Welcome home, Padres. San Diego’s MLB team is swinging into Opening Day tomorrow against the Colorado Rockies at 1:10 p.m. The season begins at Petco Park — 2023’s best MLB Stadium according to USA Today.
🤎 A historic season
The Padres will take on the Rockies for the Opening Series, with daily games through Sunday, April 2. But, it’s just the start of a historic schedule. For the first time in MLB history, all 30 teams will face one another at least once during the season.
After the team reached the National League Championship Series last year, Friar Nation is still reeling with excitement. Demand has been so high for Padres season tickets, they needed to cap sales for the first time ever.
🧢 What’s new?
While this season begins at home, expect to see the Padres in new jerseys. Last year, the team signed a partnership with Motorola to add the company’s logo as a jersey patch on players’ sleeves. This is the first deal of its kind in MLB history.
As you head out to Petco Park, be sure to bring your appetite. Sure, you’ll find peanuts and Cracker Jacks, but the downtown San Diego ballpark wasn’t name 2023’s best MLB Stadium without some local flavor. Here are the new offerings on the concessions map this year.
- Brews from Alpine Beer Company will be on tap at the company’s new space in Section 311.
- Kona Big Wave Patio is taking over Bud Patio (Section 227), serving a selection of beers and an island-inspired menu including the Short Rib Rice Bowl.
- A new cart, Mexican Street Corn, will be serving up corn that’s poppin’ in Section 100. There’s elote made with Tajín Pop Rocks, or try the spicy jalapeño poppers.
You can also find new items at existing vendors, like the Hot Hen Fries and Baja Tacos at The Draft by Ballast Point, or Alpine Beer Company’s Smoked Hot Link at Grand Ole BBQ.
💛 Join the festivities
You can still score single-game tickets — though Opening Day tickets are in low supply. There are also promo and events calendars full of promos and themed games.
On Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the Opening Weekend Block Party will come to East Village. The event celebrates Padres baseball with live music, entertainment, and vendors — including restaurants, brewers, and small businesses. And, don’t forget your camera, because we expect some great photo ops.
Parking near Petco Park is limited, but all three MTS Trolley lines serve the ballpark, with additional services during Opening Weekend and a new wrap to show Padres pride.
Pro tip: Due to the delayed start time on Opening Day, MTS has postponed its Padres Pronto card giveaway until East Village’s Opening Weekend Block Party.
