The 2018 Major League Baseball season is almost here. That means the San Diego Padres are coming back to town. If you’ve never been to a Padres game at Petco Park in Downtown San Diego, the beginning of the season is the perfect time to make your first trip. Fans are hopeful, anything still feels possible, and you never know what will happen game to game.

Neighborhoods.com has put together our tips and recommendations to make your first game experience as enjoyable as possible. 

Where To Sit

While tickets are easily available for a Padres game and can start as low as $10, you also have to consider which seats those tickets get you. For instance, seats on the side of the first base are in the afternoon sun. If you choose those seats, be prepared to bake during a weekend. If the shade is your aim, try the left field line, as it receives shade first, or seats behind the plate. If you choose seats behind the left field fence, know that the big screen and scoreboard will be directly behind you.

If you’re on a budget, try section 315. That’s the outfield upper deck, but still gives you a solid view of the field without going overboard. If you can swing it, go for one of the lower rows for the best views possible. Sections 130, 132, and 134 are close to the bullpens in left-center and also offer good concession food and drink options nearby.

If you choose to sit in left field, you’ll get a great view of the whole ballpark but still be close to the action. It’s also the best location to grab a tossed ball from fielding players or catch a batting practice home run ball. 

If your intention is to impress your guest, looks for seats in Sections 1-4 (but you’re gonna pay a lot for them). If you want an Instagram-worthy view that combines the field and San Diego skyline, try sections 107-113. The Padres dugout is in front of section 107 while the visitors dugout is in front of section 108. 

For more in-depth seating descriptions, such as which seats have the fewest stairs to climb or which seats are covered, check Rate Your Seats. 

Where to Stay

Courtesy of Marriot

If you’re coming to town because your favorite team is playing the Padres or you’re looking to make a long weekend of it, you will find no shortage of places to stay close to Petco Park. Because the San Diego Convention Center is across the way, the area is full of hotels that run the price gamut. 

If you want to make your walk as short as possible, try for the San Diego Marriott in Gaslamp Quarter, which is located directly across the street. In fact, depending on which room you stay in, you might have a (partially blocked) view of the game.

Want to stay near the stadium but want to find a hotel that’s a little more affordable? Consider the Horton Grand Hotel or Hotel Z, both located in the Gaslamp as well.

Want to expand your horizons a little bit or save some money? So long as you’ve got a vehicle or want to use public transit, consider Hotel del Coronado in Coronado or La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla. The truth is that the San Diego area has so many hotels that you’re bound to find something in your price range featuring the amenities you need somewhere. 

Getting to Petco Park

Getting to Petco is practically a breeze from any point Downtown. Taxis and rideshares aside, there is parking available in garages near the stadium, or lots near the harbor, perfect for walking.

The Padres own multiple lots located close to the stadium. The team encourages fans to pre-purchase their parking online in order to get a discounted rate instead of the day-of-game rate. They also post all rates and locations here.

If you’re looking for free parking, there’s a slim chance you’ll be able to find a metered spot to the east of the stadium (east of 7th street). You don’t need to pay for parking here after 6 p.m., perfect for weekday evening games.

There’s also the Coaster train or the Amtrak if you’re traveling from a bit farther out. Don’t forget about the San Diego Trolley, which has three stations to serve Petco Park. There are even ferry and water taxi rides that drop you off close to the stadium as well. Check out the full list of public transport options here.

How to Pre-Game

Photo by SD Dirk / CC BY

If you’ve never been to the area before, a stroll through the adjacent Gaslamp District is a great way to get to know the neighborhood. You can do some advanced scouting of restaurants and bars for a post-game visit as well. 

Over in East Village by the stadium, the architects of Petco Park incorporated a local historic landmark, the Western Metal Supply Co. Building, into their plans. The left field foul pole runs along the southeastern corner of the building, which fans can hang out in and watch the game. On the other side outside the stadium, you can peruse a souvenir shop, eat at a public restaurant, or grab a drink at the bar.

There are also plenty to explore outside the stadium, including Tony Gwynn Plaza, centered around a 9.5-foot statue of the Hall of Fame Padres hitter. If you’ve got kids with you, stop by the Little League-sized field behind left field and throw the ball around a little bit. 

What to Eat and Drink During the Game

Courtesy of Hodad's

There’s no shortage of options for food and drink in Petco Park. Some of the vendors on hand include Hodad’s for burgers (the bacon cheeseburger is a highlight), Lucha Libre for tacos, Phil’s BBQ for barbecue, and Seaside Market for the tri-tip sandwich that has been nicknamed “Cardiff Crack” in reference to the market’s original location.

If you’ve saved room for dessert, you have to try the Baked Bear ice cream sandwich. That’s a slab of ice cream smackdab in the middle of two fresh-baked cookies. It’s indulgent and messy but has earned its reputation as one of the must-try foods in the stadium.

San Diego is well known for its craft beer and Petco Park is stocked with some of the region’s very best. If you’re trying to stay on theme, you’ll have to try the San Diego Pale Ale .394 from AleSmith Brewery, which celebrates Tony Gwynn’s legendary .394 batting average in 1994. In total, you’ll find beers from over 20 local and Southern California craft breweries inside. 

If you’re trying to save a few coins, you’re allowed to bring food to the park. You can pack a small, soft-sided cooler and also enter with factory-sealed plastic water bottles (no larger than 20 ounces). You can’t bring any glass bottles, cans, or alcohol into the park, however.

Post-Game Plans

If you plan ahead, there’s a way to get a cool twofer: a baseball game and a concert or fireworks show. Periodically, music performances or fireworks displays are held following Padres games. Check out the promotional ticket page for a full list of events and dates. 

If you drove to the game, it’s gonna be awhile before traffic clears. Consider walking around the Marina District to take in the warm weather and views. Or head north to Littly Italy for a post-game meal or tiramisu treat.