Petco Park in San Diego is one of my favorite stadiums. While the Angels are my team, Petco Park and the San Diego Padres’ coastal setting, open design, and vibrant atmosphere make it my California stadium of choice. From its stunning views to the lively energy of Padres fans, every visit is a memorable experience.
As a lifelong baseball fan, there’s nothing quite like the experience of watching a live game, and Petco Park San Diego Padres is one of my all-time favorite stadiums in California. While my heart belongs to the Angels, the Padres are a close second, and Petco Park San Diego Padres is a jewel in the baseball world. The atmosphere of the ballpark, set against the backdrop of downtown San Diego, combines the thrill of the game with the charm of one of California’s top travel destinations.
For me, nothing beats the revelry, the competition, the smell of stadium food, and the ice-cold beer that make watching baseball live so special. I’m on a quest to visit every Major League stadium, and Petco Park San Diego Padres has set the bar high. The open-air design, local cuisine options, and passionate fanbase make this stadium stand out, and it’s an experience that any baseball lover should add to their bucket list. Whether you’re rooting for the Padres or just enjoying a great game of baseball, Petco Park San Diego Padres is a stadium that shouldn’t be missed.
Click here for directions to Petco Park San Diego Padres.
Team: San Diego Padres
Opening Day: 4/4/2004
Capacity: 41,164
Surface: Grass
Field Dimensions:
Left Field: 336
Left Center: 386
Center Field: 396
Right Center: 391
Right Field: 322
Home Dugout: First Base
Team: San Diego Padres
Opening Day: 4/4/2004
Capacity: 41,164
Surface: Grass
Field Dimensions:
Left Field: 336
Left Center: 386
Center Field: 396
Right Center: 391
Right Field: 322
Home Dugout: First Base
Bark at the Park and the Western Metal Supply Co. building
Swinging Friar
Petco Park is a relatively new stadium and its construction marked a significant milestone in the development of the San Diego Padres’ home field and the revitalization of the surrounding Gaslamp Quarter.
The idea of a new stadium to replace Qualcomm Stadium, the San Diego Padres’ previous home, had been discussed for years. Petco Park’s construction began in 2000, and it was completed in time for the 2004 Major League Baseball season.
One of the most distinctive features of Petco Park is the incorporation of the historic Western Metal Supply Co. Building into its design. The left-field corner of the stadium was built around the historic structure, preserving its unique brick façade and celebrating the city’s architectural heritage.
Originally constructed in 1909, the Western Metal Supply Co. Building served as a warehouse for the Western Metal Supply Company. In more recent history, the Western Metal Supply Co. Building gained significance as a part of the Petco Park San Diego Padres baseball stadium complex, serving as a distinctive feature of Petco Park. It’s incorporation into the stadium’s architecture is seen as a way to honor the city’s history while embracing its future.
As part of the stadium, it houses luxury suites, team store, a rooftop deck, and the San Diego Padres Hall of Fame.
Petco Park Gallagher Square (previously Park at the Park) was built to enhance the East Village experience. It is outside of the outfield, but inside the Park. You must pay to enter to see a game and is open 2-hours before game time. It is a 2.8 acre grassy park that includes blanket seating for games, a mini baseball diamond for kids, Bark at the Park, an area where you can bring your dog to the game and the statue of Tony Gwynn. The design behind it was to incorporate a “Town Hall” feeling for the area. The square is scheduled for an update and is slated to be unveiled in time for the 20th anniversary of the stadium in 2024. The new features are to include the following:
Petco Park Stadium has an incredible San Diego Padres Hall of Fame Museum and does a great job throughout the entire stadium grounds to engage fans with memorabilia, history and local San Diego athletic accomplishments.
Features of the Halls of Fame throughout the Stadium:
The food and craft beer selections at Petco Park are amazing. The Mercado, located on the Field Level offers so many food options and beautiful views of San Diego Bay and Coronado Island. I am not going to lie, I have not tasted many of the food options, because I ALWAYS get Seaside Market Crack Nachos!
Petco Park cost $450million to build and is considered to be “America’s Finest Ballpark.”
With 42,500 blue seats, all are close to the field and are angled toward the pitchers mound.
It is a three tier grandstand that extends from the right field foul pole around to the left field foul pole which is the Western Metal Supply building.
Petco Park Field Measurements:
Left field Line – 334 feet
Left field – 357 feet
Left field alley – 390 feet
Center field – 396 feet
Right field alley – 391 feet
Right field – 382 feet
Right field line – 322 feet
The Petco Park field dimensions were changed due to studies showing that the field was considered an “extreme run suppressing ballpark.” With the revised Petco Park field dimensions, the field is still considered a pitcher’s park, but not like it was.
The Stadium was named Petco Park after the San Diego pet health and wellness company negotiated a 22-year naming rights contract for $60 million in 2004. This contract is one of the most expensive naming deals of all time. In 2021 Petco extended its affiliation with the Stadium through the year 2027 and contracted with Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. as social media influencers for the company.
Fact or Fiction Regarding the PETA Brick? You decide.
PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, led a boycott against Petco and asked the Padres to back out of the naming deal with the company. PETA claimed that Petco was responsible for animal cruelty in some of their locations, siting higher incidences of animal death due to disease and crowding at some stores.
Allegedly one of the 10,839 fundraising bricks in Palm Court Plaza was purchased by PETA. The brick is adjacent to the entrance of Left Field. It reads “Break Open Your Cold Ones. Toast The Padres. Enjoy This Champion Organization.” It is believed to be an acronym that says, “BOYCOTT PETCO.” I read that the first two brick submissions read “In memory of all the animals who have suffered and died in Petco stores nationwide” and, more simply, “Boycott Petco,” but both were denied.
Visiting Petco Park San Diego Padres isn’t just about the game—it’s about the full experience, and there’s no better place to immerse yourself before and after a game than the Gaslamp Quarter. Located just steps from the ballpark, this historic neighborhood is the heart of San Diego’s nightlife and entertainment district. With roots dating back to the 19th century, the Gaslamp Quarter has transformed from a seedy waterfront area into a vibrant hub filled with restaurants, bars, live music venues, and rooftop lounges.
Before the game, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants that line the streets, ranging from casual taco joints to upscale steakhouses. After the final inning, the energy in the Gaslamp Quarter only ramps up, with Padres fans flooding the bars and nightclubs. Whether you’re looking for a craft cocktail, a local brew, or live music, this area has it all. Walking through its Victorian-era buildings, you’ll feel the charm of San Diego’s history while soaking in the excitement of modern-day nightlife. It’s the perfect spot to extend your Petco Park San Diego Padres experience and dive into San Diego’s unique culture.
Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, is a prime destination for baseball fans and travelers alike, offering stunning views of the city and the bay. Getting there is easy and convenient, with multiple transportation options to suit any traveler:
By Plane: The closest airport is San Diego International Airport (SAN), located just three miles from Petco Park. The short drive or rideshare from the airport takes about 10 minutes. Car rentals from Hertz, Avis, and Enterpriseare available at the airport. Visit San Diego Airport for more details on flights and services.
By Train: Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner stops at Santa Fe Depot, San Diego’s main train station, which is just a short trolley ride or walk to Petco Park. The San Diego Trolley’s Green Line offers a direct route from the station to the stadium. For schedules and bookings, check Amtrak and San Diego Trolley.
By Bus: MTS Buses serve various routes to downtown San Diego, with many stopping near Petco Park. Routes 11, 901, and 929 are popular choices. For more details, visit San Diego Metropolitan Transit System.
By Car: Petco Park is easily accessible via the I-5 freeway. There are numerous parking lots and garages around the stadium, but visitors can also opt for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft to avoid parking hassles. Rental cars are available at San Diego International Airport or throughout the city.
No matter how you choose to travel, Petco Park is conveniently located in the heart of San Diego, making it a great destination for sports fans and visitors looking to experience one of the best ballparks in the country.
To see a schedule of San Diego Padres home games click here.
For directions on how to get to Petco Park click here.
Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, is one of my favorite stadiums and teams! The stadium is built for baseball fans and visitors to San Diego alike. From the Hall of Fame Museum, seat selection, stadium specs, delicious food options and a family-friendly atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at a Padres game.
California is home to some of Major League Baseball’s most iconic stadiums, making it a paradise for baseball fans. Beyond Petco Park in San Diego, a visit to Oracle Park in San Francisco is a must. Nestled along the waterfront, this stunning venue offers breathtaking views of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. The vibrant atmosphere during a San Francisco Giants game is unmatched, with fans enjoying the ballpark’s famous garlic fries and the thrill of watching home runs soar into the bay.
Heading south, Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles is another iconic destination. As the oldest continually operating baseball stadium in the United States, it boasts a rich history and an incredible view of the San Gabriel Mountains. Attending a Los Angeles Dodgers game here provides an unforgettable experience, with lively crowds and the chance to enjoy classic Dodger Dogs under the California sun.
Finally, make your way to Angel Stadium in Anaheim, home of the Los Angeles Angels. This stadium combines a family-friendly atmosphere with exciting amenities, including interactive areas for kids. With its proximity to Disneyland, it’s an ideal stop for families looking to blend sports with a little magic, making these stadiums essential stops on any California baseball tour.
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