petco park guide
We learned about the history of San Diego from Ron Burgundy in Anchorman. San Diego has more recently been defined by boring baseball. Petco Park is infamous for being a pitcher friendly field.
Do you remember when Brian Giles used to be a 30+ homer guy? Well take out the 'roids and make Petco your home park and then Brian Giles had the home run numbers of Mark Lemke. My point? if you dig the long ball you may not want to attend a Padres home game. That really isn't our focus, lets start looking at money saving ideas for Petco Park.
Do you remember when Brian Giles used to be a 30+ homer guy? Well take out the 'roids and make Petco your home park and then Brian Giles had the home run numbers of Mark Lemke. My point? if you dig the long ball you may not want to attend a Padres home game. That really isn't our focus, lets start looking at money saving ideas for Petco Park.
best value on padres tickets
In my opinion the ticket prices at Petco Park don't offer that much value (comparatively speaking). They do offer a standing room ticket for about $10 and they have a pretty unique place to stand. They have a Park in the Park which is a grass berm out in center field and provides a decent view, but you are kind of free to roam around which is nice. It is known as "Park in the Park" - clever. Like many teams, the Padres now do dynamic pricing which means the price can fluctuate from game to game based on demand.
A couple of other general points about the best value tickets at Petco Park. The left field line is usually in the shade first in the evening, if that is important to you. San Diego has beautiful weather most of the time, but if it's a hot evening I think seats in the shade are worth their weight in gold. You also want to avoid the seats behind the left field fence because the scoreboard and big screen are right behind you; and that stinks. Modern day baseball is so much enhanced by the between inning fun and the in game information from the big screen. This is especially true if you are taking kids. So if you are just buying seats, I say the behind the plate/left field line beats the right field line in the summer. For a good value section in the upper deck, think about section 315. Generally the price drops as this is "outfield" upper deck, but it is as close to the infield as you can get without paying that little extra. Whenever in the upper deck, always get the lowest row you can.
The Padres do have some discounts available that vary from year to year, so you can check the team website to see if there are any current promotions. I think the vast majority of the time, you can buy tickets from a trusted third party and pay less than face value. If you are buying in advance, you may want to check Score Big and if you are buying last minute you might get the best deal on Stubhub.
Stubhub is the official marketplace for MLB tickets, and they protect you against fraudulent tickets. If you want to buy on Stubhub, you are usually better off if you can wait until close to game time. For baseball, you usually print your tickets at home after you buy. This means you can often buy tickets up until a couple hours before game time. From the seller perspective, Stubhub encourages sellers to reduce their price incrementally as the event gets closer so they aren't stuck with the tickets. So when you are looking at a game that starts in just a few hours, it is likely you are going to find some great value.
Another great place to buy tickets in advance of game day is from Score Big. Let's face it, most ticket broker sites are the same but this one is actually different. It is kind of like the Priceline of sports tickets. Essentially you can search events in your area, and make an offer on tickets and get an instant answer on whether your bid is accepted.
You can select a quantity, and then it gives you different tiers. It gives you an approximate discount percentage, and shows on the seat map which sections your tickets could possibly be in.
Next you enter in a price, again it gives you an idea how how likely that is to be accepted. I made the comparison to Priceline, and it is true, you have to put in payment details prior to making an official offer. But if you are going to the game, what a great way to save money on tickets!
Here are discount tickets for upcoming games:
A couple of other general points about the best value tickets at Petco Park. The left field line is usually in the shade first in the evening, if that is important to you. San Diego has beautiful weather most of the time, but if it's a hot evening I think seats in the shade are worth their weight in gold. You also want to avoid the seats behind the left field fence because the scoreboard and big screen are right behind you; and that stinks. Modern day baseball is so much enhanced by the between inning fun and the in game information from the big screen. This is especially true if you are taking kids. So if you are just buying seats, I say the behind the plate/left field line beats the right field line in the summer. For a good value section in the upper deck, think about section 315. Generally the price drops as this is "outfield" upper deck, but it is as close to the infield as you can get without paying that little extra. Whenever in the upper deck, always get the lowest row you can.
The Padres do have some discounts available that vary from year to year, so you can check the team website to see if there are any current promotions. I think the vast majority of the time, you can buy tickets from a trusted third party and pay less than face value. If you are buying in advance, you may want to check Score Big and if you are buying last minute you might get the best deal on Stubhub.
Stubhub is the official marketplace for MLB tickets, and they protect you against fraudulent tickets. If you want to buy on Stubhub, you are usually better off if you can wait until close to game time. For baseball, you usually print your tickets at home after you buy. This means you can often buy tickets up until a couple hours before game time. From the seller perspective, Stubhub encourages sellers to reduce their price incrementally as the event gets closer so they aren't stuck with the tickets. So when you are looking at a game that starts in just a few hours, it is likely you are going to find some great value.
Another great place to buy tickets in advance of game day is from Score Big. Let's face it, most ticket broker sites are the same but this one is actually different. It is kind of like the Priceline of sports tickets. Essentially you can search events in your area, and make an offer on tickets and get an instant answer on whether your bid is accepted.
You can select a quantity, and then it gives you different tiers. It gives you an approximate discount percentage, and shows on the seat map which sections your tickets could possibly be in.
Next you enter in a price, again it gives you an idea how how likely that is to be accepted. I made the comparison to Priceline, and it is true, you have to put in payment details prior to making an official offer. But if you are going to the game, what a great way to save money on tickets!
Here are discount tickets for upcoming games:
cheap or free parking for a padres game
Parking can definitely be a challenge at a Padres game, especially when you factor in downtown traffic. Free parking near Petco Park can be incredibly tough, but one option if you want to avoid traffic is taking one of the trolleys to Petco Park.
You are going to spend $5 per person round trip, but typically you can park for free at most stations where you get on. I am going to provide this link which provides great detail on where you can get on and when. The things you need to know are:
- If you take the trolley by a $5 day pass when you arrive so you don't have to mess with buying a return ticket after the game.
- They start about 2.5 hours before the game and end 45 minutes after
- You can park for free at Qualcomm Stadium or one of the suburban stations and get on the trolley
- The Padres will probably lose when you go
If you don't want to fool with the trolley and don't want to stress about finding a spot, I'd strongly recommend reserving a parking spot on Park Whiz. As it sounds, you buy parking ahead of time from a private lot and you can then know exactly where you are going.
If you are going to try to park for free, your best shot is metered parking. Get there early and drive around a little bit is what I say. San Diego does a nice job of color coordinating their parking signs so you know what they mean. What you need to look for is the color green for on street parking. These are timed parking areas, but they are only monitored until 6pm so if you get there around that time you will be fine. As always, read the meter to make sure it doesn't have a special rule - but generally after 6 you are good.
Finally, if you decide that you don't want to mess with searching for free parking - you can always pay to park at the Padres lot. One thing they offer that is fairly unique is the ability to pre-pay for parking online. If you are planning out your trip and you don't carry cash that can be a pretty convenient choice. You will then have a sure spot and a known destination which provides you some stability.
I would try to park for free, but that's just me. This parking purchased through the team website will run you close to $20. There is a lot listed where tailgating is allowed, so if you are looking for a more football-like experience, go early and grill out. This is particularly great for a Saturday or Sunday game.
You are going to spend $5 per person round trip, but typically you can park for free at most stations where you get on. I am going to provide this link which provides great detail on where you can get on and when. The things you need to know are:
- If you take the trolley by a $5 day pass when you arrive so you don't have to mess with buying a return ticket after the game.
- They start about 2.5 hours before the game and end 45 minutes after
- You can park for free at Qualcomm Stadium or one of the suburban stations and get on the trolley
- The Padres will probably lose when you go
If you don't want to fool with the trolley and don't want to stress about finding a spot, I'd strongly recommend reserving a parking spot on Park Whiz. As it sounds, you buy parking ahead of time from a private lot and you can then know exactly where you are going.
If you are going to try to park for free, your best shot is metered parking. Get there early and drive around a little bit is what I say. San Diego does a nice job of color coordinating their parking signs so you know what they mean. What you need to look for is the color green for on street parking. These are timed parking areas, but they are only monitored until 6pm so if you get there around that time you will be fine. As always, read the meter to make sure it doesn't have a special rule - but generally after 6 you are good.
Finally, if you decide that you don't want to mess with searching for free parking - you can always pay to park at the Padres lot. One thing they offer that is fairly unique is the ability to pre-pay for parking online. If you are planning out your trip and you don't carry cash that can be a pretty convenient choice. You will then have a sure spot and a known destination which provides you some stability.
I would try to park for free, but that's just me. This parking purchased through the team website will run you close to $20. There is a lot listed where tailgating is allowed, so if you are looking for a more football-like experience, go early and grill out. This is particularly great for a Saturday or Sunday game.
save on food at petco park
Most stadium food prices are outrageous and Petco Park is no exception. However you do a good variety of foods available. Bull Taco, Brickhouse Deli, and of course standard ballpark fare. The best advice for you is to eat outside of the ballpark or take your own food into the ballpark!
You also have the ability to bring in your own food to Petco Park. You can actually bring bottled water in 20 oz bottles if it is factory sealed.
Another option that I consistently recommend is Restaurant.com Here you can buy $25 gift certificates to local restaurants for $10. You can also do a google search for "Restaurant.com coupon codes" and almost always get an extra 60 - 80% off that. I often buy these $25 certificates for $2. That is the best way to eat a decent meal before or after the game and save a chunk of change. When you follow the link, just type in the zip code of Petco Park (92101) to see what restaurants are nearby.
You also have the ability to bring in your own food to Petco Park. You can actually bring bottled water in 20 oz bottles if it is factory sealed.
Another option that I consistently recommend is Restaurant.com Here you can buy $25 gift certificates to local restaurants for $10. You can also do a google search for "Restaurant.com coupon codes" and almost always get an extra 60 - 80% off that. I often buy these $25 certificates for $2. That is the best way to eat a decent meal before or after the game and save a chunk of change. When you follow the link, just type in the zip code of Petco Park (92101) to see what restaurants are nearby.
free stuff at petco park
- The official homestand program of the San Diego Padres is published ten times during the regular season, approximately (1) per homestand. This publication contains features on Padres players, opponent information, minor league updates and community reports.
The San Diego Padres Blueprint is distributed free at the gates; Padres merchandise stands, Fan Program counters and select free-standing displays on the Main Concourse. - Petco Park offers complimentary admission to children under thirty-six (36) inches in height, provided they are accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. These children must sit in the lap of the accompanying adult and not occupy an additional seat.
- A complimentary shuttle service is available for guests with disabilities or special needs. The shuttle service provides transportation between the Padres Parkade, Tailgate Park, the MTS Garage, 6th & K Parkade and Petco Park.
- Complimentary scorecards are available in the San Diego Padres Blueprint, distributed at all entry gates.