SAN DIEGO – Back-to-back Bad Bunny concerts have given some local businesses a boost in sales this weekend.
The sold-out concert was reflected in bars and restaurants as owners and managers said they saw more people before and after the show.
“You get the pregame rush, you get the postgame rush, we’re here for it all,” said Ryan Dhu, manager at Blind Burro.
It was busy in the downtown area over the weekend with the Latin trap and reggaeton artist in town.
“Enough sales injection, good energy. It was a great crowd,” said Dhu.
Both shows on Saturday and Sunday were sold out at Petco Park. Bad Bunny is making history as the first artist to have two full shows downtown.
The Puerto Rican superstar is drawing people from all over the country. For Nahomy Delatorre, who drove from Upland to San Bernardino County, it was her and her brother’s first Bad Bunny concert.
“It’s like hit me now, I was driving, and I was like it didn’t hit yet, and then we came and I was like, ‘Oh my god, we’re going to see Bad Bunny,'” Delatorre said.
People came ready to spend their money and add to San Diego’s economy.
“It’s been great for us,” said Paul Garduño, owner of Casa Octavio Tequila and Mezcal Bar. “There are a lot of people going out. Naturally, they love mezcal tequila and tacos.
Garduño opened Casa Octavio in May. The restaurant and bar, located right next to Petco Park, has been a business engine.
“It seems the stadium has been very proactive in bringing in a lot of people and concerts and a minority of different people, so that helps a lot here. Being able to offer something, I think it’s an amenity for the stadium,” said Garduño.
Other people found ways to save money after some said tickets cost them hundreds of dollars.
It was a weekend full of bright, vibrant colors and lots of excitement.