Why You’ll Want to Bring the Whole Family to PETCO Park! (2024)

A visit to PETCO Park makes for a fabulous day out. Whether is it a live baseball game or a special event, this venue is so unique that you will never forget it!

Ball games bring the biggest crowds to the PETCO Park stadium, but they’re far from the only thing going on. PETCO Park also hosts events throughout the year.

Why You’ll Want to Bring the Whole Family to PETCO Park! (1)

View of the Field at a Padres Game at Petco Park

How to Catch a Padres Game at PETCO Park

The Major League Baseball season typically starts in March and ends in October, with each of the 30 teams playing up to 60 games. The Padres play around 30 games at PETCO Park each season, and the roar of the home fans always creates an unbeatable atmosphere!

For the best view to see a Padres game, you should choose seats in Sections 107-113, on the first base side, near the Padres dugout. In Sections 108-112 behind the visitors' dugout, you'll also be close to the action on the third base side!

Toyota Terrace seats on the second tier, have a great view, and plenty of shade to beat the summer heat. Or you can watch the action from the front row close to the team dugouts. Here is where you will see the game from the same perspective as the players!

Although, you can't forget the best seats in the house: If you're an ultimate Padres fan, Field Box VIP tickets are unbeatable! There are so many seating options at this amazing ballpark; you will not be disappointed.

After the Padres game, leave enough time to explore the lively Gaslamp Quarter in the heart of San Diego. Take time to check out the museums and cultural attractions during the day. Maybe you prefer the buzzing nightlife; regardless, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

Kids Fest

On Sundays, before home games, enjoy 2.5 hours of fun activities for kids Here, the kids will enjoy everything from bouncy castles to face-painting, all courtesy of Chick-fil-A.

Why You’ll Want to Bring the Whole Family to PETCO Park! (2)

Monster Truck Doing a Wheelie at Monster Jam in Petco Park

PETCO Park Tour

Most days, it is possible to take a fascinating 80-minute guided tour of the stadium, in English or Spanish. Tours set off at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm, from the Western Metal Building ticket window on 7th Avenue.

Daily tours are offered in English, while Spanish tours are offered every Saturday at 11:00 am. Tours with a Japanese-speaking tour guide can be scheduled via email.

Tours may differ slightly, depending on what else is happening in the Stadium. You will cover around 1.5 miles, and highlights typically include visits to:

  • The Padres Hall of Fame
  • The Breitbard Hall of Fame
  • Field Warning Track
  • Private Luxury Suite
  • Press Box
  • Cutwater Coronado Club

PETCO Park tours make a perfect field trip for individuals and families, youth, sports groups, corporate days-outs, and seniors. Tours are accessible for wheelchair users and baby strollers.

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Line up of Monster Trucks at Monster Jam at Petco Park

Pregame Tours

Go even further with your tour of the PETCO Park Stadium and get the true fan experience on a Pregame Tour. These special VIP tours showcase stops that aren’t included in the regular tour.

Pregame tours are only held on game days, and they let you get into the park earlier than any other attendees! Tours last 45 minutes and are timed so you can grab some concessions and head right to your seat afterward.

In addition to learning about the history of the stadium, you’ll also get a chance to watch the batters warm up. On the Down the Line Pregame Tour, you’ll get to see the visiting team’s batting practice instead.

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Looking into Petco Park from the Omni San Diego Hotel

Attend a Concert to Remember at PETCO Park

In 2019, the fabulous Sycuan Stage in Gallagher Square was unveiled. With an area of 2.8 acres and seating up to 6000, it's San Diego's most famous outdoor concert venue.

Imagine the electricity in the night air as music legends such as Metallica, the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, and the Eagles rock the spectacular stage!

Some of the concerts planned for 2024 include appearances by:

  • Blink-182
  • Foo Fighters
  • Def Leppard and Journey
  • P!nk and Sheryl Crow
  • Green Day

For a complete list of upcoming performances, check the PETCO Park website.

Gallagher Square has also provided a magical setting for an evening of classical music with the world-renowned San Diego Symphony Orchestra.

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Kids Love Monster Jam at Petco Park

Sporting Events for Sports Lovers

This magnificent Stadium offers access to many sports aside from baseball. PETCO Park hosts a wide range of other sports such as soccer, rugby sevens, golf tournaments and even Monster Jam! Tennis fans will remember that it was the venue of the 2013 Davis Cup!

TV Shows Filmed at PETCO Park

The Stadium partnered with Paramount and producer/writer Dan Fogelman to create the TV series Pitch (2016 -2017), about the first woman to be a major league player. The ballpark's home plate, as well as left and right field shots, were all filmed on the pitch.

Bark in the Park

Your dog is a part of your family, so it's right they are involved in your family day out! PETCO Park's unique 'Bark in the Park' events welcome up to 500 dogs with their families! Bring your best friend along, let them have fun, and share your excitement while you enjoy watching the Padres play at Gallagher Square!

Attendees will also receive a themed dog toy or treat, and PETCO trainers will be available for offering training advice.

Previously, this event was known as Dog Days of Summer and was held once a year. Now, the Bark in the Park events run multiple times throughout both summer and spring, with four events planned for 2024.

If you’re coming through San Diego with your dog and looking for the best places to stay with your furry friend, check out our ‘Best Pet Friendly Hotels in San Diego’ article where we share our favorites near the ballpark and throughout the entire area!

Why You’ll Want to Bring the Whole Family to PETCO Park! (2024)

FAQs

Is Petco Park family friendly? ›

Going to a baseball game at Petco Park is one of the best San Diego experiences! I recommend it for visitors and local families as the stadium is fun for the whole family. They've made great efforts to make it family-friendly and keep their smallest Padres fans in mind.

What makes Petco Park special? ›

Petco Park features unique design elements, particularly the Western Metal Supply Co. building, a historic warehouse incorporated into the ballpark; its southeast corner serves as the left field foul pole.

What are you allowed to bring into Petco Park? ›

For enhanced ballpark security and to expedite the entry process for all of our guests, Petco Park will prohibit bags with the exception for single compartment clear plastic bags not exceeding 12” X 6” X 12” and infant and medical bags. Clutches and purses no larger than 5” X 7”.

How has Petco Park made a positive impact on the city of San Diego? ›

It has proved to be popular with fans and is largely credited with stimulating significant development of the East Village neighborhood in which it is located, development that was necessary to generate tax revenues necessary for the City of San Diego to meet its financial obligations for the ballpark project.

Do kids get in free at Petco? ›

Petco Park offers complimentary admission to children under 36 inches in height, provided they are accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket.

What is the best section for kids at Petco Park? ›

What Section To Sit With Kids. For the most fun and the least hassle, try the Park at the Park / “Gallagher Square”. It's general admission although technically obstructed view (Can you see the game?).

Can I bring my vape to Petco Park? ›

Petco Park is a smoke-free facility. For the safety and comfort of all, guests are not permitted to enter Petco Park with smokeless/chewing tobacco or vaporizers.

How much is a hot dog at a Padres game? ›

On the opposite side, the Baltimore Orioles have the most expensive hot dog in baseball at $8.25. The Orioles are followed by the Oakland Athletics ($7.79), St. Louis Cardinals ($7.75), San Francisco Giants ($7.75) and San Diego Padres ($7.75).

Can you enter Petco with a dog? ›

Petco is known for being a dog-friendly store. In fact, the company has a policy that allows dogs to come inside their stores as long as they are well-behaved and on a leash. This means that you can bring your dog with you while you shop for all of their pet needs.

Why is Petco so popular? ›

To stand out in a crowded field, Petco has bulked up its private label offerings, expanded vet care and other pet services and wooed customers willing to splurge on everything from fashionable clothes to fresh and organic food as they treat dogs, cats, hamsters and other pets as family members.

Why is Petco Park famous? ›

Petco Park has been consistently named as one of the best ballparks in the U.S. by USA Today in their annual ranking. The San Diego Padres' home turf has come in the No. 1 spot for the premier MLB stadium list in 2016, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Is Petco Park worth a visit? ›

Petco Park is spectacular in every way, combining the best sight lines in baseball with breathtaking views of San Diego. Architecturally magnificent, it celebrates the sea, the sky, the natural beauty, cultural diversity and unique spirit of our region.

What is the shady side of Petco Park? ›

Petco Park Orientation to the Sun

This configuration makes the 3rd base side of the park the “shade side,” while the 1st base side and right field are the sunniest.

Is Park City family friendly? ›

Whether you're traveling with small children, grandparents, or in-laws, Park City offers a variety of activities for families beyond the typical mountain biking and hiking options. Many are available throughout the day and night and during those quiet moments just before nap time.

Are kids free at Gallagher Square? ›

Children need tickets to attend games in the Gallagher Square unless they are under 36 inches. Children under 36 inches can enter Petco Park free without a ticket. (This is true in regular sections as well, as long as they sit on your lap and do not occupy a seat.)

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