Opening Summary
Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, offers accessible seating options for fans with disabilities and mobility challenges. This includes semi-ambulatory seats that provide more space for individuals who need room for a wheelchair or other mobility aid. However, there are specific requirements regarding who can utilize these seats during Padres games and events at the stadium. The main factors include having proper documentation, purchasing a ticket for the seat, and following stadium policies. With the right preparations and coordination, many fans who need extra room and accessibility assistance can enjoy the game from these ideal viewing areas.
What are Semi-Ambulatory Seats?
Semi-ambulatory seats are designed for individuals who require the use of a wheelchair or other mobility aids but have limited ability to walk short distances. These seats provide extra space to maneuver a wheelchair into place and transfer to a regular stadium seat if desired. Key features include:
- 33-36 inches of leg room
- No seat directly in front to allow space for feet/legs
- Movable or detachable armrests on one side of the seat
- Spaces typically located at the end of a row for easy access
The semi-ambulatory sections at Petco Park are near elevators, allowing convenient access for fans. These seats aim to provide comfortable and accommodating spaces for fans with disabilities or health conditions such as paraplegia, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or paralysis after stroke or injury. The extra room and accessible features allow individuals to enjoy the game despite mobility limitations.
Qualifications for Semi-Ambulatory Seating
Petco Park limits semi-ambulatory seats to qualified individuals to ensure proper utilization. Specific requirements include:
- Must have disability requiring use of a wheelchair/mobility device
- Wheelchair or mobility aid must be wider than 19 inches
- Documentation must be shown to verify disability upon ticket purchase and entry
- Only one companion seat allowed per semi-ambulatory space
Documentation can include a DMV placard registration, letter from doctor or healthcare provider, proof of disability benefits, or other forms approved by Petco Park management. Stadium staff may check for appropriate credentials at designated ticket lines and entry points to keep seating reserved for fans with appropriate needs. Individuals sitting in the semi-ambulatory section must remain in their wheelchair or mobility aid during the game. Able-bodied companions cannot utilize this seating without the disabled fan present. Strict policies aim to ensure these prime viewing spots are available to the fans that require the accessibility features.
Purchasing Semi-Ambulatory Seating Tickets
Fans require a valid ticket to sit in a semi-ambulatory seat for Padres games or other Petco Park events. Purchasing options include:
- Contacting the Petco Park box office directly by phone or in person
- Calling the Padres ticket sales office
- Visiting the Petco Park ticket counter on game days
- Buying online and selecting accessible seating during checkout
- Working with reseller sites like StubHub that offer these seats
Those interested should indicate they require a semi-ambulatory seat and be prepared to submit documentation to complete the transaction. It is important to purchase tickets in advance, as the limited number of semi-ambulatory spaces sell quickly, especially for popular games and events. Single game tickets typically range from $30-100 per seat depending on the opponent and seating location. Season ticket packages are also available.
Game Day Policies for Semi-Ambulatory Seating
Petco Park staff enforces the following rules on game days to maintain accessibility:
- Must enter via designated access gates for ticket check
- Those ages 2 and up require a semi-ambulatory ticket to sit in the section
- Only individuals needing the accessible space are allowed to utilize it
- No able-bodied companions without disabled fans present
- Must remain in wheelchair/mobility device at all times when in seat
These measures aim to maintain open spaces for wheelchair maneuvering and appropriate utilization of limited semi-ambulatory seating. Petco Park also prohibits certain types of mobility devices in these sections:
- No motorized vehicles (must be manually operated wheelchair)
- No Segway scooters
- No two-wheeled scooters
- No roller skates/sneakers with wheels
This improves safety and reduces blockages in aisles and rows during the excited environment of a Padres game. Patrons can visit guest services or call ahead for specific questions on certain mobility aids like POV wheelchairs. Proper documentation and equipment allow disabled fans to enjoy semi-ambulatory seating access.
Conclusion
Petco Park provides semi-ambulatory seating sections to accommodate fans requiring wheelchair accessibility and extra space. By understanding the qualifications, ticket purchasing, and game day policies, disabled individuals can utilize these prime viewing areas ideally suited for their needs. Contacting Petco Park staff in advance and arriving early allows time to submit proper documentation and get comfortably situated. With some planning and coordination, the semi-ambulatory seats can provide the ideal accommodations to experience America’s favorite pastime up close at Petco Park.