Opened: 2004
Capacity: 46,000
What the authors say: “Petco Park … fits into its surrounding environment remarkably well. Though not directly on the water, the park offers striking views of sailboats, navy vessels, cruise ships, and the Coronado Bridge, spanning San Diego Bay.”
Learned from the book:
• The Padres cleverly found a way to incorporate a part of the city, the old Western Metal Supply Co. building, into its modern stadium. All four floors are used for various purposes, including for a team store and luxury boxes, in left field.
• The authors rank the Ballpark District created around the stadium and the Gaslamp Quarter as the “second best pregame neighborhood environment” in the majors.
• San Diego is a military town and the team maintains a good relationship with the many service personnel, to the point of playing occasional games in camouflage jerseys. There is also a mural honoring all big leaguers who’ve served in the military, including, of course, San Diego’s very own Ted Williams.
• The San Diego Chicken has set the pace for all other team mascots since making his debut on Opening Day in 1974.
• True to its locale, the Padres provide an actual sand lot called “The Beach,” a low-cost seating option where fans can use their own beach chairs and kids can build sand castles.
