lot. You do not need to select a lot when you purchase the ticket.

To purchase a parking ticket, you must create a Ticketmaster account. This is standard for any event at Snapdragon Stadium.

Click here to download the full Snapdragon Stadium parking map.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

For Expo Day attendees on March 2nd, MTS will allow two kids (12 and under) to ride the trolley for free with each adult. There is also a Youth Opportunity Pass for those 18 and under, which provides free transit. There is an online application to apply for the Youth Opportunity free transit pass. To see a full list of MTS trolly transportation options to Snapdragon Stadium, visit the MTS website.

SCHOOL BUS DROP-OFF: 

Drop the kids off on Innovation Drive (east side of the stadium) and then proceed to park in the Orange Lot.

BAG POLICY:

Snapdragon Stadium is a clear bag only venue. Guests are encouraged to limit the number of items they bring with them to the Stadium. Only (1) one of the following style and size bag, package, or container per person:

  • Bags that are clear plastic or clear vinyl and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag.
  • Purses, bags, or clutches no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”.

Prohibited bags include but are not limited to large purses, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, luggage of any kind, computer bags or any bag larger than the permissible size. Bag check lockers will be available for purchase outside the stadium on the east side.

This policy is not intended to interfere with guests attending with specific medical needs or guests caring for young children.

PHOTO & VIDEO RELEASE OF LIABILITY:

Signage will be listed at all entry gates with our Liability Notice: Entry into this EXPO Day constitutes implied consent to be photographed and/or videotaped by Generation STEAM, its sponsors and partners and for the use of those materials to be utilized in marketing materials or published.

FOOD OPTIONS:

Various food vendors will be open. There will be two children’s meals available for purchase at Ultra Classics. They are hot dog, bag of chips and 12oz drink OR Uncrustable, bag of chips and 12oz drink for $12. 

CASHLESS VENUE:

Snapdragon Stadium is a cashless venue. We encourage you to plan ahead, but should you need Reverse ATMs, they are available onsite. Reverse ATMs allow for loading cash onto a pre-paid debit card for easy ordering at the cashless concessions. Reverse ATMs are located inside the southeast and southwest gates and will be notated on the event map.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE POLICIES:

Snapdragon does not allow outside food or beverages into the stadium. Exceptions will be made for those with medical requirements and/or special needs.

Water: Sealed water bottles (unfrozen) as well as empty refillable water bottles no larger than 32oz are allowed into the stadium. Water is served at all of the concession stands. Drinking fountains and refill stations can be found throughout the concourse.

Water Stations (Refillable): There are five refillable water stations available for guests throughout the concourse.

ANIMALS:

Service animals and service animals in training are permitted at Snapdragon Stadium. In keeping with U.S. ADA regulations, disabled guests may use an animal that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the guest. The work or tasks performed by the service animal must be directly related to the guest's disability. Animals that solely provide emotional support or companionship to a guest will not be permitted inside the stadium. All other animals or pets are prohibited.

UMBRELLA POLICY:

Snapdragon Stadium has updated their umbrella policy for EXPO Day and will allow umbrellas inside the stadium. This exception only applies to EXPO Day and will not be honored at other Snapdragon Stadium Events. EXPO Day takes place rain or shine!

ART PAVILION:

New to the Festival in 2024 and located in the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Club, the Art Pavilion serves as a vibrant canvas for students and community groups to showcase their creative expressions, infusing the STEM experience with artistic flair. This space is presented by Biology through Art, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, and National University

COLLEGE AND CAREER PAVILION:

For middle and high school students: visit the College and Career Pavilion, located in the Dos Equis Club, to explore various education and career pathways and to create meaningful connections with higher education partners. This space is brought to you by Thermo Fisher Scientific.

ROBOTICS ROUND UP:

Stop by NDIA’s Robotics Round Up, located in the northwest corner of the stadium, to explore the fun of robotics! Local high school clubs, the NDIA team, and more will show you how to master the fundamentals of robotics. This space is presented by the National Defense Industrial Association’s San Diego Chapter.

PRE-K ZONE:

For all the little learners joining us, be sure to stop by our Pre-K zone located on the North side of the concourse on the grassy area. This year we’ll have San Diego Children's Discovery Museum as well as an opportunity to build straw rockets, create paper robots and practice counting.

MAIN PERFORMANCE STAGE:

From rockets to explosions to singing and more, you can find some true STEAM entertainment that is sure to excite your mind throughout the day at our Illumina Foundation Main Stage located on the North East side of the stadium.

SDSU FUTURE INNOVATOR STAGE:

We are so excited to bring back the Cajon Valley Union School District TEDEd Student Talks. Hear some innovative ideas from some of tomorrow’s future movers and shakers. You’ll laugh, you’ll smile, and you’ll be in awe of the skills these students are learning in public speaking and leadership. The SDSU Future Innovators Stage is located on the South East side of the stadium on the concourse. Limited seating is available in front of the stadium.

OTHER INFO

Visit https://www.snapdragonstadium.com/visit/a-z-guide for all other stadium related policies.

2024 Festival Presenting Sponsor

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We Love Our 2024 Sponsors!

It takes true community spirit and engagement to build a successful Festival Week and momentum to support ongoing programs. Our mission is to provide meaningful year-round STEAM experiences for youth and adults alike in San Diego, and throughout the state of CA through our virtual platform.

2024 Sponsors  

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