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A guide to experience Petco Park from a mom’s point of view

Root, root, root for the home team… if they don’t win it’s a shame! Baseball is back and Padres fans, are we more excited than ever?

SAN DIEGO — SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) - Root, root, root for the home team… if they don’t win it’s a shame!

Baseball is back and Padres fans, are we more excited than ever?

The Padres haven’t made the playoffs since 2006, but could this year be different? I could list 300 million reasons why this year could be different, but instead I’ll just say one name: Manny Machado.

The Padres will take on the San Francisco Giants to open the season. The first pitch will be hurled at 1:10 p.m. in the first of a four-game series. I’ve covered Opening Day from both an entertainment and a sports angle for several years and I look forward to it all year long! It’s right up there with Comic-Con and Del Mar Opening Day in my book. It is one of those cultural events that makes San Diego America’s Finest City.

I played softball growing up. I was a pitcher from fifth grade through high school. I never played in college, but I never lost my love for the sport. There’s just something about going to a baseball game that makes you feel good. In a digital world full of distraction, a game like baseball is nostalgic. That being said, here’s my guide to enjoying Padres Opening Day and a few things to look out for as the season rolls on from here.

Getting There
There are nearly 30,000 parking spaces within a short walk (under 20 minutes) to Petco Park. When I go to a game, I park wherever I can find a spot downtown and then enjoy the walk to the stadium. However, you can reserve your spot in advance to guarantee a spot at the ballpark. I also enjoy utilizing public transportation to get to the game. As a North County resident, my family hops on the coaster and then takes the trolley, but you can map your own route from anywhere in the county or utilize a ride share service and get dropped off.

The Swag
In addition to buying new merchandise at the Padres Official Team Store in Petco Park (located in the Western Metal Supply Building), you can snag FREE swag when you attend certain games. The Opening Day game is also your day to get the Opening Day Hat! You can stay in the know for family and special events here.

New Entertainment
A newly constructed Sycuan Stage is now located at Petco Park’s Park at the Park. The stage will be the area’s newest concert venue and host a minimum of eight national touring acts per year. With a general admission capacity of more than 6,000 guests, the Sycuan Stage is the first of its kind among Major League ballparks creating a unique outdoor setting in the middle of downtown San Diego. In addition to concerts, there are so many events ranging from KidsFest to Cocktail events and parties for foodies or your dogs! 

Family-Friendly Fun (aka…I have kids, will I be able to watch the game?)
Yes… you can enjoy baseball and time with your family! Kids love the sport and this is an affordable family-fun option when it comes to finding entertainment in San Diego. Admission is free for children under 3 feet tall who are accompanied by an adult. They’ll have to sit on your lap, but they’re free. And you’ll find baby changing stations in every women’s and men’s restroom throughout Petco Park (so, dad…there’s no way to avoid changing that dirty diaper here!). There is also a Nursing Lounge accessible through Suite 32 on the Toyota Terrace offering privacy. For kids beyond the lap-sitting stage, there are many activities to enjoy, including running the bases or scrimmaging with other kids on the little diamond in Park at the Park.

Park at the Park tickets are ideal for families because you can bring in outside food, there is plenty of space for children to run around and make noise, yet you still get to enjoy the game. This is my favorite place to hang with the kids and my family purchases these tickets when we head to a game!

If you are still looking for more answers to navigating Opening Day and future games, watch News 8’s Ashley Jacobs has to say in her segments or connect with her via social media.

Use #AskAshley to get your specific questions answered.

Now that you know what to expect from this season, take a look back at San Diego Padres footage of yesteryear below. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out