A one-of-a-kind ballpark with an undeniable San Diego vibe
Here’s a list of the can’t-miss things to see, do and sample when you visit Petco Park.
You could spend a day enjoying Petco Park without even watching a ballgame. It's a one-of-a-kind ballpark with an undeniable San Diego vibe. Here's a list of the can't-miss things to see, do and eat when you visit Petco Park.
Tony Gwynn Statue and Tunnel
The late Tony Gwynn, one of the greatest hitters who ever lived, was a beloved San Diego treasure — playing for the Pads for his entire 20-year career. "Mr. Padre" has been immortalized in Petco Park with a 9.5-foot bronze statue commemorating his life, achievements and contributions to San Diego, both on and off the field. The statue is the centerpiece of Tony Gwynn Terrace, which includes picnic tables and a Tony Gwynn Deck Tower with food and beverage spaces and a video board. And beneath the terrace is the Tony Gwynn Tunnel, where visitors can learn all about the amazing life and career of this San Diego and sporting-world icon.
Gallagher Square
The grassy expanses of Petco Park's Gallagher Square, which sits behind center field, serve as the ideal place for families to gather. Not only is the square home to the Tony Gwynn Terrace, but it includes an expanded kids’ play area whose centerpiece is a soaring, 35-foot-tall baseball bat made of steel and wood. The bat is even climbable! Gallagher Square also boasts afenced, off-leash dog park (in partnership with Petco, the ballpark’s namesake); Play Ball Field, the ballpark's mini-baseball field for kids; and spaces that are open for public use on non-game days.
Padres Hall of Fame
Located behind the left-field stands, the Padres Hall of Fame is a great place to explore team history. It honors dozens of Padres players and other key figures, including MLB Hall of Fame inductees Trevor Hoffman, Dave Winfield and Tony Gwynn.
Western Metal Supply Building
A signature sight for anyone who has been to Petco Park or watched a Padres game on TV, this historic red-brick building now forms part of Petco Park's left-field boundary. Designed in 1909, the former industrial warehouse now contains seating areas, a bar and event spaces. It also hosts the Breitbard Hall of Fame, a tribute to San Diego athletes from across the sporting spectrum.
Petco Park Concerts and more
When the Padres are away, Petco Park is still hopping! You can find many concerts and events happening at the ballpark, both at Gallagher Square's Sycuan Stage and (for the biggest acts) the entirety of the venue. The Padres also host loads of promotional events at the ballpark, including Party in the Park every Friday, with live music and a pregame happy hour, and KidsFest (presented by SDG&E) before Sunday home games, with inflatables, games and more for kids.
Toyota Terrace
Watch the game in comfort in the Toyota Terrace, located on the second level at Petco Park. You'll have shade on hot days and will be close to some of thebest amenities at the ballpark. While there are no bad seats at Petco (really…it's crazy), these are some of the coolest.
Craft Row
San Diegans love baseball. They also love craft beer. This is why Petco Park offers the best craft beer experience found at a ballpark, meaning you no longer have to settle for the fizzy yellow swill most stadiums offer. Check out Craft Row, a row of beer stands located behind home plate, and each featuring suds from some of the many breweries around town. It's like walking through a beer festival on the way to your seat.
Petco Park Tours
The best way to experience the ballpark is by going behind the scenes. Petco Park offers daily tours that allow fans to experience the ballpark like a Padres player. You don’t want to miss these!
Baseball on the Boardwalk
SoCal beach life meets Padres baseball vibes with Petco Park’s Craft Pier, a deck area behind center field in Gallagher Square. The boardwalk-inspired zone offers a selection of Ballast Point Craft Beer, available to anyone with a game ticket.
The Other View
The upper deck offers a fun view of the game below (bring binoculars!) and a breathtaking vista of the cityscape beyond. The secret, however, is to turn around. Climb to the top of the upper deck and look behind the stadium. You'll get a unique view of the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, and if the day is clear enough you can see Mexico and a couple of its islands in the distance.
Photo courtesy of Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres.
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"It's really difficult to imagine any stadium topping Petco Park — it's simply the best."
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