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Petco Park
Experience
San Diego, CA
by: Anthony Lorenzo
Self proclaimed as “America’s Finest City” San Diego has grown from
a Naval city into the second largest city in California. Its
combination of perfect weather and laid back atmosphere has provided
an oasis to those looking for a change of pace. After spending two
nights in San Diego I can say that I have never been to a city like
it. This was evident as Mike and I made our way to Petco Park, home
of the San Diego Padres and vital part of the revitalization of
downtown San Diego.
Petco Park replaced Jack Murphy
Stadium, home of the Padres since 1969, on April 8, 2004. It was
the beginning of a new era in Padres history. Since reaching the
1998 World Series, the Padres had not returned to the playoffs. It
was their 1998 World Series run that saved the Padres in San Diego.
Shortly after being swept by the New York Yankees, voters approved a
bond to allow construction of a ballpark in downtown San Diego.
Petco Park brought unprecedented interest to the Padres
organization, drawing over 3 million fans in 2004. I feel Petco
Park’s success lies in its ability to provide a exceptional game day
experience for Padre fans of all ages. Whether it is the beach in
center field, the park at the park or the palm court with its’
waterfalls and jacaranda trees Petco Park presents baseball with a
San Diego twist. The sandstone façade of Petco Park was imported
from India. Its unique shade has been named Padres Gold. The most
distinctive feature of Petco Park is the Western Metal Supply
Building, a 95-year-old warehouse that was restored by the Padres to
serve as the home of their team store, hall of fame, and left field
foul line. With all there is to see at Petco Park it was hard for
Michael and I to see everything prior to the ballgame between the
Cincinnati Reds and hometown Padres.
Heading out on a Ballpark Tour in September can be a hit or miss in
terms of the importance of the ballgames. Michael and I have spent
a few September evenings watching ballgames that meant little in the
standings. Our trip to San Diego changed that. After winning the
National League West in 2005 the Padres were in the National League
Wild Card race. The Reds were right behind them; this would be a
huge 3 game series. The Reds sent Bronson Arroyo to the mound to
face Clay Hensley. Hensley had trouble for the start, allowing 4
runs in the first 3 innings. The damage would have been worse if it
wasn’t for Mike Cameron’s leaping catch in center field to rob Ken
Griffey Jr. of a home run. The Padres could only muster 5 hits as
Bronson Arroyo, 7 innings 4 hits 2 earned runs, and Rich Aurilia, 4
for 5 with a home run and 2 RBI, led the Reds to a 6 – 2 victory in
front of 32,901 fans. The win drew the Reds within one-half game of
the National League Wild Card, but after losing the final 2 games of
the series fell out of the race. The Padres went on to win the 2006
National League West Division title. September 2006 will also be
remembered for Padres great Trevor Hoffman, who went on to set the
Major League record for saves at 482.
Although I enjoyed my time at Petco Park, I was disappointed with
the lack of intensity from Padre fans. I came away with the
realization that baseball in San Diego is just another entertainment
option in “America’s Finest City” and that I cannot compare it with
the baseball experience on the east coast. Petco Park does have
most stadiums beat when it comes to ballpark dining. Not only do
they serve a great fish taco, but also offer a few sit down
restaurants throughout the park, all with their own themes. I came
away from my visit to Petco Park with a new appreciation of the
Padres organization. They have played above their talent level
during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. Although they have come up short
in the playoffs, Manager Bruce Bochy and General Manager Kevin
Towers deserve all the credit for maximizing the Padres
performance. I look forward to following the Padres in the years to
come and hope if I ever travel to San Diego again the Padres are in
town.
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