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The Best Seats for San Diego Padres at Petco Park

Petco Park is a ballpark in San Diego, California, and the home venue for San Diego Padres baseball games.

This open-air baseball stadium has stunning architecture and fantastic amenities, combining excellent sightlines with great views of San Diego. It’s no wonder Padres fans, known as the “Friar Faithful,” keep coming back to enjoy the fabulous atmosphere of a Padres game.

San Diego is famous for year-round sunshine, so choosing the best seats at Petco Park means considering shade levels as well as the best Petco Park seat view.

Whether you’re searching for luxurious VIP Padres tickets or affordable Petco Park seats, our comprehensive guide to Petco Park will help you find the best MLB tickets for your budget.

A Primer on Petco Park

View of the field at Petco Park, San Diego, from the upper deck.
Image credit: By Mds08011 – Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=82700361

San Diego’s Petco Park is home of the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball (MLB). It replaced the Padres’ previous home ballpark, San Diego Stadium, where they played their home games since the team’s creation in 1969.

The nearest major sporting venues to Petco Park include Crypto.com Arena, home of the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA and the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings. SoFi Stadium, home to the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, is also around 120 miles away in Los Angeles. 

The Western Metal Supply Co. building at Petco Park, San Diego.
Image credit: By User hober on Flickr – CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2118537

This MLB stadium has some unique design features, including the historic Western Metal Supply Co. building, which acts as the left field foul pole. It also has a large open-air space, Gallagher Square, which offers standing room during baseball games and other entertainment features available at other times. 

The first baseball game played at the Padres’ new stadium was a four-team NCAA invitational tournament starting on March 11, 2004. The Padres played their first MLB game in the new ballpark on April 8, 2004, winning 4-3 in 10 innings against the San Francisco Giants.

Petco Park’s maximum seating capacity is 39,860 (since 2024) for baseball games. However, the stadium hosted a crowd of 47,559 for a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in May 2024. 

Aerial view of at Petco Park, San Diego.
Image credit: By Phil Konstantin – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15138632

In addition to MLB baseball games, Petco Park also features other sports, including rugby, tennis, and college basketball. It also hosts an annual golf tournament with the holes located in the outfield and the tees in the stadium’s upper decks. 

Petco Park is also a popular venue for music concerts and hosted the inaugural San Diego Rodeo in January 2024.

Devoted Padres fans can support their team by wearing the team’s distinctive pin-stripe outfits. You’ll find an excellent range of San Diego Padres team clothing at MLBshop, including the latest team colors and your favorite player’s numbered jersey. Why not treat yourself to a personalized San Diego Padres jersey with your own name on the back?

Petco Park Seating Chart

Seating Map at Petco Park, San Diego.

Odd-numbered sections are located along the stadium’s first base side of the stadium with even-numbered sections located on the 3rd base side.

The highest seat numbers are on the left side of the rows as you look out at the field. 

Premium Seating at Petco Park

Baseball fans searching for the perfect VIP Padres experience can choose from a range of premium seating options at Petco Park. These offer extra-comfortable seating, the best views of the action, and additional premium amenities. 

Premium seats at Petco Park are reserved for full-season ticket members, but sites like StubHub and SeatGeek sell secondary market tickets. 

Premier Club Seating

View of the baseball field from section F at Petco Park, San Diego.
Image credit: Anonymous, A View from my Seat.

Premier Club seats at Petco Park are located in the lettered sections A-L on the lower level. These comfortably padded seats offer excellent views from behind home plate along with premium perks for a VIP Padres experience. 

Most Premium Club sections have 15 rows of seating, however sections F and G behind home plate have 20 rows. Rows 3+ in this area will enjoy shade from the San Diego sun. 

Premier Club ticket holders can purchase refreshments via the in-seat wait service and enjoy access to the plush club lounge located behind section 108. 

These premium Padres seats start at around $95.

Toyota Terrace Level seating

View of the baseball field from section 201 at Petco Park, San Diego.
Image credit: Alechphillips, A View from my Seat.

The Toyota Terrace on Petco Park’s sections 201-224 is an excellent seating option for baseball fans who value good views and premium amenities. 

Odd-numbered sections run towards first base, and even-numbered sections stretch from home plate to third base. Each section has up to 15 rows of padded seats, ensuring easy seat access and a comfortable viewing experience. 

View of the baseball field from section 205 at Petco Park, San Diego.
Image credit: Anonymous, A View from my Seat.

Four different seating locations are available:

  • Terrace VIP – behind home plate in sections 201-204, tickets start at around $80
  • Terrace Infield – above the dugouts in sections 205-210, tickets start at around $75
  • Terrace Reserved – along right field line in sections 211-217, tickets start at around $50
  • Terrace Pavilion – along left field line in sections 218-224, tickets start at around $50

All seats include in-seat wait service for Padres games.

Choosing seats on the third base side will give you better shade coverage, especially if you sit towards the back of the section. Sections 201 and 203 have little shade but make up for it with excellent home plate views. 

Cutwater Agave Club

The Cutwater Agave Club at Petco Park, San Diego.

The Cutwater Agave Club is a premium seating option at Petco Park, located on the third base side of the Terrace Level (200 level).

It features a range of seating options, including 12 rows of fully cushioned stadium seating, table seating, and rail seats. The nearby Western Metal Supply Co. Building and Upper Level overhang offer shade from the San Diego sun. 

The luxurious club lounge and bar are just a few steps from the seating. Favorite ballpark food, snacks, and soft beverages, are provided on a semi-inclusive basis, and alcoholic beverages are available to purchase. 

Blue Shield Home Plate Club

The Blue Shield Club at Petco Park, San Diego.

The fully refurbished Blue Shield Home Plate club offers a premium Padres experience with fully cushioned seats behind home plate and within five rows of the field. 

A dedicated attendant will provide complimentary in-seat refreshment service, featuring local favorites. 

Blue Shield Home Plate club ticket holders also enjoy private access to the Padres’ off-field batting practice, and all-inclusive refreshments in the exclusive Blue Shield Club Restaurant and lounge.

These premium seats may be available on secondary market websites, with prices starting around $1400+.

First Base VIP

First Base VIP Box seating at Petco Park, San Diego.

The First Base Boxes are just a few feet from the Padres dugout for an excellent view of the game and scoreboard. This premium seating option includes a range of perks for a VIP experience any Padres fan will love. 

The fully-cushioned 1st Base VIP seats ensure you’ll watch the game in comfort, and you won’t have to leave your seat for a minute as ticket holders enjoy all-inclusive in-seat service.

First Base VIP Box seating at Petco Park, San Diego.

First Base VIP ticket holders also receive access to the premium Lexus Club lounge with all-inclusive food and beverages.

These premium Padres seats may start at around $400 on secondary market sites.

Cutwater Coronado Club

The Cutwater Coronado Club at Petco Park, San Diego.

Cutwater Coronado Club seats are located in Terrace Level sections TCL 206-210 between 3rd base and home plate.

These premium seating sections have 2 rows of comfortable cushioned theater-box seats with excellent views of the game. Refreshments are available for purchase with in-seat wait service.

Cutwater Coronado Club seats also provide access to the private Cutwater Coronado Club. This open-air club space has views over the Coronado Bridge and Island and offers all-inclusive food and non-alcoholic beverages, along with access to a private cash bar.

You may find these premium seats listed on secondary market websites, and ticket prices start at around $125.

The Gallagher Chairman’s Club

The Gallagher Chairman's Club at Petco Park, San Diego.

The Gallagher Chairman’s Club is located behind home plate, next to the Padres Ownership Suite on the Garden Level. 

These fully-cushioned seats offer an elevated view of Petco Park, and you’ll enjoy complimentary food and beverages in-seat service from a dedicated attendant. The upscale refreshments menu includes local favorites. 

Ticket holders also receive exclusive access to the private Gallagher Chairman’s Club Lounge.

Gallagher Chairman’s Club tickets may be available on secondary market websites, with ticket prices starting at around $1100.

Jerome’s Home Plate Box Seats

Jerome's Home Plate seating at Petco Park, San Diego.

Jerome’s Home Plate Box seats offer a prime view of home plate from behind Field Level sections 101 and 103. 

You’ll enjoy complimentary in-seat food and beverage service from a dedicated attendant and access to the Lexus Club. 

Jerome's Home Plate seating at Petco Park, San Diego.

Reclining leather couch seats and a private TV screen complete the most luxurious Petco Park experience.

Lexus Club Loge Box

Lexus Club Loge Boxes at Petco Park, San Diego.

Lexus Club Loge Box seats are just behind the visitor’s dugout in section 108.

The fully-cushioned seats have in-seat phone charging, and a private TV screen keeps you up to date with replays and stats. 

The Lexus Club at Petco Park, San Diego.

Lexus Club Loge Box ticket holders enjoy in-seat wait service and food and beverages are available to purchase in the Lexus Club. 

3rd Base Coach’s Box

View of the baseball field from Dugout 13 at Petco Park, San Diego.
Image credit: Anonymous, A View from my Seat.

Third Base Coach’s Box seats are just in front of section 112 at third base. This location is next to the visitor’s dugout and has a direct view into the Padres dugout opposite.

This VIP Padres experience gets you as close as possible to the field. You’ll watch the game from fully-cushioned seats, and in-seat wait service means you don’t need to miss a minute of the action.

3 Base Coaches Box at Petco Park, San Diego.

3rd Base Coach’s Box ticket holders also enjoy access to the climate-controlled Lexus Club, where food and beverages are available for an additional cost. 

Tickets in this premium seating area start at around $275 on secondary market websites. 

Terrace Tables

View of the baseball field from Terrace Table 6 at Petco Park, San Diego.
Image credit: Anonymous, A View from my Seat.

Terrace Tables are on the Terrace Level (200 Level) underneath the press box.

These tickets offer table-style seating with comfortable, padded seats.

Food and beverages are available to purchase in the Lexus Club, and in-seat wait service is also available. 

Terrace Luxury Boxes

Terrace Luxury Boxes at Petco Park, San Diego.

Terrace Luxury Boxes are located on the 200 Level between home plate and 3rd base.

These extra-comfortable padded seats have a great view of the game, a private TV screen to catch up with replays, and in-seat charging facilities.

All-inclusive food and non-alcoholic beverages are available in the Cutwater Coronado Club, and ticket holders also enjoy in-seat wait service and access to the Lexus Club. 

Luxury Suites

Luxury suites at Petco Park are available on all stadium levels and in the Western Metal Building.

Petco Park suites can accommodate 30-600 guests, making them ideal for special occasions with family and friends, rewarding employees, or large corporate entertainment events.

View of the baseball field from Suite 17 at Petco Park, San Diego.
Image credit: Jurban, A View from my Seat.

Most private suites at Petco Park include food and beverage packages, and complimentary parking can be added to your suite rental. 

Which Is The Best Premium Seating Option At Petco Park?

Hall of Fame at Petco Park, San Diego.
Image credit: Reed, Tripadvisor.

There aren’t many bad seats at Petco Park, and the premium seat options all offer excellent views and upscale perks.

Blue Shield Home Plate Club tickets offer the ultimate Padres experience. You’ll sit within 5 rows of home plate in extra-comfortable seats, and enjoy complimentary refreshments in your seat, exclusive Blue Shield Club access, and VIP perks like private access to the Padres’ off-field batting practice.

Tickets start at around $1400 on secondary market sites. 

For premium seats with an elevated view, Gallagher Chairman’s Club tickets are hard to beat. These seats also include complimentary in-seat refreshments service and exclusive access to the private Gallagher Chairman’s Club Lounge.

Tickets may be listed on secondary market sites, starting at around $1100.

A more affordable premium option can be found in the Premier Club seats in Field Level sections A-L on the lower level. Refreshments are available to purchase with in-seat wait service, and ticket holders also enjoy access to an upscale club lounge.

Ticket prices in these premium sections start at around $95. 

Standard Seating at Petco Park

Petco Park, San Diego.
Image credit: FamilyTraveller, Tripadvisor.

The Petco Park seating map shows standard seating available on Petco Park’s Field Level and Upper Level.

Prices below are indicative ticket pricing from Ticketmaster, and you can also find Petco Park tickets available on secondary market websites like StubHub. 

Field Level 

Field level sections are some of the largest in Petco Park, with up to 44 rows of seating. Seats further back (rows 32+) have better shade coverage, especially on the third base side, and a shorter walk to the entry tunnels. 

Field Box and Box VIP seats are the best standard seats at Petco Park. Located next to the field in sections 101-112, they’re ideal if you want to be close to the action but don’t want to pay a premium price for your San Diego Padres tickets. 

Field Box VIP seats in sections 101-106 are directly behind home plate. Choose section 107 to sit directly behind the Padres dugout and section 108 if you want to sit behind the visiting team dugout. 

Ticket prices for these standard Padres seats start at around $100.

Sitting down the lines on the field level is a more affordable option if you want to get close to the action. Sections 107-113 offer a great view of the game from the first base line, and sections 108-112 are located along the third base line. You’ll also have a good chance of grabbing a foul ball souvenir in these locations. 

These seats start at around $60-75, depending on your location. 

Home run balls often reach left field sections 126-134 during batting practice. You’ll also be close to the Padres’ and visitors’ bullpen, and there’s some overhead cover from the sun for rows 6 and higher. However, there’s very little view of the video board from this location. 

Ticket prices here start at around $50.

The cheapest Field Level seats are found in sections 129-137, where you’ll be almost directly opposite home plate. You won’t have such a good view of the action, but seats near the back of the section start at around $30. 

Upper Level 

Sections on the Upper Level are numbered in the 300s and stretch from left field corner to right field corner. The upper deck at Petco Park offers the cheapest Padres seats, but you’ll have a distant view of the action. 

Each 300-level section is divided into Upper Box and Upper Reserved portions. The first 2-6 rows are designated Upper Box seats, and the rest are Upper Reserved. 

Upper Box rows have better views, but you’ll find cheaper tickets in the Upper Reserved seats. 

Another good option on the top deck at Petco Park is section 328, adjacent to the historic Western Metal Supply Building.

Seats behind home plate start at around $28 for Upper Reserved rows and $38 for Upper Box seats.

Choosing seats closer to first or third base means your ticket prices could start at $23 for Upper Reserved seats and $31 for the Upper Box rows.

Standing Room Only 

Street art at Gallagher Square, Petco Park, San Diego.

Also known as ‘Park at the Park,’ Gallagher Square is a general admission part of Petco Park offering some of the cheapest Padres tickets.

It has a fun game-day atmosphere and is an ideal family-friendly option with plenty of space and activities to entertain kids.

View of the baseball field from Gallag
her Park at Petco Park, San Diego.
Image credit: Mmmtoastyboy, A View from my Seat.

Views to the stadium are limited, so arrive early to get the best spot for watching the game from Gallagher Square. A large screen streams the game into the Square, so you can also keep in touch with the action that way. 

Another standing room area is found in The Landing behind sections 226-230.

Standing Room tickets generally go on sale 2 weeks before game day and start at around $23.

Accessible Seating

Petco Park has ADA-accessible seating throughout the stadium, including spaces for wheelchair users, semi-ambulatory seats with additional legroom, and transfer seats for guests who require an armless aisle seat. 

Most ADA seats have accompanying companion seats available. 

Visitors with disabilities also have priority on all public elevators throughout Petco Park. 

Which Are The Best Value Seats At Petco Park?

Evening view of Petco Park, San Diego.
Image credit: By So.estrada0508 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=156360315

Baseball fans on a budget will find excellent standard seating options at Petco Park. Here’s our choice of affordable seats for a San Diego Padres game.

Best Value For Cheapest Price

Head to the upper deck at Petco Park to find the cheapest Padres tickets. Upper Reserved seats in the rear portion of sections near to first or third base could start at around $23.

Standing Room Only tickets also start at the same price point but don’t give you access to a seat. 

Best Value For A Great View

Sections 118-122 along the left field line enjoy great sightlines and you’ll have the sun behind you sooner than the opposite side of the field. Ticket prices here start at around $50.

You’ll have a more distant view from the upper deck, but ticket prices are more affordable. Seats at the front of sections 316 -318 have a great view from third base line and start at around $30. 

The giant video board at Petco Park, San Diego.
Image credit: Stephen T, Tripadvisor.

Best Value To Get Close To The Action

Field Box VIP seats in sections 101-106 are directly behind home plate, so it’s the best place to sit if you want to be close to the action.

The $100 starting price for these Padres tickets is more affordable than the premium seats above and below these sections. 

Best Value For A Fun Atmosphere

Gallagher Park is the perfect place to head if having a fun time is your top priority, especially with kids. You can take a picnic, enjoy the entertainment, and catch a ball game at the same time. 

Tickets start at $23 but only go on sale 2 weeks before game day.

Which Seats Are Shaded At Petco Park?

Ballpark shade map at Petco Park, San Diego.

San Diego has an average of 251 sunny days each year, so you’ll need to consider the sun when choosing seats for a Padres game. You can take a small, collapsible umbrella into Petco Park, but it mustn’t block other guests’ sightlines. 

Seats on the third base side of the field will see shade first and have the sun behind them in the late afternoon and evening. 

Seats in the second tier of 100-level sections and 200-level sections will have good shade levels.

Back rows of sections 107-110 have some overhead cover. A small roof provides shade for sections 300-305 and seats further back in sections 306-320.

Avoid seats on the right field side of the stadium if finding shade is a priority, especially for games starting in the early afternoon. Seats behind the right field wall and near the right field foul pole will be in direct sunlight for most innings.

Upper deck sections far down the first base line also have little shade. 

Where Should Visitors Sit At Petco Park?

View of the baseball field at Petco Park and downtown San Diego.
Image credit: Tito Chávez, Tripadvisor.

Visiting fans can choose sections 108-112 at Petco Park to sit near the visitors’ dugout on the third base side. This location also means you’ll have the sun at your back sooner, and rows 13-22 offer a great viewing height.

Choosing seats in section 134 will let you watch your favorite batters warming up in the visiting team’s bullpen. 

Transportation And Parking At A San Diego Padres Home Game

Petco Park is located at 100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, United States.

The stadium can be reached on 4 major highways: I-5, State Route 163, State Route 94, and Pacific Highway.

Parking At Petco Park

Parking map at Petco Park, San Diego.

Parking at Petco is very limited, so fans are encouraged to use public transportation if possible. 

If you plan to drive to Petco Park, you’re advised to pre-purchase your parking spot to ensure availability. High traffic levels and delays are likely, so leave plenty of time for your journey. 

ADA-accessible parking is available in the parking lots surrounding Petco Park, and a complimentary shuttle service is provided for guests with disabilities. The service starts 2 hours before scheduled Padres games and runs between Petco Park and the Padres Parkade, Tailgate Park, and MTS Garage.

Limited tailgating is only permitted in Tailgate Park parking lot. You may only tailgate directly behind your vehicle and may not reserve any additional spaces. Only gas cooking grills are allowed, and no charcoal may be used.

Arriving By Public Transportation

Public Transportation map for travel to Petco Park, San Diego.

There are several options for traveling to Petco Park by public transportation, including the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Bus and Trolley Service, North County Transit District COASTER Train, and the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner from Orange County and Los Angeles.

You can also take the San Diego Bay Ferry from Coronado Ferry Landing Shopping Center to 5th Ave Landing.

The free MTS Park & Ride lots offer easy access to Petco Park with a trolley service running every 15 minutes on game days. A free electric shuttle known as FRED (Free Ride Everywhere Downtown also operates in downtown San Diego. 

Ridesharing Arrangements

You’ll find the rideshare drop-off and pick-up location across from the Bayfront Hilton Hotel on Harbor Drive and Park Boulevard. From there, you can take the pedestrian sky bridge to Petco Park. 

When To Arrive For A San Diego Padres Game

Petco Park, San Diego, illuminated at night.

Petco Park has 14 general admission gates that open 90 minutes before first pitch.

2 gates are reserved for season ticket holders (Park Boulevard Gate and Home Plate Gate) and open 2 hours before first pitch.

The Media/VIP Gate is located between the main ticket windows and Home Plate Gate, and this opens 4 hours before first pitch.

Timings may vary for other Petco Park events, so check before traveling.

Autographs

A statue at Petco Park, San Diego.
Image credit: Alexandre H, Tripadvisor.

You may be able to get an autograph from your favorite Padres players at batting practice. The Padres practice 2.5 hours before early afternoon games and 3 hours before late afternoon or evening games.

These times may vary, and batting practice isn’t generally scheduled on Sundays. 

Bag Policy At Petco Park

Bag policy at Petco Park, San Diego.

Petco Park has a clear bag policy that prohibits all bags except clear plastic bags no larger than 12” X 6” X 12”. You can also take a small clutch or purse into the stadium, but this must measure less than 5” X 7”.

Exceptions may be made for parenting bags and medical bags. 

Visitors to Petco Park can take a 1-liter factory-sealed plastic bottle of clear, still, unflavored water into the stadium. Single-serving soft-sided juice or milk containers are also permitted. 

All bags will be inspected at the stadium gates. For a smoother entry, consider using a stadium-approved clear bag:

Petco Park: Frequently Asked Questions

An evening game at Petco Park, San Diego.
Image credit: By Mds08011 – Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=82779974

Here are some of your most frequently asked questions about Petco Park:

Where Is Petco Park?

Petco Park is located at 100 Park Blvd in the East Village neighborhood of downtown San Diego, near the Gaslamp Quarter.

Can You Bring Food Into Petco Park?

You can bring food into Petco Park to consume in your seat, but can’t take it into any of the ballpark’s restaurants, lounges, or suites. 

All food must be wrapped or in a soft-sided container. Any food that could be thrown, like apples and oranges, must be sliced or segmented.

Petco Park, San Diego.
Image credit: Sergio Bernache, Tripadvisor.

How Many People Does Petco Park Hold?

Petco Park currently has a maximum seating capacity of 39,860 for baseball games. Its highest seating capacity was 42,691 between 2008 and 2012.

Where Did The Padres Play Before Petco Park?

Petco Park replaced San Diego Stadium as the home of the San Diego Padres. The Padres played there from their inception in 1969 until their new home opened in 2004.

The Wrap Up: Which Are The Best Seats At Petco Park?

Petco Park, San Diego.
Image credit: By Bernard Gagnon – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25757843

Petco Park is a fantastic venue to catch an MLB baseball game, with excellent options for luxurious premium seats and affordable standard seats. Whichever option you choose, checking out the sun and shade for your seats is essential, as San Diego is famously sunny for much of the year. 

If you’re spending some time in California, you could also check out an NBA game at Crypto.com Arena or an NFL game at SoFi Stadium, both around 120 miles away in Los Angeles.

Our San Diego Padres ticket guide has given you all the info you need to choose the best MLB tickets for your budget. 

All you have to do is choose your seats – ready to get your Padres tickets now?

Author

  • Sally

    Sally Akins is a Master's student and lifelong tennis fan with two decades of experience in e-commerce. Her expertise, experience, and straightforward advice make it easy to find the perfect seats for your next event.

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