SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Baseball is back, San Diego!
The San Diego Padres' hotly-anticipated season is already expected to see scores of fans head to Petco Park for the team's Opening Day series against the San Francisco Giants.
If you're planning to head to the ballpark this weekend, here's what to know:
Game time and info
Thursday: 1:10 p.m. game time
- Fan giveaway includes Opening Day cap
- Important times:
- Park gates open at 10:30 a.m.
- Home team batting practice ends at about 11 a.m. Visitors’ batting practice starts at about 11:05 a.m.
- To enjoy Opening Day ceremony, fans should be in their seats no later than 12:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:10 p.m. game time
- BeerFest pregame event held from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 5:40 p.m. game time
- Fan giveaway includes 50th Anniversary Swingin' Friar bobblehead
- Postgame fireworks show
Sunday: 1:10 p.m. game time
- Fan giveaway includes Padres & Puppies calendars
- KidsFest at the Park at 10:30 a.m.
Transportation and parking
MTS will be offering special event trolley service to and from Petco Park from SDCCU Stadium and Mission Valley for the Opening Day series.
The Sycuan Green Line, the UC San Diego Blue Line, and the Orange Line will operate direct service to Petco Park and offer increased service after the game, running every 15 minutes.
Free parking is available at SDCCU Stadium (Sycuan Green Line), Palm Avenue (UC San Diego Blue Line), and Spring Street (Orange Line.)
North County Transit District (NCTD) will offer extra Coaster service with trains leaving Oceanside Station at 9:37 a.m. and 11:08 a.m. on Opening Day. Free parking is also available at Coaster stations. Coaster Regional Day passes include free trolley connections.
After each Opening series game, a northbound Coaster train will leave Santa Fe Depot 60 minutes after the last out.
Due to development in the ballpark area, parking is limited. Petco Park recommends purchasing prepaid parking at nearby lots prior to the game, online here.
What to do at the park
Beside the game, fans are invited out to the ninth annual Opening Day Block Party outside Petco Park on Thursday and Friday.
The two-day party kicks off on J St, between Sixth and Tenth Avenues, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday and 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
Activities planned include autographs with Padres players, a "swing batter, batter, swing" game zone, a pet expo and fashion show, live music and entertainment, adult activation zone with baseball-themed cocktails and a beer garden, a pizza eating contest, and Lucha Libre wrestling.
Where to eat & drink at the game
You can't go wrong with the classic Friar Frank, which is offered at stands all around the park now in new styles introduced last season, including bacon-wrapped, caprese-turkey, chili-cheese, veggie and kid-friendly hot dog variations.
Of course, every San Diegan knows about Phil's BBQ (in Park in the Park, at Field Level section 113, on the Western Metal Supply Co. Building Rooftop) as well as the burgers and fries at Hodad's (in sections 104, 131, 300, 316 and 325.)
Entering the game last season came Buona Forchetta (Field Level Mercado section 104) and Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill (Field Level at section 117.) Buona Forchetta serves up delicious Neopolitan-style pizzas, Italian wines, and gelato, while Blue Water is cooking up delicious, fresh seafood plates and fish tacos.
Wash it all down with your pick from a variety of craft beers offered along Petco Park's main concourse behind home plate, Ballast Point beer garden (Toyota Terrace level), Craft Pier (behind center field), Karl Strauss Red Trolleys throughout the park, or the Craft Beers of San Diego stands (sections 105, 215, 229, 303 and 328.)
Designated Driver kiosks are also available in sections 108, 208 and 313.
