san diego: the circus is in town! ringling bros. and barnum & bailey® presents *built to amaze!*

i grew up in san diego and vividly remember when i was 6 or 7 and my parents took me and my sister to our first circus at the sports arena. i was dazzled by all of the lights, sounds and amazing acts. i have never forgotten the feeling of excitement and anticipation i had, sitting on the edge of my seat, watching the elephants, tigers and death deifying acts by trapeze artists and the like.

last night, that moment came full circle when i had the privilege to go to the circus once again with my sister, as we introduced our own sons to the wonder and excitement that is ringling bros. and barnum & bailey® circus at the very same arena that we experienced it over 30 years ago. 

mama and s-man

my sister and nephew

happy cousins!

the the all-new circus spectacular "built to amaze!" is currently at the valley view casino center (former san diego sports arena) from august 8-11.

with more than 110 of the world’s best artists & athletes representing 17 countries along with 95 exotic and domestic animals assembled together, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy. 

my first born's favorite was watching the youngest female Human Cannonball shoot across the entire arena to land safely on the other side. other highlights of our night included alex & irina and their talented poodles, the remarkable hand-balancing duos, the always hilarious Clown Alley…and of course, no ringling bros. circus experience would be complete without their four-legged star performers, including the majestic bengal tigers (17 of them!!) and a fun-filled asian elephant dance party.

be sure to arrive early to the circus for several exciting interactive elements before the show starts! opening 90 minutes prior to each performance, *all* ticket holders are invited to tour the animal open house to get up-close with their amazing animals (an awesome experience). then one hour before show time, families can step onto the actual arena floor to meet their circus performers and animals at the interactive all access pre-show, *free* admission to all ticket holders. 

photo courtesy of first born

there are rare moments when we have the opportunity to make memories that last a lifetime. my childhood experience at the circus with my family has stayed with me for over 30 years and i hope my son's first time at the circus last night will also be one of those moments. take the time this weekend and go make memories with your family at the circus too----it truly is a magical moment.

so happy watching the circus

when: 

this weekend! friday, august 9 (today) – sunday, august 11

showtimes:

friday, august 9 -- 11:00 am & 7:00 pm
saturday, august 10 11:00 am, 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm
sunday, august 11 1:30 pm & 5:30 pm

where: 

valley view casino center (formerly san diego sports arena)
3500 sports arena boulevard, san diego, ca 92110

*free parking* in all official arena parking lots; visit arena website for more info

tickets:

ticket prices are $20, $25, $40 (vip), $55 (front row) and $90 (circus celebrity)*

all seats are reserved; tickets available for purchase online through ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or visit the valley view casino center box office.

*tickets may be subject to service charges, facility and handling fees.