San Mateo County Event Center

1346 Saratoga Dr, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA

Address:	1346 Saratoga Dr, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA
Phone:	+1 650-574-3247
Site:	smcec.co
Rating:	4.1

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 22

Dave Thomson

Was going to attend Maker Faire until I scoured the internet to find out that San Mateo County gouge for parking on top of already overpriced event tickets. Its notably a detail missing from all the event info as well as from the event center website. Very deceptive and with no alternative free parking in this den of civil enforcement, and Ill be boycotting this one thank you very much. My orders from the SO were to find a fine restaurant and then my day out would have been authorized - so I save on two fronts and $an mateo and their local businesses lose twice since downtown also has no free parking till after 6pm. $an mateo appears to be just a visitor unfriendly as san francisco with its 24/7/365 parking meters - Id have to blowout a tire or pop a kidney stone before Id stop in either place.

Hope Miro

We have been at the center at least once a year due to volleyball tourneys and each year it pleasent. This year we have ran into heavy heavy rain during out short time. The center though wuiet cold does have ample room and courts. The snack bar unfortunately did not stay open past i want to say 2pm but they do have a Starbucks inside the facilities. Parking is $12.00. Bathrooms could be kept better and attending more frequently. The center is easy to navigate to. Unfortunately they do not allow food indoor to make it easy for traveling teams.

Jamie Bedford

Ive been to a bunch of events here, and generally enjoy them quite a bit! Maker Faire, County Fair, concerts, etc. Parking can be a pain, but there is street parking not too far away. It can get very hot on a sunny summer day! Always need to be prepared for that... The policy about not bringing outside food or drink is my biggest complaint. Generally events here cost $ to get in to them, and generally food on-site is ridiculously expensive. Let people bring in food and drink. Especially water... seriously.

Jenifer Green Elevenzies

parking is horrible at $25 and event isnt very wheelchair friendly with only 2 of every 20 portable bathrooms has a disabled stall- I know its selfish but these two are always in use by non disabled stroller parents so this just needs more accessible stalls need to be rented there are cables and cords all over walkways inside and outside instead of having adequate power outlets to not need to run so many lines as tripping and rolling hazards the event itself was amazing

Kevin Chin

The best part this year was the butterfly exhibit where we got to feed the butterflies using q tips. They were flying all over the place. The food is petty typical fair food we had a BBQ plate and water for about $20 and a small lobster fries for $12. Had free admission and parking from a family member so I dont know the exact price. Went on a Wednesday night, not too crowded. Would prefer to spend money on state fair in Sacramento but this was a fun night overall.

Johnson R. Hipona

This is a good venue for events. High ceilings, brightly lit, restrooms on all corners, venders, large parking lot, trailer parking, and tailgate area available. ISSUES: Though they receive lots of monies from vehicle entries, the parking lot is very worn & is in desperate need of repair and parking lines narrow & very worn. Side gate from tailgate area is NEVER open for our convinence (assume too cheap to pay for an attendant/guard).

John Cameron

We are in town for the business expo and paid quite a bit of money for our booth. The place is run down, no other way to describe it. Drywall missing in some spots and just left exposed, and patched up in some places with incorrect paint. Dirty walls too. For as much as we paid and for it, definitely not impressed. For a "professional" venue, they really need to up their game and do some repairs on the place.

A Private User

i used to go to this show every time its in town. now, only once a year maybe. just for kicks. ive been burned way to often. switched stones on ring mounting. obnoxious and highly stressed vendors. on busy days, the clientele push and shove as if they must stampede to the next isle. just isnt worth it to take seriously.

Ron C

Volunteering at the Maker Faire 2013 for Scrap was awesome. I enjoyed roaming around despite the hour I have. Took a lot of great photos. Wish my friends couldve gone with me, but despite that I always enjoy exploring new places on my own. Im from San Francisco by the way. The Bay Area has a a lot to offer, annually.

Mike Mansour

Ive been coming to the fairgrounds for years in the summers. Certain aspects have changed, but its an overall great place to bring kids and let them free. My favorite parts are the 4-H cake stand, the fancy chickens, and as a kid I enjoyed the workshops theyd give on building stuff (like a bird-box)

Aaron Illathu

Went here for the Makers Faire. It was my first time and had a blast. If youre into gadgets and innovation, this is a fun spot to go. From steam engines to 3D printers to learning how to solder, you get it all. Faire food and passion projects, I highly recommend!

won thom

I was recently at a volleyball tournament and their roof leaks. Leaked last year and the year before and is still leaking. The staff is great and mops, but it didnt stop the leaks. Its dangerous for the players and I wouldnt want anyone to get hurt

Abby Bertics

Good assortment of fair rides for all levels of riders (those who love the crazy upside down and spinny stuff and those who dont). The food is...interesting... but all fair food is. The deep fried chocolate cookie dough was mind blowing!

walter petelle

Makers Fair is unlike any event, good balance of craft, live events and hands on exhibits for all ages. Expansive areas to explore as well as enclosed halls to get a break from the sun, plenty of food and drink to suit most appetites.

Jared L

I came to work at CDA CARES free dental clinic here. Staff was very on top of things and were able to answer all my questions. The grounds were clean and organized and they let us use their restaurant to cook for staff and volunteers

Joe Blaylock

I like county fairs, and SMEC is the home of the county fair and the annual Maker Faire. Its all big fun. The grounds are big, well groomed, and theres a lot of parking. I still havent figured out what the jockey club is though.

kenji matsuoka

広いイベント会場でMakerFaire会場になっていました。 Cal Trainからの道は殺風景ですが治安が悪い感じはしませんでした。

Blas Herrera

Wonderful facility! Have worked here during Maker Faire, SF/SM Master Gardener Fundraising Sales, San Francisco Flower Show, and various other events. Each one is different but the facility is the same to navigate.

Norman Cheung

Came here for a company event, as well as the San Mateo County Carnival. Parking lot both times was bursting. However, they were able to reroute us to another parking garage - but was quite far (10-15min walk)

Suzanne Coberly

This event center is nice to have around, has spacious buildings for various events, and a nice outdoor area. However, it needs renovations, as it is worn and over used, especially in the restrooms.

Jonathan Kong

Great venue for expos and conventions. The facilities and catering have maintained high standards. Bring cash for parking- depending on the event it can range from 10-20$. And is cash only!!

Shannon Williams

Got here when it just opened, the portable toilets are beyond gross. Doesnt appeared to have been cleaned in some time. No water or soap at the pumps areas. Rides are good, son is having fun