Iconic local venue, Pechanga Arena celebrates it’s 60th Anniversary this year with a slew of fun events leading up to an official gala set for November.
First up is an exhibit, Center Stage: The Art of Mel Marcelo, at the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park, dedicated to the late illustrator, running through March 1, 2027.
It’s a fitting tribute to Marcelo, who passed away in 2022. He was an exceptional artist, with his art gracing many mediums, from rave flyers to album covers, but he is perhaps best known for a series of amazing posters he did for Pechanga Arena, for both athletes and a list of headline musicians ranging from Elton John to Bad Bunny. Each poster incorporates not only great visuals, but also history, with the performers other previous Pechanga Arena show dates incorporated into the artwork. In a few cases, such as the “Quadrophenia” themed Who poster on display, the performers themselves, in this case guitarist Pete Townshend and singer Roger Daltrey, have signed the work.
Music and sports fans in particular will love this exhibit, but anyone who appreciates fine art and top-notch graphic design will also enjoy a look at this wonderful tribute to Marcelo and his work.
www.comic-con.org/museum
