SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - As the San Diego Padres reopened training camp - this time at Petco Park - a Padres fan is hoping to share one of the only seats in town for baseball.
For the past eight years, Chip Messenger has leased a unit on the 15th floor in the Legend building, overlooking Petco Park.
"The view never disappoints. Everyone is always amazed," said Messenger.
The view is about to become even more priceless because the Padres aren't expected to open up the stadium to fans when they start the season later this month. Messenger will have one of the only seats in town to watch live baseball.
"Looking for forward to it. I think people have been isolated and bored. Ready for something positive to happen," said Messenger.
In late June, Messenger tweeted a photo of his view of Petco Park, sparking thousands of likes and hundreds of replies.
"They tell me, 'I'll bring the beer. I'll bring the fish tacos. Do you remember me from first grade? Do you need a new best friend?'" said Messenger.
Messenger will be making a lot of new frends. This season, he plans to share his balcony with other baseball fans.
"This is a unique opportunity, and I'm happy to share it with people who won't get a chance to watch baseball," said Messenger.
He hasn't figured out how he'll divvy up the invites. The financial planner says he won't be accepting money, but probably won't turn down food or adult beverages. He's hoping his plans will also benefit the Padres. He counts about a hundred nearby balconies facing the stadium, which could translate into a lot of cheering.
"Probably going to be one of the few places in the country where we fans can actually watch our team play. Who knows, maybe the Padres could have a home field advantage. Could be pretty cool," said Messenger.
Messenger is planning COVID precautions for his Padres viewing days.
Only a handful of teams has similar views outside their stadium. At Wrigley Field in Chicago, the Cubs plan to open up the nearby rooftops at 25% capacity.
