Buying San Diego Padres tickets at Petco Park is a convenient option for fans looking to attend games throughout the MLB season. While many choose to purchase tickets online ahead of time, it is also possible to buy tickets directly at the ballpark on game day. There are a few key things to know about buying Padres tickets at Petco Park to ensure a smooth process.
Box Office Locations
There are three main box office locations at Petco Park to purchase Padres tickets on site:
- The Padres Majestic Team Store located near the Park at the Park area of the ballpark on the corner of Tony Gwynn Drive and Park Boulevard. This box office sells tickets for that day’s game.
- The Advance Ticket Windows on Tony Gwynn Drive near the Home Plate Gate. Here you can buy both single game tickets for that day and future games.
- The Ticket Pavilion next to the Park Boulevard Gate on 14th Street. This box office also sells both same day and future game tickets.
The ticket box office locations open 2 hours before first pitch and will remain open up until the end of the 2nd inning. Keep in mind lines can get long on game days, so arrive early if you want to purchase on site. The Majestic Team Store and the Advance Ticket Windows are the best options for shorter wait times.
Ticket Inventory
The inventory of tickets available for purchase at the Petco Park box office can vary per game. In many cases, you will have a good selection of seat locations to choose from. However availability really depends on factors like:
- The day of the week – Less inventory is often available for weekend games.
- Opponent – More popular visiting teams like the Dodgers or Giants tend to sell out faster.
- Time of season – There is usually more availability early in the season.
Premium seating options like Field, Club, and Luxury Suites are very limited for day-of-game sales. Upper View level and Bleacher seats typically have the best availability if purchasing tickets the day of a game.
Pricing and Payment
Ticket prices are consistent whether buying online in advance or same day at the ballpark. You’ll pay face value pricing. Tickets can be purchased with cash or credit card at the Petco Park box offices. There is a $5 fee for credit card purchases under $500.
Some key pricing notes:
- Weekend and premium games are more expensive.
- Upper View and Bleacher seats are cheapest.
- There are often discounts on Upper View level seats later in the game.
Kids aged 12 and under receive special reduced pricing on select Lower View and Upper View seats for most games.
Student, Military, Senior Discounts
Special discounted ticket programs are available for students, military members, seniors 60+ years old. Just bring valid ID to purchase these tickets at the Petco Park box office. Discounts cannot be applied retroactively if tickets were already purchased online or by phone.
Key details on ballpark ticket discounts:
Program | Details | Discount Amount |
---|---|---|
Student | For college students with valid school ID, ages 17-24 | $5 off select seats |
Military | For active duty personnel and veterans with valid ID | $5 off select seats |
Senior | For adults 60+ years old with valid ID | $2-$6 off select seats |
Day-Of-Game Upgrades
Subject to availability, Padres ticketholders may be able to upgrade their seats on the day of a game for an additional fee at the Petco Park box offices. Upgrades are not guaranteed and must be handled directly at the ballpark.
Some most common upgrade options include:
- Moving closer within the same seating level
- Upgrading from Lower View to Field level
- Upgrading from Upper View to Lower View/Field level
Those interested in a potential upgrade can check in at a box office upon arrival at Petco Park to check on same day seat availability and pricing. Upgrades can only be completed prior to the start of the 3rd inning. Payment for the upgrade fee is required at time of the seat move.
Other Day-Of Options
In addition to single game seats that can be purchased on site, fans also have these other same day ticketing options at the Petco Park box office:
- Standing Room Only – Limited number of standing room only (SRO) tickets are sold on game days for mostly Upper View and some Lower View games. SRO tickets allow you access to view the game from open concession areas and bars. Price is just $10.
- The Beach – You can buy special tickets for The Beach, the large sandy play area beyond the outfield fence that has a tropical theme with bonfire pits. Beach passes start at $30.
- The Park at the Park – This grassy sloping lawn area beyond centerfield is another open seating option. Park at the Park passes go for around $20.
Resale Tickets
If the Padres box office locations are sold out of tickets you want for a specific game, you can always find resale tickets from other fans. Here are some tips for buying resale:
- Avoid buying from scalpers, who often sell fake or invalid tickets.
- Safest option is to use a reputable resale marketplace like StubHub.com that guarantees valid tickets. These are also available onsite via the Ballpark app.
- Expect to pay above face value when buying resale, sometimes significantly higher for premium matchups and playoffs.
- Try waiting until later in the day of the game when prices often drop as sellers scramble to unload tickets.
Future Games
While the Padres ballpark box offices are focused mainly on same day ticket sales, you can purchase tickets for future games in advance both online and at Petco Park. Here are some tips:
- Buying early in the season will give you the most choice of seating options before games start selling out.
- Weeknight games typically have more availability further into the season compared to weekends.
- The Padres offer pre-sale events for the public to buy future tickets before the general on-sale.
- Joining the Friar Fan Club membership program gives you exclusive pre-sale ticket access opportunities.
Purchasing in advance locks in tickets before street prices potentially rise leading up to high demand matchups. You’ll also have tickets securely in hand rather than having to hope for availability day of game.
Digital Tickets
The San Diego Padres utilize mobile ticketing for all ticket purchases including season tickets. Print-at-home paper tickets are no longer issued. This means you’ll need to use the MLB Ballpark app to access, manage, and scan your tickets on your smartphone.
If buying at the box office, you’ll provide your mobile number and the tickets will be automatically loaded into the Ballpark app. Make sure to download and login ahead of time. You will scan your tickets directly from your phone screen to enter Petco Park gates and access your seats.
Conclusion
Purchasing Padres tickets at Petco Park on game day is a viable and easy option for fans. Inventory will depend on demand factors for that matchup, but the box offices usually have decent availability somewhere in the ballpark outside of opening day and the playoffs. Just make sure to arrive when gates open to beat lines and get the best selection. Going mobile is key these days with digital ticketing required for all ticketed fans. Ultimately buying onsite allows baseball fans to conveniently walk up and secure seats on the day of the game.