What Does it Cost to Attend a San Diego Padres Game?
If you’re considering catching a San Diego Padres game live at Petco Park, the good news is that the average cost of attending a game isn’t that high. Sure, there are some fans who go all the way and secure the best seats in the house, indulge in expensive park fare while they’re there, and partake in the best premium beer offered by the vendors. These fans are going to drop a chunk of change for their good times, but it’s not necessary to have an amazing time there and do so without breaking the bank. Under the right circumstances, you can enjoy the game for under $20, but the average fan spends a little more than that. We’ve broken down the cost to help you plan on how much you should put in your budget so you won’t run short.
The tickets are reasonably priced
The cost of tickets to see the San Diego Padres play at Petco Park ranges from $17.95 all the way up to $95 apiece. The amount that you’ll have to pay depends on where you want to sit. Budget priced seats are available if you’re pinching pennies and it’s great that they offer the lower prices for fans that just want to be there. You’ll be able to see the game, even though the cheaper tickets don’t give you the best views in the field. For a decent view, plan on spending about $26 for each ticket. It’s a good idea to go online to check out the seating locations and cost for each, then buy them from the official site. There are quite a few scammers out there on Craigslist who are selling phony tickets, so going with the official site gives you the peace of mind in knowing that your tickets are going to be authentic.
The cost of parking is decent in comparison
There isn’t a shortage of parking spaces for fans going to see a Padres game. There are about 30,000 spaces in the local area. Some of them charge as low as $5, but these are the ones that are a long distance from the park. This makes it a long walk to and from the game and for many, the savings just isn’t worth it. There are several other lots that offer secure parking. The average range of parking fees is from $10 to $35. The closer you get to the field, the more expensive the spaces become. If you want to avoid the hassle of a long walk, it’s a good idea to arrive at the park a few hours early. Expect to pay $35 for parking if you want to be close and skip the walk. This may sound high when there are other spaces that cost less, but when you compare it to parking in some of the other MLB locations, such as Seattle with a $45-$50 fee, it’s really quite reasonable for the convenience.
Concessions are not that bad
The smell of the food offered by the huge variety of vendors at Petco Park can drive you wild. While it’s not as cheap as bringing your own food and beverages, you can eat on the cheap at the park. For example in 2018 on Taco Tuesdays, you can get a taco for $2.50. If you want to buy a hotdog off of the aisle vendors, it will cost you $7 each. The cost of a beer is $11 per 20-ounce cup, so if you’re fond of a brew, calculate your consumption based on this price. The water is priced at $5 per bottle, so it’s a good idea to bring your own. The park is lenient and allows you to bring in your own food, snacks, and beverages, but there are some restrictions that you must observe. Water, juice or milk are allowed only in sealed plastic containers. Glass and cans are strictly prohibited. You can carry food and snacks into the park in a soft-sided carrier. You are not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages into the park as they must be purchased on site.
How much does it cost to attend a San Diego Padres game at Petco Park?
On average, the cost of a ticket is $26 for a decent view. Parking at the park is $35 and the cost of food depends on how much beer you plan to drink and how much food you consume. Two hot dogs and two beers will set you back $37. This brings the average total cost of attending around $98. If this is outside your budget, you could bring in your own food and drinks, ride with a friend and buy the cheaper tickets, getting away with seeing a game for just $17.