Cover Your Bases at a San Diego Padres Game

Fans of Major League Baseball are in luck when visiting “America’s Finest City.” Our own hometown heroes the San Diego Padres have been delivering satisfying slug-fests in the city for more than 50 years. The Padres’ home field of Petco Park is widely recognized as one of the finest stadiums in the league, as well. So much so that it was recently named the league’s #1 park for 2022 by USA Today, who called it “the best stadium in baseball.” Want to attend a San Diego Padres game while you’re in town? Great choice! Here’s how to get the most out of your day at the park.

 

First — Get to Gaslamp 

(Photo: @gaslampquarter)

Petco Park is one of the cornerstones of the Gaslamp Quarter, which is easily one of San Diego’s coolest areas. It’s full of nightlife, restaurants and — of course — Padres baseball! There’s no end to the number of bars, restaurants, and hangouts within walking distance of your seat here, and there’s truly something for everyone. So if you’re looking to grab a bite, a beer, a craft cocktail or just a good time, there’s no better place to do it than there. Best of all, Petco is just a hop skip and a jump from our front door via rideshare, bus or trolley.  

 

Warm Up With Some Pregaming

(Photo: @altitudeskylounge)

Taking yourself out to the ballgame starts with a little pregaming at some great Gaslamp hotspots near the park. The Blind Burro has a second-to-none selection of tequila and mezcal, as well as some tasty Mexican food favorites. Bub’s at the Ballpark is a great place to surround yourself with a little baseball ambience. And Altitude Sky Lounge has such a great view of the park, you may just want to watch the game from there! Fairweather Bar is also an excellent watering hole that overlooks the park. 

 

Grab Your Tickets

(Photo: @zack_hample)

Catching a game at Petco is simple. Single-game tickets are available from a variety of sources, but the best availability will always be via the Padres’ official ticketing website. There, you can pick up seats for a game, a series, or even go all-in and get season tickets. There are also typically discounts available, as well as special promotional events depending on the day you want to attend. So pick your game, pick your seats and go!

 

Settle in With Some Snacks

(Photo: @xolo.leo)

As the song goes, a game just isn’t a game without some peanuts and Cracker Jack. Of course, if you’re in the mood for something a little heartier, you’re covered there, too. Petco’s take on the timeless ballpark hot dog is the Friar Frank, a deliciously worthy entry. But you’d be doing yourself a disservice by passing up any of the following:

 

Cool Off With a Cold Brew

(Photo: @greenflashbeer)

No two things go better together than baseball and beer, and you’ll have plenty of fantastic options at Petco. In addition to more household-name options than you can shake a Louisville Slugger at, you’ll also be able to sample some local specialties and microbrews thanks to San Diego’s status as the “Craft Beer Capital of America”. So why not try a San Diego Fuego from Green Flash, a Coronado Brewing Palm Sway, or a pint of Ballast Point’s Watermelon Dorado? You can’t go wrong no matter what you’re craving. And if you’re still looking for a little local flavor after the final score is in, don’t forget to stop into The Loft inside the Western Metal Supply Building — a historic, century-plus old edifice that was incorporated into the park’s build during construction.  

 

Enjoy the Game

(Photo: @island_palms)

From there, all that’s left to do is to sit back, and check out some of the country’s best players in the country’s best stadium. The Padres have really been enjoying a renaissance lately, with the scoring, fan enthusiasm, and team spirit at an all-time high. So root, root, root for the home team. Throw some shade at their opponents. Have a brew or two, and revel in the atmosphere. Then, when the final play’s been called, head back out into Gaslamp and find something else fun to get into among the area’s robust post-game goings-on. There’s never a dull moment!  

 

“Go Home” to Days Inn 

(Photo: @daysinnhc)

Don’t forget: the Padres’ home opener (against the Colorado Rockies) is happening on March 30th. Headed into town for the game? There’s no better place to stay than at Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle. We’re just minutes from the stadium, offer extremely competitive rates, and incredible guest amenities you’ll love. Plus, just like Petco Park, we’re dog-friendly here at Days! So take a look at our Special Offers page, select the San Diego travel deal that’s right for you, and we’ll see you soon.