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Petco Park
MLB Ballpark

Petco Park

San Diego Padres · San Diego

Home Team:San Diego Padres
Opened:2004
Capacity:40,000
City:San Diego

Petco Park is the downtown home of the San Diego Padres, a Southern California ballpark in the East Village neighborhood near the Gaslamp Quarter. It is known for its sandstone-and-white-steel design, bay-area views and the historic Western Metal Supply Co. building built into its left-field corner.

Address: 100 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101

History

After the Padres spent decades at the multipurpose Qualcomm Stadium, executive Larry Lucchino pushed for a downtown ballpark in the late 1990s, inspired by Baltimore's Camden Yards. Voters approved public funding following the team's 1998 pennant run. The roughly $450 million park opened in 2004 as the centerpiece of an East Village redevelopment effort. Architects designed it to evoke San Diego itself, using Indian sandstone, stucco and exposed white steel. The standout feature is the century-old Western Metal Supply Co. building, preserved through adaptive reuse and incorporated into the stadium as the left-field foul pole.

The Ballpark Experience

Petco Park feels distinctly Southern Californian, with open concourses, palm and jacaranda trees, water features and a sun-washed sandstone palette. Sightlines are excellent, and upper areas offer views of the San Diego skyline and toward the bay. The brick Western Metal Supply Co. building, with fans watching from its balconies, gives the outfield a one-of-a-kind look. Beyond the outfield fence, Gallagher Square is a grassy berm with affordable lawn seating that doubles as a public park on non-game days.

Food & Drink

Petco Park leans hard on local flavor. Carne asada appears throughout, and Seaside Market's tri-tip, known as "Cardiff Crack," turns up on nachos exclusive to the park. Hometown burger favorite Hodad's has a stand, and Friar Frank hot dogs are a longtime staple, alongside fish tacos.

Visiting Tips

For a budget-friendly option with a view, buy a lawn ticket for Gallagher Square. Premium and unique seating sits inside the Western Metal Supply Co. building. The downtown location makes transit easy: the San Diego Trolley stops near the park. Day games can be sunny, so favor shaded sections. Arrive early to walk the Gaslamp Quarter nearby.

Famous Moments

  • 2013 — Tim Lincecum of the Giants threw the first no-hitter at Petco Park.
  • 2016 — Petco Park hosted the MLB All-Star Game.
  • 2008 — The Padres and Rockies played a 22-inning marathon, the longest game in park history.
  • 2024 — Petco Park set its attendance record during a postseason game.

Where Fans Stay, Eat & Drink near Petco Park

Hotels, bars and restaurants near Petco Park — every pick web-researched and source-cited.

Where to Stay

Bars & Pubs

Restaurants

San Diego Padres Rivalries

Frequently Asked Questions: Petco Park

Petco Park opened in 2004. Petco Park is the downtown home of the San Diego Padres, a Southern California ballpark in the East Village neighborhood near the Gaslamp Quarter. It is known for its sandstone-and-white-steel design, bay-area views and the historic Western Metal Supply Co. building built into its left-field corner.

San Diego Padres play their home games at Petco Park in San Diego.

Petco Park leans hard on local flavor. Carne asada appears throughout, and Seaside Market's tri-tip, known as "Cardiff Crack," turns up on nachos exclusive to the park. Hometown burger favorite Hodad's has a stand, and Friar Frank hot dogs are a longtime staple, alongside fish tacos.

For a budget-friendly option with a view, buy a lawn ticket for Gallagher Square. Premium and unique seating sits inside the Western Metal Supply Co. building. The downtown location makes transit easy: the San Diego Trolley stops near the park. Day games can be sunny, so favor shaded sections. Arrive early to walk the Gaslamp Quarter nearby.

Sources

Planning a trip? See the full San Diego travel guide for where to stay, eat and drink around Petco Park.

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