Thomas Beck, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons , Edited in canva.
Your ultimate guide to Phil Wickham San Diego City concerts. Get dates, Pechanga & Maranatha Chapel tips, ticket info, and insider secrets for both shows.
There’s a different kind of electricity in the air when an artist plays in their hometown. It’s more than a performance; it’s a homecoming. And in 2025, Phil Wickham is giving San Diego not one, but two distinct, can’t-miss concert experiences. Whether you’re craving the stadium-sized energy of a massive worship night or the intimate warmth of a Christmas celebration, this year is for you.
Having covered worship music for years, I can tell you that Wickham’s local shows have a palpable, special energy. The crowd feels like family, the sing-alongs are a bit louder, and the setlists often have a surprise or two. But with two different events on the calendar—a summer blockbuster and a cozy Christmas gathering—planning is key.
This is a manual for all access. We are carrying you to the August mega-concert and the December special holiday to give you the inside information so that you can get around all the tickets, the venues, and all that comes along with it. Let’s get you ready.
The 2025 Lineup: Two Unmissable San Diego Events
Forget a single show. Phil Wickham is treating San Diego to a double-header in 2025, each with its own unique flavor. Here’s the essential breakdown.
Date & Time: Friday, August 1, 2025. Doors likely open at 6:00 PM for a 7:00 PM start.
Venue: Pechanga Arena San Diego.
The Vibe: This is the big one. Think massive production, a packed house of 16,000, and the kind of anthemic, collective worship that gives you chills. The energy here is off the charts.
Special Guests: This isn’t just a Phil show. You’re getting a full night of powerhouse worship with Brandon Lake (the voice behind “Graves Into Gardens”) and Josiah Queen. It’s a triple-headliner value.
Dates & Time: Thursday, December 4 & Friday, December 5, 2025. Shows at 7:00 PM.
Venue: Maranatha Chapel in Rancho San Diego.
The Vibe: Intimate, festive, and heartwarming. This is a completely different experience. Held in his home church, these shows promise a more personal connection, stories behind the songs, and a beautiful blend of classic Wickham hits with the joy of Christmas music.
Special Guest: The soulful and powerful Jon Reddick will be joining, adding his gospel-rooted sound to the holiday celebration.
Your Ticket Master Plan: How to Get In Without the Stress
Let’s talk tactics. Tickets for both of these events are in high demand, but for very different reasons. The Pechanga show is a major tour stop, while the Maranatha concerts are a rare, intimate hometown experience.
Pechanga Arena (August 1): Prices start around $96. Given the production value and the star power of Brandon Lake, this is in line with major arena tours. Premium floor seats and VIP packages will cost significantly more.
Maranatha Chapel (Dec 4-5): Tickets are priced from $69 – $81.60. The range here is likely due to general admission vs. potential reserved seating or closer sections in the sanctuary. The lower capacity makes every seat a good one.
I’ve learned this from hard-won experience: waiting is not an option.
Presale is Everything: Sign up for Phil Wickham’s official email list. This is your single best source for presale codes. Also, follow Maranatha Chapel and Pechanga Arena on social media for potential venue-specific presales.
Be Logged In and Ready: When tickets go on sale, be on the site (Ticketmaster for Pechanga, likely Maranatha’s site or a similar vendor for the Christmas show) with your account logged in and payment info saved. Refresh right at 10:00 AM PT.
Have a Backup Plan: If you strike out on the first try, don’t panic. More tickets can be released in the days leading up to the concert. Set up alerts!
Venue Deep Dive: Pechanga Arena vs. Maranatha Chapel
Choosing your concert is one thing; knowing your venue is another. They offer wildly different experiences.
Pechanga is built for big events, but “big” comes with its own logistics.
Parking: The parking areas are huge and the first to get congested, and they may be a nightmare to get out of. My pro-tip: Never be late (I like to be 90 minutes before the doors open), and I always consider parking somewhere nearby in business (such as Sports Arena Blvd.) and walk some distance to enable a faster exit. With Rideshare, it is a super idea; however, make sure to confirm the specific pickup area after the show.
Seating Strategy:
The Floor: You’re in the heart of the action. The energy is intense and immersive.
Lower Bowl: This is my sweet spot for arena shows. You have a fantastic, elevated view of the entire stage and light show, with sound that’s often better than on the crowded floor.
Upper Bowl: Don’t discount these seats. The sense of scale during songs like “Great Things” is breathtaking, and the large screens ensure you don’t miss a moment.
Maranatha offers a completely different, more personal concert vibe.
Parking: The church has a large onsite lot, but for a sold-out show, it will reach capacity. Plan to arrive at least 45-60 minutes early. Be polite and follow the instructions of the parking attendants—they’re volunteers!
Seating & Atmosphere: This will likely be a mix of reserved seating down front and general admission in the main sanctuary. The acoustics in a chapel are designed for clarity, making it a fantastic listening experience. Expect a more reverent, but no less joyful, atmosphere.
The Expectations: Setlists, Sounds and Spiritual Moments.
What then are you going to hear and feel?
The case of Pechanga performance was that of a heavy-handed, hit-based setlist that could support a large crowd. You’re guaranteed to hear:
“Living Hope”
“Battle Belongs”
“This Is Amazing Grace”
“House of the Lord”
Brandon Lake is in the bill, so there would be nothing unexpected in a collaborative moment, perhaps an act of either of the Grasses Into Gardens or Graves Into Gardens. It is the air of triumph and company rejoicing.
The Maranatha nights will be a unique blend. You’ll get the classic worship hits, but woven throughout will be tracks from his Christmas albums alongside timeless carols. Imagine singing “O Holy Night” followed by “Hymn of Heaven.” It’s a beautiful fusion that captures the true meaning of the season. Jon Reddick’s soulful influence will add a rich, gospel depth to the night.
The Insider’s Playbook: Pro Tips for a Flawless Night
These little moves separate the stressed-out concertgoer from the one who has the time of their life.
Pre-Game Your Dinner: For the Pechanga show, avoid the generic arena food. Phil’s BBQ (no relation to the artist!) is a local institution right nearby. For Maranatha, grab a bite in the Grossmont Center area just down the street.
Merch Strategy: The lines for t-shirts and hoodies will be long. Head to the merch table during the opening act when lines are shortest, or bring cash to speed up transactions.
Dress for the Venue: Pechanga Arena can be cool inside, so a light layer is smart. For Maranatha Chapel, business casual or comfortable jeans are perfectly appropriate.
Be Present: Yes, take a few photos and a short video of your favorite song. But then, put the phone away. Soak in the live sound, the feeling of the crowd singing around you, and the raw, unfiltered moment of worship. That’s what you’ll truly remember.
Making a Weekend of It: The Ultimate San Diego Trip
Why go to a concert when you can make it a mini-vacation?
For the August Visit: Hit the beach! Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are a short drive from Pechanga Arena. You can also explore the museums and lush gardens of Balboa Park.
For the December Visit: Embrace the holiday spirit! Maranatha Chapel is in East County, making it a great base to explore Julian for apple pie and holiday charm, or head into downtown San Diego to see the festive displays at the Hotel del Coronado.
Phil Wickham’s 2025 San Diego offerings are a gift to his hometown fans. You have a choice: the explosive, communal joy of the August arena night with Brandon Lake, or the intimate, heartfelt celebration of the Christmas tour in December. Or, if you’re a true devotee, both.
Not only will you have dates and costs, but you will be armed with the tact to get your tickets, find your way through the arenas like a connoisseur, and experience the event. It is not just a concert, it is a spiritual milestone in the backdrop of the Finest City in America.
And here, now, are you ready to sing?
What is the night you are most looking forward to? The Pechanga show juggernaut or the Maranatha Christmas small-scale experience? Write your plans and your most favourite Wickham song there in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the exact dates and venues for Phil Wickham’s 2025 San Diego concerts?
Phil Wickham has two separate San Diego events in 2025. The first is a large summer worship night on August 1, 2025, at Pechanga Arena San Diego with Brandon Lake and Josiah Queen. The second is a more intimate Christmas tour on December 4 and 5, 2025, at Maranatha Chapel in Rancho San Diego, featuring Jon Reddick. Both events start at 7:00 PM.
2. How much should I budget for tickets?
Ticket prices vary by venue. For the August 1 Pechanga Arena show, prices start around $96 before fees. For the December 4-5 Maranatha Chapel Christmas shows, tickets range from $69 to $81.60. Prices will be higher on resale sites, so buying during the official on-sale period is crucial for the best price.
3. Who are the special guests performing with Phil?
The lineups are fantastic. For the August 1 arena concert, you’ll see Brandon Lake (“Graves Into Gardens”) and Josiah Queen. For the December Christmas shows at Maranatha Chapel, the special guest is the incredible Jon Reddick, known for his soulful worship leading and songs like “You Keep Hope Alive.”
4. Will the setlists be different for each concert series?
Absolutely. The August Pechanga show will focus on his biggest worship anthems like “Living Hope” and “Battle Belongs,” likely with some surprises with the special guests. The December Maranatha concerts will be a unique blend of his greatest hits and beloved Christmas songs from his holiday albums, creating a special festive worship experience.
5. What’s the parking situation like at each venue?
Pechanga Arena has large but crowded paid lots; arrive very early or use Rideshare. Maranatha Chapel has a sizable free onsite lot, but for a sold-out show, it will fill up. For both, arriving at least 45-60 minutes before the door time is a wise strategy to secure a spot and avoid stress.
6. Are these concerts appropriate for children and teenagers?
Yes, 100%. Phil Wickham’s concerts are famously family-friendly events. They are joyful, positive, and engaging for all ages. For younger children at the louder arena show, consider bringing ear protection, but the content is uplifting and appropriate for everyone.
7. How to buy the tickets and avoid fraud?
Official links are the only way out. In the case of Pechanga Arena, that would be via Ticketmaster. In the case of Maranatha Chapel, it will include their official website or a ticketing partner. Always ensure that one does not purchase yet unofficial third-party stores unless it is verbal, and one must always be cautious of offers that look too good.
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