Vitality Project

The Vitality Project operated in the downtown area of San Diego, where the renovation of Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres baseball team, was taking place. As part of a process led by the Centre City Development corporation, IPS staff worked with corporate entities and civic leaders to preserve the health, safety, and quality of life of residents that could be impacted by the redevelopment.

Recognizing that the unrestricted availability of alcohol at sports venues often leads to disruptive behaviors, the project’s goal was to integrate common sense alcohol risk management policies into the plans for the new stadium and its associated Tailgate Park. Policies established by the group included placing a limit on the maximum number drinks to be sold, establishing last call well before end of game, instituting identification checks, banning open containers and kegs, and strengthening enforcement measures.

As downtown San Diego is a national tourist attraction, millions of people visit each year for public festivities, events, and attractions. The sale of alcoholic beverages plays a large role at many of these events, and there is a high density of alcohol-serving business in the region. As the area grows, the potential for alcohol-related problems increases. These often include public intoxication, DUI-related incidents, and disruption to nearby communities.

However, through continued coordinated effort and the establishment of smart growth policies that address the availability of alcohol, the Vitality Project can maintain vibrant, well-balanced neighborhoods that not only advance the prosperity of the city but also preserve the health and safety of residents.