As the players warm up on the field, an evening marine layer starts to roll in.The field lights come on as the sun starts to hide behind the upper decks of this amazing stadium. After grabbing our beer and snacks we rush down to our seats. Third baseline?! To say I’m surprised is an understatement, seats this good usually cost a mint. As we settle in we take in our surroundings. The crowd is small but enthusiastic and their excitement is contagious. Everyone cheers on their favorite players as the starting lineup is announced. Umpire shouts, “Play Ball!” and we are underway.
What is there not to love about going to a baseball game? The crack of the bat, loud organ music you sing along with, and the roar of the crowd are just a few reasons that people love to watch the “boys of summer.” In San Diego that means going to Petco Park, one of the best stadiums in all of MLB, to watch their beloved Padres. Besides having the best sight lines in all of baseball (not a bad seat in the house), the surrounding downtown area is full of restaurants, bars, parks and clubs. Padres games have something for everyone in a picturesque setting!
Things You Should Know
Where Does It Take Place?
Petco Park
100 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101
How To Get There
Trolley: If you are in the San Diego Area this may be the best option. It is $2.50 for a one way ticket and $5 for an all day pass.The three lines are as follows:
Green Line: Take the Green Line from Santee, El Cajon, La Mesa, SDSU, Qualcomm Stadium, Mission Valley, or Old Town to the Gaslamp Quarter station or the 12th & Imperial Transit Center.
Blue Line: Fans can take the Blue Line from San Ysidro, Chula Vista, or National City stations to the 12th & Imperial Transit Center.
Orange Line: Take the Orange Line from El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, or Encanto to the 12th & Imperial Transit Center.
Amtrac: The train station is a few blocks away from Petco Park and offers an alternative to fighting the Southern California traffic. Visit PacificSurfliner.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and reservations.
Hours
The outfield entrance gates (the Gaslamp and East Village gates) open 2 ½ hours before game time.
All other gates open 1 ½ hours before game time.
Ballpark closes after the game is over.
Prices
Ticket prices vary. They depend on the location of your seat and who the opposing team is. So be sure to check online to see what is available and to make sure you get the seat you want. If you buy at the gate you get what is left over.
Things I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me...
Traffic can be bad.
Although it is relatively easy to get in and out of the ballpark, downtown can get really packed very quickly with rush hour traffic. So make sure you plan ahead.
Check the weather.
Yes this is sunny Southern California and the weather is generally amazing but it does get really chilly at night. Even in the dead of summer. You are right by the water and the marine layer usually comes in the morning and when the sun sets. So bring a sweater. If you forget you can always grab one at the gift shop.
Parking is difficult. If you can’t find a place on the street, park at one of the many structures and walk. It’s not that far and you do have to pay but downtown San Diego is pretty safe, with lots of things going on.
The opposing team can determine ticket prices. If the opposing teams is really good, or an arch rival like the Dodgers, expect those games to cost more and have much bigger crowds.
Food and drinks are expensive! Maybe consider grabbing a bite to eat before you get to the park, but if you just have to have that foot long hot dog at the ballpark, then you have to have it! Go for it!
Cash is king! Believe it or not there are some vendors who only accept cash, so maybe stop by the ATM on your way to the game and take out a twenty. You never know when you might need it!
Things You Will Need at Petco Park
Light Jacket or Sweater. It does get chilly at night, so dress appropriately.
Cash. Some vendors only take cash.
Some Padre Gear. If I’m not there to see my team, I am a big fan of supporting the home team.
HAVE FUN!!!!!
