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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tailgate ParkIf you’re looking to set up a tailgate before a Padres game, then look no further than Tailgate Park. Here’s the only place you can tailgate at Petco Park before the game, so head on over and fire up the grill before watching the Padres take the field.
Gaslamp QuarterPetco Field is located in the Gaslamp Quarter, which is home to plenty of great places to grab a drink or something to eat. Here you’ll find a variety of bars and restaurants including Bub’s at the Ballpark, Mission Brewery, and much more. If you’re looking to hang out with fellow Padres fans, then there is no better place to do so than in the Gaslamp.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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