The San Diego Padres on Dec. 7 announced details surrounding upgrades at Petco Park for 2016. The centerpiece of the updates is a new two-level social space in right-center field inspired by San Diego’s beach lifestyle. Locally based Sun Diego Boardshops has expanded its existing relationship with the Padres to become the presenting partner of the space, which will be constructed in the location currently occupied by The Beachers seating area and The Beach play area. As part of the design, the children’s sand play area will be preserved and relocated to a space along K Street, further removed from the playing field and safe from balls in play. Construction is set to begin this week.
“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,” said Padres president and CEO Mike Dee. “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,” he said.
The new space, with a design aesthetic modeled after Southern California’s iconic piers, will feature pilings and decking constructed from environmentally friendly recycled composite wood. Drink rails will line the front row of each level, with approximately 60 fixed seats between the two. In total, the space will accommodate nearly 600 people in a standing room only capacity. Ideal for mingling and social interaction, it will be sold as a group space for the majority of games.
The upgrade includes the installation of a new LED ribbon board manufactured by Daktronics along the fascia of the top level (3.5-feet tall by 70-feet wide). Partners on this project include San Diego-based architecture firm Larimer Design and Clark Construction.
Home Plate Club seating
Also this offseason, the Lexus Home Plate Club will be refreshed with the installation of 222 new seats manufactured by American Seating. The premium area immediately behind home plate on the field level will also receive a new floor surface application as well as new paint on guardrails and handrails.
Backstop netting
New backstop netting will be installed separating spectators behind home plate from the field of play. The netting, manufactured by Promats Athletics, features the latest technology to minimize the appearance of the net and provide an optimal viewing experience, while maintaining high safety standards. The netting will be expanded in width based on new recommendations to be determined by Major League Baseball. LED lighting
As was previously announced, Petco Park will take another major step toward energy sustainability this offseason, with the installation of Musco’s SportsCluster LED system. In partnership with Cisterra Development, installation will begin at the end of December and is scheduled to be completed in early January.
With specially designed optics, the new system will cut glare both inside and outside the ballpark, and the improved visibility it offers will enhance television broadcasts and provide a stage-like atmosphere for spectators. San Diego Gas & Electric acted as the Padres’ consultant in connection with the project.
Padres Hall of Fame
Also this offseason and continuing into the 2016 season, various ballpark projects are underway to showcase the organization’s history throughout the ballpark. Those efforts will come to life next year, highlighted by the new Padres Hall of Fame, which will open on K Street behind the left field seating area before the 2016 All-Star Game at Petco Park. Additional details on the Padres Hall of Fame project will be announced at a later date.
Other recent upgrades
This offseason’s changes are part of a multi-year project and investment by Padres ownership to upgrade and improve the fan experience. Last year’s renovation was highlighted by the installation of a state-of-the-art video board measuring 61.2-feet tall by 123.6-feet wide, covering 7,564.32 square feet, the third-largest in Major League Baseball, and the largest in the National League. In addition last year, new LED ribbon boards spanning nearly 750 feet along the first and third base lines on the Toyota Terrace level (3.6-feet tall), as well as on the left field grandstand fascia (7.5-feet tall by 130-feet wide).
Last year’s left field renovation project included the debut of several new social spaces and seating areas, including The Landing, a private 300-person group space immediately below the video board and the Down the Line Suite presented by AMR on the ground floor of the Western Metal Supply Co. building. Also introduced in 2015 was the Hideaway presented by Deep Eddy Vodka down the left field line on the Toyota Terrace level.
Prior to the 2014 season, in addition to an overhaul of the ballpark’s audio system, the Padres installed a new high-definition video board at Park at the Park. New seating options introduced in 2014 included Rimel’s Rooftop Grill on the roof of the Western Metal Supply Co. building, The Foul Pole Suite and The Rail one level below, and the On-Deck Suite next to the visitors’ dugout.
New right field lower and upper LED ribbon boards were installed prior to the 2013 season.
