Padres Overview

Fast facts

League: MLB

Head Coach: Bob Melvin

Team Mascot: Swinging Friar

Year Opened: 2004

Capacity: 40209

City / State: San Diego / California

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Padres vs Dodgers

Rival Team: Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers are the Padres biggest rivals, and there is plenty of bad blood between San Diego and Los Angeles as well, especially with the Chargers recent move up the coast. San Diegans don’t like Los Angeles, particularly the Dodgers, so you’ll experience an intense atmosphere when attending a Padres-Dodgers game.

Padres vs Giants

Rival Team: San Francisco Giants

Outside of the Dodgers, the Giants are the Padres biggest rivals. The Giants and Padres have been squaring off since the Padres entered the league in 1969 and there is no love lost between these two teams and fan bases. You’ll always be in for a good contest when attending a Padres-Giants game.

Padres Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Make sure to get to Petco Park early before the game to get the most out of your Padres game day. Not only do the Padres have a designated tailgating area, but the neighborhood surrounding Petco Park is also one of the best places to bar hop before a ballgame. The Gaslamp Quarter is home to tons of incredible bars and restaurants including Bub’s at the Ballpark, Bar Basic, and Mission Brewery.

If you aren’t looking to hit the bars, there is still plenty to do before a Padres game. The Padres offer several ballpark tours on game days with the closest to first pitch starting at 4:30 on typical 7:10 games. You can also take some time to check out Tony Gwynn Plaza, which is dedicated to the Padres legend, and see the Padres take batting practice.

No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for you’ll have an excellent time pregaming before a Padres game in beautiful San Diego.

Traditions

Tony Gwynn Plaza

Stop by the Tony Gwynn Plaza and pay tribute to the greatest player in Padres history. Gwynn was one of the best hitters in the history of baseball and a San Diego sports legend, so stop by Tony Gwynn Plaza before the game.

Batting Practice

If you want to see your favorite players warm up before the game, then make sure to get to the park early. Batting practice is a great time to get an autograph or ball from your favorite player.

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Petco Park Tour

Arrive at Petco Park early and take a tour of the facility before the game. The tour cost $12 for adults and offers you the opportunity to see the dugout, press box, and the warning track. If you’re a big Padres or baseball fan, then a tour of Petco Park is a must during your trip to San Diego.

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Where to tailgate

Padres Stadium Guide

In Game

Petco Park is a gorgeous ballpark and a fantastic place to take in a ball game.  The way the stadium is constructed any seat on the first level feels like you are almost on the field, which is also a great reason to bring your glove with you too because fouls balls will be coming into the seats like rockets.  When you sit in the lower level of the first deck (box seats) in addition to ushers there will be servers to run and get your food and drinks for you during the game, so you won’t have to worry about missing a pitch.

One of the more unique features of Petco Park is the outfield seating areas.  In left field you’ll notice a large brownstone building near the foul pole, this is the Western Metal Supply building which was designated as a landmark in the late 1970’s, so the architects incorporated the building into the stadium’s design.  The building features luxury outfield boxes as well as a viewing deck on the third level, accompanied by bleachers on the roof of the building.  It’s only 334 ft down the line at Petco so if you are sitting in the building be on the lookout for a few homers headed your way even if you’re on the third deck.

In the right field power alley, fans can sit at their very own beach.  Yes, that’s right the team installed a makeshift beach behind the chain link fence in the outfield with bleacher seating and a park behind it as well.

The stadium also offers a variety of food options outside of the typical ballpark hotdogs, cotton candy, snow cones and beers with items such as The Baked Bear, Hodads, and Seaside market.  Additionally, Petco Park has a unique beer selection, and many of the local brews from San Diego like Sierra Nevada Ales and items from Stone Brewing are available at the game.

Things to check out

Park at the Park

Located behind center field, the Park at the Park presents an excellent place to hang out and work on your tan at the game. Here you’ll find lots of space to relax as well as tons of monitors showing all the action on the field meaning you won’t miss a thing.

Western Metal Supply Building

The Western Metal Supply Building in left field is Petco Park’s signature feature. The historic building is a must-see for anyone attending a Padres game and is home to The Rail seating area.

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Padres Hall of Fame

Take some time to visit the Padres Hall of Fame during your visit to Petco Park. The museum celebrates all of the best players and moments in Padres history and is a must-see for any baseball fan.

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Player Murals

Before the game, take a trip around the concourse and check out the murals of all of your favorite Padres players from the past. The Murals honor legends such as Dave Winfield and Randy Jones.

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Beach

If you can’t decide between attending a baseball game or spending a day at the beach, then why not do both. At Petco, you can feel the sand between your toes and take in a ball game in this one of a kind seating area.

Retired Numbers Plaza

The retired numbers plaza inside Petco Park showcases the numbers of the greatest players in Padres history including Tony Gwynn and Trevor Hoffman.

Jerry Coleman Statue

Stop by the Jerry Coleman statue and remember the voice of the Padres. Coleman served as the Padres radio announcer for over 30 years making him a fan favorite among longtime Padres fans.

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Military Tributes

There is a strong military presence in San Diego, and as a result, the Padres honor the military with several exhibits around the park. Take a walk around the concourse to see them all before first pitch.

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Wiffle Ball Field

Located in the Park at the Park, the whiffle ball field allows kids to emulate their heroes at their team’s favorite ballpark. Stop by the whiffle ball park for a few at bats if you get a bit restless while viewing a Padres game.

Swinging Friar

You can spot the Swinging Friar entertaining the crowd throughout the game with his antics. The lovable mascot also roams the concourse and stands, so say hello and give him a high-five if you get the chance.

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Sunday Military Tribute

Every Sunday the Padres pay tribute to the military by wearing special camouflage uniforms. San Diego is a big military town, and this is an excellent way for the Padres to get involved with the local community.

Fight Songs

  1. Let’s Go Padres

    Let’s go Padres, let’s show ’em how it’s done
    Let’s go Padres, let’s have some baseball fun!

    We’re going to turn up the heat, time to take them deep. Line drives and stolen bases, diving catches
    We’re goin’ places!
    Come on, come on!
    Come on, come on!
    Come on, come on!
    Let’s go Padres!

    Let’s go Padres, let’s show ’em how it’s done
    Let’s go Padres, let’s have some baseball fun!

    Let’s go Padres!
    Let’s go Padres!
    Let’s go Padres!
    Let’s go Padres!

Padres Bars & Restaurants

  1. Knotty Barrel

    Knotty Barrel

    We feature fine, locally-sourced food and a selection of over 100 local, domestic and imported beers from around the world, including over twenty craft beers on tap.

    844 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

    619-269-7156

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Gaslamp Quarter

    The Bird Bar and Grill beer

    Gaslamp Quarter is your go-to stop to shop, dine and play.

    614 Fifth Ave e, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

    619-233-5227

    Bar website

    - $$

  3. The Shout! House

    Shout House

    There are a lot of entertainment choices out there but only one that has captured the basic desire of everyone to "be" the entertainment.

    655 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

    619-231-6700

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Moonshine Flats

    Tequila

    An in your face honky-tonk bar with a sexy edge, Moonshine Flats features live music, line dancing and DJs spinning top country, rock and pop music.

    344 Seventh Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

    619-255-7625

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Social Tap

    Social Tap

    Scratch made pub fare with an emphasis on Southern California cuisine. We specialize in craft beer and creative cocktails but our food sets us apart.

    815 J St Suite #101, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

    619-398-8938

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  6. Mission Brewery

    Mission brewery beer

    Mission has been brewing commercially for over nine years. With over 40 National and International awards under its belt, Mission is considered one of the top craft breweries in San Diego County.

    1441 L St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

    619-544-0555

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. Half Door Brewing Co

    Half Door beer

    New Brewpub concept in the East Village, San Diego, specializing in craft beer, craft cocktails, great food and great company.

    903 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

    619-232-9845

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. The Blind Burro

    Blind Burro beer

    The Blind Burro specializes in baja coastal cuisine using local and sustainable seafood and produce when possible. Think grilled fish, chicken and shrimp with a Mexican and Baja inspired twist.

    639 J St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

    619-795-7880

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  9. Barleymash

    Barleymash

    Barleymash is the fun, high-energy downtown restaurant and bar that celebrates the richness of American culture through its appetizing and progressive bar fare.

    600 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

    619-255-7373

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  10. The Field Irish Pub

    The Field beer

    Shipped piece by piece from Ireland, our welcoming turn-of-the-century country pub boasts a menu featuring a large beer and drinks selection, traditional Irish meals, plus plenty of today's favorite California dishes.

    544 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

    619-232-9840

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Water Grill

    Water Grill

    Southern California's favorite seafood destinations since 1989

    615 J St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

    619-717-6992

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  12. Noble Experiment

    Phase Dining Entertainment beer

    Neighborhood is a craft-centric establishment. From artisan brewed ales and spirits to handmade cuisine, we promote intelligent consumption in a casual gastropub setting.

    777 G St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

    619-888-4713

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Dussini’s Loft Bar

    Dussini

    A meal at The Old Spaghetti Factory is an experience.

    275 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

    619-233-4323

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  14. Bub’s at The Ballpark

    Bubs

    Bub’s is a place where locals and visitors alike enjoy one-of-a-kind entertainment and food.

    Simon Levi Building, 715 J St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

    619-546-0815

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  15. Lou & Mickey’s

    Lou and Mickey spaghetti

    Lou and Mickey's restaurant and cocktail lounge serves choice seafood, prime steak, pasta dinners and exotic drinks.

    224 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

    619-237-4900

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  16. The Broken Yolk Cafe

    Broken yolk

    If you ask people that live in San Diego why they love the Broken Yolk, they will most likely say, “Their Benedicts…especially the Golden State Benedict.”

    355 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

    619-338-9655

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $$

  17. Lolita’s Taco Shop

    Lolitas Mexican tacos

    Our recipes come from our family’s experience and a fine legacy of Mexican cuisine from its people.

    7305 Clairemont Mesa Blvd a, San Diego, CA 92111, USA

    619-585-0232

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  18. Rockin Baja Lobster Coastal Cantina

    Gaslamp

    Find us for truly delicious and unique food offerings, Seafood by bucketful, a salsa Bar, icy cold beer and a varied selection of the best-tasting margaritas anywhere.

    310 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

    619-234-6333

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  19. Tin Fish Gaslamp

    Tin Fish

    Tin Fish Restaurant concepts include great seafood served in a quick service, casual atmosphere.

    170 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

    619-238-8100

    Bar website

    american - $$