Best of 2000: Best Free Concert Eavesdropping

Open Air Theatre
San Diego State University

At SDSU, the Open Air Theatre is surrounded on three sides by grassy parks and benches, and venue security does not discourage low-budget listeners from picnicking here. The eavesdropping ritual has become so popular that, at a recent Jethro Tull show, roaming vendors worked the bootleg crowd, selling T-shirts and munchies. Spots near the front entrance are so coveted that occasional arguments will break out among fans jockeying for the best bench, especially since those nearest the gate at the end of the show are sometimes invited inside by gate security to watch the encore.