Since its’ debut in 2004 Petco Park has epitomized California cool with its’ Park @ the Park and Beach features. As “America’s Finest city” prepares to host the 2016 MLB All-Star Game Petco Park has undergone a few upgrades to increase social space and honor the Padres past.
Dennis Lin of the San Diego Tribune reports:.
The Padres on Monday announced their latest round of upgrades to Petco Park, including a two-level “social space” in right-center field with room for 600 fans and inspiration by San Diego’s beach lifestyle. The new addition will be ready in time for the 2016 season.
Locally based Sun Diego Boardshops is the presenting partner of the social space. Construction is scheduled to begin this week. “The Beach,” the children’s sand play area behind the right-center fence, will be preserved and relocated to a space along K Street, safe from balls in play.
“Sun Diego epitomizes what is unique and desirable about all of Southern California, and we are excited to expand our partnership with such an iconic local company that is emblematic of that lifestyle,” Padres president and CEO Mike Dee said in a release. “This project will transform the space in right-center field, while preserving the view from the grass seating area in the Park at the Park. Together with Sun Diego, we will create an improved and unique experience for fans in what has previously been an underutilized area.”
Modeled after Southern California’s beach piers, the new space will feature pilings and decking constructed from recycled composite wood. Drink rails will line the front row of both levels, which will combine to hold approximately 60 fixed seats. In total, the space can accommodate nearly 600 people standing room-only. It will be sold as a group space for most games.
A new LED ribbon board manufactured by Daktronics will be installed along the fascia of the top level.
Other Petco Park upgrades for 2016:
- The Lexus Home Plate Club will be updated with 222 new seats. The field-level premium area behind home plate will receive a new floor surface application as well as new paint on guardrails and handrails.
- New backstop netting will be installed behind home plate. Manufactured by Promats Athletics, the new netting is designed to minimize appearance and provide a more optimal viewing experience, while maintaining safety standards. The netting will be expanded in width based on recommendations to be determined by Major League Baseball.
- As was previously announced, Petco Park will receive an installation of Musco’s SportsCluster LED system, designed to cut glare both inside and outside the ballpark.
- Before July’s All-Star Game, the Padres Hall of Fame will open on K Street behind the left-field seating area.
