Cleverly designed furniture is surprising, playful art!

Artwork now on display in the SDSU Downtown Gallery includes extraordinary furniture!
Artwork now on display in the SDSU Downtown Gallery includes extraordinary furniture!

Some fantastic, highly innovative art is now on display at the SDSU Downtown Gallery. Tom Loeser: Please Please Please is the title of the surprising exhibition.

Walk through the door of the SDSU Downtown Gallery and you might not be sure whether you’ve entered a bizarre furniture and hardware store or a dream-place where art conforms to your body. Those abstract paintings on the wall actually unfold into chairs! Those shovel handles in a row form the back of a beautifully crafted wooden bench! That colorful “luggage” tossed in a heap in one corner seems more appropriate for a comfortable living room than a cargo hold!

According to a sign in the gallery, Tom Loeser imagines new ways that the body, furniture and space can interact. He wonders: if the furniture we sit on were totally different, how might our lives be different too?

I can tell you resting on these pieces (and you’re allowed to actually sit on a few of his tumblers) would put me in a very creative and happy state of mind.

As I sat I might gaze at Tom Loeser’s artwork on the gallery’s walls, which includes fantastic blue cyanotypes and strangely elemental pyrography. Transformed by the artist’s genius, ordinary objects seem to radiate a weird spiritual essence. The images, like his furniture, seem to present a vision of unexpected potentialities in our practical, solidly physical world.

If you love really clever art, check out the SDSU Downtown Gallery before this exhibition ends on October 28, 2018!

The art exhibition Tom Loeser: Please Please Please is now showing in downtown San Diego.
The art exhibition Tom Loeser: Please Please Please is now showing in downtown San Diego.
Two works of art by Tom Loeser. Not a Dozen Even, 2014, cyanotype. Double Dig, 2016, white oak and shovel handles.
Two works of art by Tom Loeser. Not a Dozen Even, 2014, cyanotype. Double Dig, 2016, white oak and shovel handles.
S/M/L, 2014, cyanotype by artist Tom Loeser.
S/M/L, 2014, cyanotype by artist Tom Loeser.
A room full of practical objects made dreamlike.
A room full of practical objects made dreamlike.
Dig for Three, 2015, walnut and shovel handles by artist Tom Loeser.
Dig for Three, 2015, walnut and shovel handles by artist Tom Loeser.
LA/Chicago/New York, 2016, plywood, wood, felt, paint by artist Tom Loeser.
LA/Chicago/New York, 2016, plywood, wood, felt, paint by artist Tom Loeser.
A colorful tumbler that can be sat upon comfortably any which way.
A colorful tumbler that can be sat upon comfortably any which way.
Folding Chair, 1987, painted plywood, maple, stainless steel by artist Tom Loeser.
Folding Chair, 1987, painted plywood, maple, stainless steel by artist Tom Loeser.
Scythe by Scythe, 2016, maple, hickory, scythe handles by artist Tom Loeser.
Scythe by Scythe, 2016, maple, hickory, scythe handles by artist Tom Loeser.

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Model of Lane Field stadium at Petco Park.

Completed model of Lane Field stadium in the garage of baseball historian Bill Swank. Photo courtesy Bill Swank.
Completed model of Lane Field stadium in the garage of baseball historian Bill Swank. Photo courtesy Bill Swank.

A fascinating scale model of the Lane Field stadium, home of the Pacific Coast League Padres from 1936 to 1957, is now located inside the front lobby of the San Diego Padres business office. The model was built by baseball historian Bill Swank, author of several books, including Echoes from Lane Field : A History of the San Diego Padres 1936-1957.

Fans of the early Padres used to head to Lane Field to see their favorite team in action. Many fond baseball memories were made in downtown San Diego near the waterfront, at the end of West Broadway between Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway. Today the area is occupied by two hotel buildings and Lane Field Park, which features a small baseball diamond, plaques that honor an era of local baseball history, and three colorful banners that celebrate former players at Lane Field, including legendary hitter Ted Williams.

Bill Swank created the detailed model of long-vanished Lane Field to preserve a bit of San Diego history for the enjoyment of Padres fans. The model is in 1:128 scale and made out of basswood. Care was taken during its construction to maintain a high degree of accuracy.

According to Bill Swank, the model is “so accurate to scale that it’s even 87’ from home to first base. It wasn’t until the 1950s that a groundskeeper measured the distance and discovered it was only 87 feet… and had been 87 feet since 1936! I believe the mistake was made by taking the measurement off the hastily drawn blueprint.”

Bill Swank has provided the following additional information concerning his model:

January 1997: Because I had blueprints for Lane Field, San Diego Hall of Champions Historian Don King asked if I would like to participate in building a scale model of the original home of the San Diego Padres to be displayed at the Hall of Champions.

May 1997: It took me longer to finish the model than it took the Works Progress Administration (WPA) to build the actual ballpark. Bill Lane signed an agreement to relocate his Pacific Coast League Hollywood Stars to San Diego on January 28, 1936. A ballpark had to be built at the northwest corner of Broadway and Pacific Highway in less than two months, because the renamed “Padres” first game was scheduled for March 31, 1936. The cost of construction was approximately $25,000. (San Diego beat the Seattle Indians, 6-2, on Opening Day.)

July 1997: My Lane Field model was unveiled at the San Diego Hall of Champions on the Prado.

September 2000: The model was transported to the remodeled Federal Building after the Hall of Champions moved from the Prado.

April 2017: When the Hall of Champions closed in 2017, a new home was found for the model at Petco Park.

February 2018: The Lane Field model went on display in the front lobby of the Padres business office.

I have enjoyed an up-close and personal look at this very cool model. Here are several historical photographs of Lane Field, followed by a few photos of the model beneath glass that my camera captured.

With a little imagination one can almost see fans in the stands, players on the field, and hear the crack of a batted home run…

Lane Field (1936) before the grandstand roof was added. Photo from the Bill Swank collection.
Lane Field (1936) before the grandstand roof was added. Photo from the Bill Swank collection.
Panoramic view of Lane Field includes long ticket line for 1954 PCL Championship game with Hollywood Stars (Padres won, 7-2). Photo by Ray Hacecky, Sr.
Panoramic view of Lane Field includes long ticket line for 1954 PCL Championship game with the Hollywood Stars (Padres won, 7-2). Photo by Ray Hacecky, Sr.
Opening Day, March 30, 1940. Southpaw Wally “Preacher” Hebert took the mound and beat the Los Angeles Angels, 5-1. Photo from the Hebert Family.
Opening Day, March 30, 1940. Southpaw Wally “Preacher” Hebert took the mound and beat the Los Angeles Angels, 5-1. Photo from the Hebert Family.
A new attendance record (13,466) was set on May 2, 1948 for a game with the San Francisco Seals. During the game, fans stood and sat in the outfield against the fence. A ball that went into the crowd was a ground rule double. Photo from the Bill Swank collection.
A new attendance record (13,466) was set on May 2, 1948 for a game with the San Francisco Seals. During the game, fans stood and sat in the outfield against the fence. A ball that went into the crowd was a ground rule double. Photo from the Bill Swank collection.
Model of Lane Field as it appears today.
Scale model of Lane Field stadium, displayed in lobby of the Padres business office.

This model was built to honor the men who played baseball at Lane Field and the fans who loved them.
This model was built to honor the men who played baseball at Lane Field and the fans who loved them.

Memories from San Diego's baseball past live on at Petco Park.
Memories from San Diego’s baseball past live on at Petco Park.

Many thanks to the San Diego Padres, the super friendly Petco Park Navigators and Bill Swank who made this fun post possible!

Go Pads!

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Fascinating photos of the Centre City Building.

The Centre City Building, which rises just north of Civic Center Plaza in San Diego, was built in 1927. The fourteen story office building was designed by noted architect Frank W. Stevenson, and once was the tallest building in all of downtown. Today the historical landmark can seem lost among dozens of more recent high-rises.

Whenever I walk pass this building to the east or north, I like to look up at the elegant decorative brick and granite facade. The much more plain and faded west and south sides of the building provide a fascinating visual contrast.

Light at different times of the day can either make the building seem golden and regal, or like a gradually vanishing page from San Diego’s history.

Here are a variety of photos that I’ve taken during several walks.

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

How you can help USO San Diego fight hunger!

The USO is collecting food at Grocery Outlet Bargain Markets around San Diego. Buy a five dollar bag of food for a hungry neighbor, receive a five dollar coupon for the store!
The USO is collecting food at Grocery Outlet Bargain Markets around San Diego. Buy a five dollar bag of food for those who are hungry, receive a five dollar coupon from the store!

Before I post more photos of Comic-Con, let me alert my local readers to a great opportunity to help others. I just discovered an easy and essentially free way to help fight hunger in San Diego!

Walking back home from Comic-Con, I realized I needed groceries, so I swung by the downtown Grocery Outlet Bargain Market. As I stepped inside, I was greeted by two friendly volunteers from the USO. They’re working to fight hunger in San Diego!

I learned that during the month of July, shoppers who purchase a $5 bag of food from their table to help feed the hungry receive a $5 coupon from the store!

Kudos to the USO and their efforts. Kudos to Grocery Outlet Bargain Market for their generosity!

I also learned the USO collects food twice a month from a mobile food pantry in partnership with Feeding San Diego. Check out the USO San Diego Facebook page for times and locations!

USO San Diego collects food twice a month in partnership with Feeding San Diego. Check the USO Facebook page for their Mobile Food Pantry locations!
USO San Diego collects food twice a month in partnership with Feeding San Diego. Check the USO Facebook page for their Mobile Food Pantry locations!

Are you a blogger? Do you want to help make the world a better place? You might want to join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.

Photos of 2018 Comic-Con from 40 floors up!

This is what 2018 San Diego Comic-Con looks like from 40 floors up! Without crowds–yet!

I took these photos from the top of the Manchester Grand Hyatt today at three o’clock, as people were just beginning to converge on the San Diego Convention Center for Preview Night. The various offsites, some of which are visible, open tomorrow.

Take photos of Comic-Con from high above the city the next four days and the streets will be jammed with people!

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Getting ready Wednesday for 2018 Comic-Con!

These guys are the very first in line for Hall H, at 2018 San Diego Comic-Con. They were super friendly, excited and ready to go!
These guys are the very first in line for Hall H, at 2018 San Diego Comic-Con. They were super friendly, excited and ready to go!

The big one is almost here!

I’ve taken even more photos of 2018 Comic-Con preparation around San Diego. I walked all around this morning–Wednesday–and observed that workers are frantically getting the many offsites around the Gaslamp, Petco Park and San Diego Convention Center ready for tomorrow.

Tonight is Preview Night.

Let the party begin!

At Dead Quarters, they have a lot to do. At least according to some ragged signs that are being created!
At Dead Quarters, they have a lot to do. At least according to some ragged signs that are being created!
Cartman's Escape Room at the Comedy Central offsite appears about ready!
Cartman’s Escape Room at the Comedy Central offsite appears about ready!
The Convention Center trolley stop has been converted into a weird, very cool promotion for Stranger Things.
The Convention Center trolley stop has been converted into a weird, very cool promotion for Stranger Things.
This morning they were testing the Jack Ryan Experience. A test subject was carefully lowered from the mock helicopter.
This morning they were testing the Jack Ryan Experience. A test subject was carefully lowered from the mock helicopter.
A creepy child mannequin now stands in the Children's Park fountain, with a cage looming among the trees behind him. Part of the Castle Rock offsite.
A creepy jacketed mannequin now stands in the Children’s Park fountain, with a cage looming among the trees behind him. Part of the Castle Rock offsite.
What I called a castle has turned out to be more like a palace, created by Bandai at the Marina Terrace.
What I called a castle has turned out to be more like a brick palace, created by Bandai at the Marina Terrace.
Getting the entrance to the Lyft Lounge at Comic-Con Village ready on Wedsnesday morning.
Getting the entrance to the Lyft Lounge at Comic-Con Village ready on Wednesday morning. You’ll find it at Embarcadero Marina Park South, near the San Diego Symphony’s outdoor summer location.
The IMDb yacht gets a boat wrap!
The IMDb yacht gets a boat wrap!
The Starbucks at the Hilton Bayfront has been converted into a small Jurassic World.
The Starbucks at the Hilton Bayfront has been converted into a small Jurassic World.
A BBC film crew gets ready to cover 2018 San Diego Comic-Con on the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge.
A BBC film crew gets ready to cover 2018 San Diego Comic-Con on the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge.
Graphics at the entrance to Rotten Tomatoes suggests that possibly Your Opinion Sucks.
Graphics at the entrance to Rotten Tomatoes suggest that possibly Your Opinion Sucks.
Someone has appeared in one of the round windows of The Good Place.
Someone has appeared in one of the round windows of The Good Place.
Looks like a good place to me! Let's get this party started!
Looks like a good place to me! Let’s get this party started!

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

MORE stuff outside Comic-Con with 2 days to go!

Rampage George has arrived on a truck bed near the Omni and Petco Park for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con!
Rampage George has arrived on a truck bed near the Omni and Petco Park for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con!

We’re down to just two days until the official start of 2018 San Diego Comic-Con!

My last blog post titled 2018 Comic-Con getting ready in high gear! included a huge number of photos that I took while walking around the Gaslamp, Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center on Sunday and Monday.

Well, today is Tuesday, and this morning I discovered lots more cool stuff popping up!

Equipment for the Conan O'Brien show during Comic-Con is being moved into the Spreckels Theatre.
Equipment for the Conan O’Brien show during Comic-Con is being moved into the Spreckels Theatre.
Snoopy graphics on the windows of Bubbles Boutique transform it into the Peanuts Pop-Up Shop!
Snoopy graphics on the windows of Bubbles Boutique have transformed it into the Peanuts Pop-Up Shop!
A photo of construction progress at The Good Place near the Tin Fish.
A photo of construction progress at The Good Place near the Tin Fish.
Petco Park's Whiskey Cavalier wrap is still being applied.
Petco Park’s Whiskey Cavalier wrap is still being applied.
This wrap on Petco Park showing Nathan Fillion promotes the ABC show The Rookie.
This wrap on Petco Park showing Nathan Fillion promotes the ABC show The Rookie.
Getting a tree ready at the Experience at Comic-Con, near the Sacred Lies activation.
Getting a tree ready at the Experience at Comic-Con, near the Sacred Lies activation.
Marvel's Cloak and Dagger will also be at Experience at Comic-Con.
Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger on Freeform will also have a cool activation at Experience at Comic-Con.
A photo from behind the Cloak and Dagger structure.
A photo from behind the Cloak and Dagger structure.
The cool Legion structure is being finished at FXhibition.
The unusual Legion structure is being finished at FXhibition.
FXhibition also includes a cool graphic depicting Archer Danger Island.
FXhibition also includes a cool graphic depicting Archer Danger Island.
It appears the courtyard area next to the Hilton Bayfront will be used to promote Mayans MC.
It appears the courtyard area next to the Hilton Bayfront will be used to promote Mayans MC.
In the FOX section behind the convention center, small rooms have appeared featuring Family Guy and The Simpsons.
In the FOX section behind the convention center, small rooms have appeared featuring Family Guy and The Simpsons.
Yikes! The Griffin home is on fire!
Yikes! The Griffin home is on fire!
Walking along the bayfront toward the Adult Swim offsite two days before the official opening of 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
Walking along the bayfront toward the Adult Swim offsite two days before the official opening of 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
Rick sculpture stands over a miniature golf hole.
Rick sculpture now stands over a miniature golf hole.
Looks like the archery range of Adult Swim State Park.
Looks like the archery range of Adult Swim State Park.
Bandai is building a castle-like structure on Marriott's Marina Terrace.
Bandai is building a castle-like structure on Marriott’s Marina Terrace.
Some cool Bandai figures are now being set up at their offsite.
Some awesome Bandai figures are now being set up at their offsite.
SDCC2018 exhibitors and fans are arriving in San Diego.
SDCC 2018 exhibitors and fans are arriving in San Diego! Two days to go!
The Mellow Tiger Bar occupies part of Hulu's Castle Rock offsite.
The Mellow Tiger Bar will occupy part of Hulu’s Castle Rock offsite.
The Castle Rock bed and breakfast is getting a paint job!
The Castle Rock bed and breakfast is getting a paint job!
The New Children's Museum has yellow Syfy umbrellas and signs ready, including one for the Human Claw Machine.
The New Children’s Museum now has yellow Syfy umbrellas and signs ready, including one for the Human Claw Machine.
Comic-Con paintings by the artist Suzka can be found inside Simon's Cafe, just north of the Jack Ryan Experience. This piece is titled The Joker Card.
Comic-Con paintings by the artist Suzka can be found inside Simon’s Cafe, just north of the Jack Ryan Experience. This piece is titled The Joker Card.
One guy wearing cammies is relaxing at Amazon's Jack Ryan Experience offsite.
One guy wearing cammies is relaxing at Amazon’s Jack Ryan Experience offsite.
Looks like Kenny died yet again outside the South Park escape room.
Looks like Kenny died yet again outside the South Park escape room.
That big slide at Dead Quarters will be mounted here.
That big slide at Dead Quarters will be mounted here.
Taco Bell was getting their Demolition Man pop up ready in the Gaslamp. Nacho fries will be served.
Taco Bell was getting their Demolition Man pop-up ready in the Gaslamp. Everyone smiled for some free publicity! Nacho fries will be served.
A couple of building wraps promoting Disenchantment on Netflix are being applied to the Hard Rock Hotel.
A couple of building wraps promoting Disenchantment on Netflix are being applied to the Hard Rock Hotel.

UPDATE!

More stuff is appearing early Tuesday afternoon as 2018 San Diego Comic-Con rapidly approaches! Enjoy these brand new photos!

I'm not sure I'd want to buy a plane ticket from these nice ladies.
I’m not sure I’d want to buy a plane ticket from these nice ladies.
I wonder if there is an arrival time? NBC show Manifest has all sorts of cool graphics in the lobby of the Hard Rock Hotel.
I wonder if there is an arrival time? NBC show Manifest has all sorts of cool graphics in the lobby of the Hard Rock Hotel.
A new Star Trek Discovery Mirror Universe Exhibit will be inside the Michael J Wolf Fine Arts gallery in the Gaslamp.
A new Star Trek Discovery Mirror Universe Exhibit will be inside the Michael J Wolf Fine Arts gallery in the Gaslamp.
A sneaky peek inside the Star Trek Discovery offsite before it opens on Thursday.
A sneaky peek inside the Star Trek Discovery offsite before it opens on Thursday.
Purge City is setting up at the Western Metal Supply Co. building at Petco Park.
USA Networks’s Purge City store is setting up at the Padres Team Store, in the Western Metal Supply Co. building at Petco Park.
That big black thing will be the screen of a huge Dell laptop. I learned people will be able to interact with an LED image using arrow keys.
That big black thing will be the screen of a huge Dell laptop. I learned people will be able to interact with an LED image using arrow keys.
A Mr. Mercedes wrap is being applied to the entrance side of the Omni Hotel.
A Mr. Mercedes wrap is being applied to the entrance side of the Omni Hotel.
The History wrap on Petco Park this year promotes Project Blue Book.
The History wrap on Petco Park this year promotes Project Blue Book.
I was told this is the head of the Iron Giant! A huge Iron Giant sculpture will be placed atop the building at Sixth Avenue and L Street, where the Ready Player One activation will be during Comic-Con.
I was told this is the robot torso of the Iron Giant! A cool Iron Giant sculpture will be placed atop the building at Sixth Avenue and L Street, where the Ready Player One activation will be during Comic-Con.
Pushing an old school arcade game along the sidewalk.
Pushing an old school arcade game along the sidewalk.
Rotten Tomatoes has their own location at Comic-Con this year, right next to the Hard Rock Hotel.
Rotten Tomatoes has their own location at Comic-Con this year, right next to the Hard Rock Hotel.
Mr. Mercedes advertised on something less than a Mercedes.
Mr. Mercedes advertised on something less than a Mercedes.
A good photo of one Disenchanted wrap now on the Hard Rock Hotel.
A good photo of one Disenchanted wrap now on the Hard Rock Hotel.
AT&T's Mr. Mercedes offsite is getting ready in the Gaslamp on Tuesday afternoon!
AT&T’s Mr. Mercedes offsite is getting ready in the Gaslamp on Tuesday afternoon!

ANOTHER UPDATE!

Here come pics that I took late Tuesday afternoon!

I spotted the legs of Iron Giant near the Ready Player One offsite!
I spotted the legs of Iron Giant near the Ready Player One offsite!
The Mobile Esports Touring Arena is set up over the kids' baseball field in Park at the Park.
The Mobile ESports Touring Arena is set up over the kids’ baseball field in Park at the Park.
A huge banner on the Marriott Gaslamp promotes Star Trek Discovery.
A huge banner on the Marriott Gaslamp Quarter promotes Star Trek Discovery.
Taco Bell is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the movie Demolition Man.
Taco Bell is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the movie Demolition Man.
Various NBC posters have been placed about the Gaslamp trolley station.
Various NBC posters have been placed about the Gaslamp trolley station.
The Good Place offsite is getting a paint job!
The Good Place offsite is getting a paint job!
More graphics have appeared at the entrance to the DC Universe Experience.
More graphics have appeared at the entrance to the DC Universe Experience.
That slide and a building have materialized inside Dead Quarters.
That slide and a building have materialized inside Dead Quarters.
And so has an armored SWAT vehicle! The undead can't be far away now!
And so has an armored SWAT vehicle! The walking dead can’t be far away now!
Rampage George looks disinterested in this human.
Rampage George looks disinterested in this nearby human.
Petco Park's Whiskey Cavalier wrap is done.
Petco Park’s Whiskey Cavalier wrap is done.
The Rookie wrap is almost done.
The Rookie wrap is almost done.
At FXhibition, I saw a graphic for American Horror Story on some sort of structure.
At FXhibition, I saw a graphic for American Horror Story on some sort of structure.
Lots of colorful graphics have popped up in the grassy area in front of the Hilton Bayfront.
Lots of colorful graphics have popped up in the grassy area in front of the Hilton Bayfront.
Here are some more.
Here are some more.
People can sit in front of a green screen at the Cosmos activation. Perhaps they'll fly through space. I don't know.
People can sit in front of a green screen at the Cosmos activation. Perhaps they’ll fly through space. I don’t know.
As I walked past, the Camp Store at Adult Swim State Park was being stocked.
As I walked past, the Camp Store at Adult Swim State Park was being stocked.
Helmets are ready for the crazy canoe races!
Helmets are ready for the crazy canoe races!
Flagship's California Spirit is being transformed into the IMDb yacht.
Flagship’s California Spirit is being transformed into the IMDb yacht.
The Mayans MC wrap on the Hilton is now complete.
The Mayans MC wrap on the Hilton is now complete.
Logos are on the fence around The Experience in San Diego, which I've been calling the Experience at Comic-Con. I had read that somewhere.
Logos are on the fence around The Experience in San Diego, which I’ve been calling the Experience at Comic-Con. I had read that somewhere.
Here's what you can expect each day during Comic-Con at The Experience in San Diego.
Here’s what you can expect each day during 2018 Comic-Con at The Experience in San Diego.
Looks like DC Comics will be serving Wonder Woman Golden Lasso caramel and vanilla ice cream!
Looks like DC Comics will be serving Wonder Woman Golden Lasso caramel and vanilla ice cream!

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

2018 Comic-Con getting ready in high gear!

A car appears to have mysteriously crashed into the Childrens Park fountain! It's part of the Castle Rock offsite for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con. Surprises await visitors around every corner.
A car appears to have mysteriously crashed into the Childrens Park fountain! It’s part of the Castle Rock offsite for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con. Surprises await visitors around every corner.

Four days to go until 2018 San Diego Comic-Con! There’s so much cool stuff popping up around the convention center, I can hardly keep track of it all!

This afternoon I walked around the entire area, checking out some of the building wraps and offsites that have begun to appear. Construction hasn’t begun on the Experience at Comic-Con or Deadquarters yet. I was told Comedy Central will occupy the same space at the Broad City indoor coloring book last year, but I could see no indication of activity there, either.

Check out these photos and read the captions for more information. It seems Comic-Con gets bigger and more exciting every year!

A photo of the Castle Rock sign from across Harbor Drive.
A photo of the Castle Rock sign from across Harbor Drive.
These mannequins will be part of Hulu's surprising Castle Rock experience!
These mannequins will be part of Hulu’s surprising Castle Rock experience!
A guy working on the Castle Rock offsite said this is the bed and breakfast.
A guy working on the Castle Rock offsite said this is the bed and breakfast.
Picnic benches have been placed in Childrens Park, which will become a spooky Castle Rock forest.
Picnic tables have been placed in Childrens Park, which will become a spooky Castle Rock forest.
At Amazon's Jack Ryan Experience, more progress is being made.
At Amazon’s Jack Ryan Experience, more progress is being made.
Visitors to the Jack Ryan Experience can enjoy shade under camouflage netting!
Visitors to the Jack Ryan Experience can enjoy shade under camouflage netting!
The big Conan wrap on the Marriott Marquis is almost completed!
The big Conan wrap on the Marriott Marquis is almost completed!
Another photo I took walking around the Gaslamp four days before 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
Another photo I took walking around the Gaslamp four days before 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
The prominent DC Universe wrap is wrapped up!
The prominent DC Universe wrap is wrapped up!
A Doom Patrol sign on a portion of the DC Universe Experience. This must be Chief's (Dr. Niles Caulder) Lab.
A Doom Patrol sign on a temporary structure inside the DC Universe Experience. This must be Chief’s (Dr. Niles Caulder) Lab.
A Marvel building wrap is being applied above the Lou & Mickey's sign.
A Marvel building wrap is being applied above the Lou & Mickey’s sign.
Inside The Chuck Jones Gallery in the Gaslamp you'll find a bunch of cool Star Wars art.
Inside The Chuck Jones Gallery in the Gaslamp you’ll find a bunch of cool Star Wars art.
Plus some super cool Alex Ross artwork depicting DC's most popular heroes.
Plus some super cool Alex Ross artwork depicting DC’s most popular heroes.
The line for LAIKA LIVE San Diego is growing as Comic-Con approaches.
The line for LAIKA LIVE San Diego is growing as Comic-Con approaches.
Lots of construction activity around the hub of Comic-Con's outdoor campus.
Lots of construction activity around the hub of Comic-Con’s outdoor campus.
An ice cream vendor crosses Fifth Avenue. The Gifted wrap on the Omni appears above the offsite for The Good Place, now under construction.
An ice cream vendor crosses Fifth Avenue. The Gifted wrap on the Omni appears above the offsite for The Good Place, now under construction.
Some guys are working on NBC's The Good Place offsite at 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
Some guys are working on NBC’s The Good Place offsite at 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
On Friday I spoke briefly to a guy putting The Good Place stickers on the Tin Fish's outdoor tables.
On Friday I spoke briefly to a guy putting The Good Place stickers on the Tin Fish’s outdoor tables.
Turning back for another photo as I walk along.
Turning back for another photo as I walk along.
Here comes a restored PCC trolley on the Silver Line. I love riding these old trolleys, but not today. More stuff to see.
Here comes a restored PCC streetcar on the San Diego Trolley’s downtown loop Silver Line. I love riding these old trolleys, but not today. More stuff to see!
Crossing the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge, I see the tents outside the San Diego Convention Center are already set up.
Crossing the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge, I see the tents outside the San Diego Convention Center are already set up.
There's that Jack Ryan wrap on the Omni Hotel that I photographed a couple days ago. It's nearly finished.
There’s that Jack Ryan wrap on the Omni Hotel that I photographed a couple days ago. It’s nearly finished.
The FXhibition area is under construction now. Those shady canopies when seen from above spell FX.
The FXhibition area is under construction now. Those shady canopies when seen from above spell FX.
I learned this structure will help promote the FX show Legion.
I learned this interesting structure will help promote the FX show Legion.
Looking across the grass of Hilton Waterfront Park. Lots of Comic-Con offsite construction activity!
Looking across the grass of Hilton Waterfront Park. Lots of Comic-Con offsite construction activity!
FOX and National Geographic will be previewing Cosmos Possible Worlds.
FOX and National Geographic will be previewing Cosmos Possible Worlds.
That big wrap on the Hilton San Diego Bayfront is in fact for the upcoming FX television series Mayan MC.
That big wrap on the Hilton San Diego Bayfront is in fact for the upcoming FX television series Mayan MC, a spin-off of the popular Sons of Anarchy.
I believe this winding blue track will be Adult Swim's lazy river, where go-kart
I believe this winding blue track will be Adult Swim’s lazy river, where go-kart “canoes” will race. I imagine those races will be visually funny!
Another Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan building wrap, this one on the side of the Marriott Marquis. Amazon is promoting the upcoming show in a big way at SDCC2018.
Another Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan building wrap, this one on the side of the Marriott Marquis. Amazon Video is promoting their upcoming show in a very big way at SDCC 2018.
A colorful Dragon Ball Super, The Movie wrap on the Marriott's recent meeting room expansion.
A colorful Dragon Ball Super: The Movie wrap on the Marriott’s recent meeting room expansion.

UPDATE!

I walked around Monday morning and got lots of new pics! More wraps and offsites are appearing!

Manifest, an upcoming NBC television series, promoted on a building wrap being applied to the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego for 2018 Comic-Con.
Manifest, an upcoming NBC television series, promoted on a building wrap being applied to the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego for 2018 Comic-Con.
Another graphic promoting Manifest on the convention center side of the Hard Rock Hotel.
Another graphic promoting Manifest on the convention center side of the Hard Rock Hotel.
The symbol for Marvel hero Iron Fist in a building wrap near the Gaslamp Quarter landmark sign.
The symbol for Marvel hero Iron Fist in a building wrap near the Gaslamp Quarter landmark sign.
Construction continues on The Good Place offsite near the Tin Fish.
Construction continues on The Good Place offsite near the Tin Fish.
Getting video screens ready at NBC's The Good Place offsite.
Getting video screens ready at NBC’s The Good Place offsite.
Looks like Comic-Con fans might be served yogurt.
Looks like Comic-Con fans might be served yogurt.
It would be really, really hard to eat yogurt with that gigantic fork, however!
It would be really, really hard to eat yogurt with that gigantic fork, however!
The upper story of The Good Place.
The upper story of The Good Place.
The Experience at Comic-Con in Petco Park's adjacent Lexux Premier Lot is barely getting started on Monday morning.
The Experience at Comic-Con in Petco Park’s adjacent Lexus Premier Lot is barely getting started on Monday morning. Better get to work in a hurry!
Behind the San Diego Convention Center, near the Hilton Bayfront, the FXhibition is under construction. I saw these graphics which I believe will be used to promote Archer.
Behind the San Diego Convention Center, near the Hilton Bayfront, the FXhibition is under construction. I saw these graphics which I believe will be used to promote the FX show Archer.
I see FOX will be promoting The Passage in their section of Hilton Waterfront Park.
I see FOX will be promoting The Passage in their section of Hilton Waterfront Park.
I believe this is the Adult Swim lazy river. Workers would tell me nothing. Top Secret, apparently!
I believe this is part of the Adult Swim lazy river. Workers would tell me nothing. Top Secret, apparently!
Another photo of the Adult Swim offsite under construction.
Another photo of the Adult Swim offsite under construction.
Comic-Con exhibitors were unloading their stuff as a small fleet of forklifts zipped about.
Comic-Con exhibitors were unloading their stuff as a small fleet of forklifts zipped about.
Bandai is setting up an offsite in the terrace by the Marriott Marina, where Conival was last year.
Bandai is setting up an offsite in the terrace by the Marriott Marina, where Conival was last year.
The left portion of the big Dragon Ball Super wrap is done. Very cool!
The left portion of that big Dragon Ball Super wrap is done. Very cool!
The Jack Ryan wrap on the Marriott Marquis is about half finished on Monday morning.
The Jack Ryan wrap on the Marriott Marquis is about half finished on Monday morning.
Syfy wraps are being applied to The New Childrens Museum.
Syfy wraps are being applied to The New Children’s Museum.
Getting ready for 2018 Comic-Con--just three days away!
Getting ready for 2018 Comic-Con–just three days away!
In Hulu's Castle Rock forest, some sort of structure is being set up.
In Hulu’s Castle Rock forest, some sort of structure is being set up.
The South Park Escape Room is just getting started.
The South Park Escape Room is just getting started.
Dead Quarters is also just getting started. It's going to feature a slide!
Dead Quarters is also just getting started. It’s going to feature a slide!
And a zombie meat grinder!
And a zombie meat grinder!
With a bloody conveyor belt!
With a bloody conveyor belt!
The Impractical Jokers Block Party is starting to set up at Petco Park.
Purge City is starting to set up at Petco Park.
Another photo of Comic-Con preparation in front of the Western Metal Supply Co. building.
Another photo of Comic-Con preparation in front of the Western Metal Supply Co. building.
I learned this lot at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Island Avenue will feature a gigantic Dell laptop!
I learned this lot at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Island Avenue will feature a gigantic 20 foot tall Dell laptop!
A peek into the space where the Mr. Mercedes Immersive Experience will be during 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
A peek into the space where the Mr. Mercedes Immersive Experience will be during 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.

ANOTHER UPDATE!

I walked all over the place on Monday afternoon, and even more Comic-Con stuff is appearing around the San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park and the Gaslamp!

Here comes yet another batch of photos!

Characters from South Park are readied outside a Comic-Con escape room being prepared at the Comedy Central offsite.
Characters from South Park are readied outside a Comic-Con escape room being prepared at the Comedy Central offsite.
Cool mural for Mayans MC in courtyard by the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
Cool mural for Mayans MC in courtyard by the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
Some big teepees and wooden bridges over the lazy river canoe track have appeared at the Adult Swim offsite on Monday afternoon.
Some big teepees and wooden bridges over the lazy river canoe track have appeared at the Adult Swim offsite on Monday afternoon.
Left side of the Adult Swim entrance.
Left side of the Adult Swim entrance.
Welcome to Adult Swim State Park!
Welcome to Adult Swim State Park!
Wraps on Petco Park are appearing. The two I spotted promote Whiskey Cavalier on ABC.
Wraps on Petco Park are appearing. The two I spotted promote Whiskey Cavalier on ABC. (UPDATE! I was wrong! As it turned out this first one promotes The Rookie on ABC.)
The second Whiskey Cavalier building wrap is farther along.
The second Whiskey Cavalier building wrap is farther along.
I believe this will be a big stage in one corner of the Experience at Comic-Con.
I believe this will be a big stage in one corner of the Experience at Comic-Con.
Sacred Lies, an upcoming show on Facebook Watch, will be promoted near one entrance to the Experience at Comic-Con.
Sacred Lies, an upcoming show on Facebook Watch, will be promoted near one entrance to the Experience at Comic-Con.
Erecting the huge stage in a Petco Park parking lot.
Erecting the huge stage in a Petco Park parking lot.
Spherical shrubs at The Good Place match circular windows.
Spherical shrubs at The Good Place match circular windows.
I believe that's Harley Quinn in a window of Toscana Cafe & Wine Bar in the Gaslamp.
I believe that’s Harley Quinn in a window of Toscana Cafe & Wine Bar in the Gaslamp.
Alita Battle Angel promoted on a pedicab on the Embarcadero.
Alita Battle Angel promoted on a pedicab on the Embarcadero.
The Team Coco House on Fourth Avenue is being prepared.
The Team Coco House on Fourth Avenue is being prepared.
Dell will be building that huge laptop here.
Dell will be building that huge laptop here.
At Dead Quarters, they must realize that blood meal makes for great fertilizer.
At Dead Quarters, they must realize that blood meal makes for great fertilizer.
The Syfy wrap on The New Children's Museum is looking good.
The Syfy wrap on The New Children’s Museum is looking good.
So is the facade of the bed and breakfast at Hulu's Castle Rock offsite.
So is the facade of the bed and breakfast at Hulu’s Castle Rock offsite.
Props are being placed in the Castle Rock Forest, otherwise known as Children's Park.
Props are being placed in the Castle Rock forest, otherwise known as Children’s Park.
Lawn chairs face a stage.
Lawn chairs face a stage.
Part of a Middle Eastern bazaar on MLK Promenade beckons people to head up First Avenue to the Jack Ryan Experience.
Part of a Middle Eastern bazaar on MLK Promenade beckons people to head up First Avenue to the Jack Ryan Experience.
A huge bazaar is about ready at the Jack Ryan Experience offsite by Amazon Prime Video.
A huge bazaar is about ready at the Jack Ryan Experience offsite by Amazon Prime Video.
I learned visitors will climb to the helicopter, descend by wire to a top floor, then head over to the zip line. Once on the ground, there's more training to do involving some sort of vehicles.
I learned visitors will climb to the helicopter, descend by wire to a top floor, then head over to the zip line. Once on the ground, there’s more training to do involving some sort of vehicle.
The Dark Ops emblem is ready on the bunker-like escape room.
The Dark Ops emblem is ready on the bunker-like escape room.
I was told the escape room will be pretty intense.
I was told the escape room will be pretty intense.

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

DC Comics bringing Batmobile to Hilton Gaslamp!

This morning I observed that DC Comics is beginning to set up an offsite for 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.

A big crane had begun lifting stuff up onto the terrace of the Hilton Gaslamp. Crates on a truck were marked Chaos Room, Swamp Thing and Chief’s Lab.

I was told by one guy working on the project that the offsite would include a Batmobile! Perhaps that explains the heavy duty crane. It appears this DC Universe project is being built by Giant Spoon.

I’ve also included a quick photo of the WB superheroes Rabbitville sculpture which is just inside the lobby of the Hilton Gaslamp.

As I see more, I’ll post updates here!

UPDATE!

Late today–Tuesday–I walked around the DC Comics offsite again. Looking high and low, I didn’t locate the Batmobile, but I did see a big DC Comics building wrap being placed on the exterior of the Hilton Gaslamp. The graphic includes lots of cool comic book covers, featuring a variety of different DC Universe characters!

The beginnings of a DC Comics building wrap on the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, site of their 2018 Comic-Con offsite!
The beginnings of a DC Comics building wrap on the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, site of their 2018 Comic-Con offsite!

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UPDATE! SPOILERS!

I saw it early Wednesday morning! The Batmobile has arrived for the DC Universe offsite at the Hilton Gaslamp! It’s the one from Batman Returns!

I’ve also learned Penguin’s big duck vehicle from that same movie will also be present!

Batmobile from Batman Returns arrives in San Diego for the DC Universe offsite during 2018 Comic-Con!
Batmobile from Batman Returns arrives in San Diego for the DC Universe offsite during 2018 Comic-Con!

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Early signs that 2018 Comic-Con is coming!

Spreckels Theatre marquee welcomes Conan O'Brien for Comic-Con. His funny TBS talk show will be in San Diego on July 18-21.
Spreckels Theatre marquee welcomes Conan O’Brien for Comic-Con. His funny TBS talk show will be in San Diego on July 18-21.

Just three weeks to go until 2018 Comic-Con!

In addition to Marvel banners now hung up and down streets throughout downtown, and numerous trolley wraps that I’ve been tracking down to photograph lately, a few other signs that 2018 Comic-Con is approaching have slowly begun to appear…

A trolley wrap during Comic-Con advertises SDCCU, Your Credit Union Superhero!
A trolley wrap during Comic-Con advertises SDCCU, Your Credit Union Superhero!
Cool psychedelic artwork in the window of Sparks Gallery includes Marvel, DC, and other pop culture characters.
Cool artwork in the window of Sparks Gallery in the Gaslamp Quarter includes Marvel, DC, and other pop culture characters.
Sign in window of the San Diego Law Library concerns the Lindley Lecture on Law and Comics, which will be held in the Neil Morgan Auditorium of the Central Library during Comic-Con.
Sign in window of the San Diego Law Library concerns the Lindley Lecture on Law and Comics. There’s a new location and time. Crowdfunding to Hollywood: Comics in 2018 will be held in the Neil Morgan Auditorium of the Central Library a couple days before Comic-Con.
Homer Simpson and Rick and Morty socks in the window of the Find Your Feet store in the Gaslamp.
Homer Simpson and Rick and Morty socks are now in the window of the Find Your Feet store in the Gaslamp!

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!