Step Inside: Petco Park – Home of the San Diego Padres

Home of the San Diego Padres

Petco Park has been the home of the San Diego Padres since 2004. It is located in downtown San Diego right next to the famous Gaslamp Quarter, an easily walkable section of the city that is filled with shops and restaurants. Petco Park replaced Qualcomm Stadium as the Padres’ home and is across from the San Diego Convention Center.

What Events are Coming Up at Petco Park?

Petco Park History

Petco Park was supposed to open in 2002, but construction hit delays for legal reasons. The Western Metal Supply Co. building that had previously called the area home was named a historical landmark. Therefore, builders had to negotiate with the preservation committee and update the landmark building to be included as a part of the stadium design, which you can see behind the left-field bleachers. The stadium has been known as Petco Park since it opened and Petco signed a new deal in 2021 to keep the naming rights until 2027.

The stadium hosted its first game on March 11, 2004, when San Diego State, then coached by Baseball Hall of Famer and Padres legend Tony Gwynn, hosted an NCAA invitational baseball tournament. The Padres hosted their first game at the park on April 8, 2004. The first playoff game held there was in 2005 and the semifinals and finals of the 2006 World Baseball Classic were held at Petco Park. The stadium has hosted two college football bowl games, the 2022 and 2023 Holiday Bowls. Petco Park is also a premiere concert venue in the area, hosting the likes of The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, and more.

Gallagher Square, the public park and community gathering space adjacent to the stadium behind center field, underwent a $20-million renovation in time for the start of the MLB 2024 season. It includes a new ballpark for fans, a stage for concerts, and an elevated viewing deck with seating.

Parking and Admission at Petco Park

Event parking is currently limited, due to construction around the ballpark. If you pre-purchase parking, you’ll be guaranteed a spot in a Padres-preferred lot for a discounted price. Guests with disabilities are encouraged to park at the 6th and K Parkade. It is a first-come, first-served lot and parking is $15. Fans can tailgate at Tailgate Park and all alcohol consumption must stop 30 minutes after the event starts.

You can also take an MTS bus or trolley to Petco Park. Fans can park for free in a park and ride lot and then ride the trolley or bus to the game. Trolleys run every 15 minutes during most games. A one-way fare is $2.50 and a day pass is $6. You can also take a ferry, Amtrak, or COASTER train to the stadium.

You are allowed to bring in factory sealed water bottles, as well as fanny packs or bags smaller than 7” x 10” to Petco Park. You cannot bring in backpacks, suitcases, or oversized bags. Children under 36” tall are offered complimentary admission and must sit in a parent’s lap.

Petco Park Capacity & Seating Options

Petco Park has a capacity of 42,445 seats. There are three tiers to the stadium, so you can sit on the field level, 200 level, or 300 level. There are numerous options for suite and VIP seats. You can sit in the Western Metal Suites in the Western Metal Supply Co. Building and overlook the stadium. Premier Club Suites provide views from behind home plate and are meant for hosting large parties.

You can also choose 20-30-person suites such as Terrace Suite 1, which was a former owner’s suite and is a private, climate-controlled suite with hardwood floors, an outdoor patio, and more. You can also choose the Terrace Infield Suites, located between the bases, the Terrace Reserved Suites, which are just past the bases, or the Terrace Pavilion Suites, which are down the foul lines. The Tower Loft Suites are located in the light towers on either side of the ballpark and provide a unique view of the stadium.

There are also 8-12 person suites, such as the Omni On Deck Suite, which is located next to the visitor’s dugout, the Entertainment Suite presented by Sony that’s behind the left field wall and is fitted with PlayStations and 4K TVs, a Notorious Wines Lounge that provides a more social setting, and cushioned seats in the Terrace Luxury Box that come with in-seat food and beverage service.

What are the best seats at Petco Park?

The best seats at Petco Park vary depending on the event and personal preferences. Check out Petco Park seating charts and find your favorite seat today.

Food & Beverage Options at Petco Park

Petco Park, a cashless venue, features any San Diego taste you might want. From sushi to carnitas to pizza to elote, you’ll find just about anything you crave at the stadium. The Hot Hen sandwich at San Diego’s Finest Hot Chicken stand is essential. You can find plenty of beer choices as well, as Petco Park features staples like Anheuser-Busch and local craft beers like Ballast Point, AleSmith Brewing Company, and more.