– The San Diego Padres for the 2024 season will have all gates at Petco Park opening at 11 a.m. on Opening Day, with the first pitch scheduled for 1:10 p.m. The game will be played against the San Francisco Giants. Sheel Seidler, the wife of Peter Seidler, the Padres’ former Chairman and Owner, will have the honor of throwing the Ceremonial First Pitch. Additionally, a block party is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 30.
– With Opening Day just around the corner, the Padres find themselves tied for the best record in baseball even before the first pitch is thrown at Petco Park. As the baseball season begins, it’s important to stay informed about the upcoming game. Below, we provide a breakdown of everything you need to know before the season’s first pitch.
When is Opening Day?
On Opening Day, all gates at Petco Park will unlock promptly at 11 a.m. in preparation for the upcoming game. The highly anticipated first pitch is slated for 1:10 p.m., and the San Diego Padres will be facing off against the San Francisco Giants in this exciting matchup.
Yu Darvish, a talented right-handed pitcher, will be the one to step onto the mound for the Padres on Opening Day.
The pregame ceremony will feature Jon Foreman, the lead singer of the band Switchfoot, who will perform the National Anthem. This will be followed by an impressive flyover by two Navy EA18-G Growler jets, adding to the excitement of the event.
Adding a touch of significance to the occasion, Sheel Seidler, the wife of Peter Seidler, a highly respected and cherished former Chairman and Owner of the Padres, will have the honor of throwing the game’s Ceremonial First Pitch.
Opening Day Giveaway
According to an official press release, the first 40,000 Padres fans attending select home games at Petco Park will receive exclusive branded items as giveaways. These items will be distributed when the gates open, and fans can redeem one item per ticket scanned, while supplies last.
On Friday, March 29, 2024, in honor of the 20th anniversary of Petco Park and to mark the beginning of the 2024 season, the first 40,000 fans present at the game will receive an Opening Series Hat. This special hat is presented by Sycuan Casino Resort, adding to the excitement and commemoration of the event.
For more information and specific details about the scheduled giveaways, further information will be available.
The Opening Day Block Party is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 30. It will be held on J Street, between 7th and 10th avenues. This exciting event, known as the 12th Annual Opening Weekend Block Party, is free for all attendees. It will showcase numerous local vendors, offer live music performances, and provide various other forms of entertainment.
For fans planning to attend the Padres’ home games throughout the season, it is anticipated that many games will be sold out. Therefore, the recommended transportation option for most fans is to utilize the Trolley system, if possible. The Green Line, which costs $2.50 for a one-way trip, is particularly convenient. Fans can board the Trolley at Old Town and transfer to the Blue or Orange Line to reach the stop at 12th and Imperial. From there, it is a short walk to Petco Park. Simply follow the crowd dressed in brown and yellow, or gold.
According to the MTS (Metropolitan Transit System), the red rail cars will run every 15 minutes during Opening Weekend, and extra trains will be added after the games to accommodate the increased passenger demand. To ensure a smooth journey, it is advisable to download the Pronto app on your phone and purchase fares in advance.
Tickets are still available for Padres Opening Day, specifically for the Gallagher Square area, also known as the Park in the Park. These tickets are priced at $55, plus fees.
Regarding parking for Opening Day, spots in Tailgate Park at Imperial and 12th Avenues are already sold out. However, valet parking on Imperial Avenue is still available for $75.
When it comes to what you can bring to Petco Park, the guidelines can be a bit complex. According to the Padres FAQ, homemade signs and banners are welcome as long as they adhere to certain guidelines, such as not obstructing the view of others and not being commercial, political, or obscene in nature. Factory-sealed plastic bottled water, soft-sided single juice or milk containers, and ADA required liquids in sealed containers are permitted. Non-professional still cameras and video cameras with lenses no longer than 6″ are allowed. Petco Park is a cashless venue, so credit cards and digital payment methods are accepted. Guests can bring food intended for individual consumption, but it should be wrapped, bagged, or in a container to avoid spillage. Certain food items that could be thrown as projectiles should be sliced or sectioned. One factory-sealed plastic bottled water (1 liter or less) and soft-sided single juice or milk containers are allowed. Reusable water bottles (1 liter, no glass) must be empty upon entry. Complimentary admission is offered to children under 36 inches in height, accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. Service animals complying with U.S. ADA regulations are welcomed. Strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers are allowed but should not limit guest movement or block aisles. Small, collapsible umbrellas are permitted as long as they do not block sightlines or become a nuisance to others.
