Builders Score with Fans

The opening of Petco Park, San Diego's new downtown baseball park, was more accessible to San Diego's North County residents, thanks in part to five home builder/developers. From April 5 through October 1, Bosa Development, Barratt American, Brookfield Homes, D.R. Horton-Continental Series, and Shea Homes were part of a public-private partnership called The Coaster Home Run. The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and the North County Transit District were also a part of the project which expanded the service of "The Coaster," the transit system between San Diego and coastal North County.

With the support of the builders and other local sponsors, The Coaster, normally only a commuter train, added night-time summer hours. The amenity was one more reason to consider a new home in San Diego's northernmost suburbs.

"It was a great cross-promotional opportunity," says Kristine Norquist, spokesperson for the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. "Builders placed brochures on the trains, and train schedules were available at builders' sales offices. Weekday ridership was up 10.57 percent, and all five builders have signed on for next year's season, she reports — a win for everybody.