Best Value? Petco Park Falls Short

Last year SportsIllustrated.com writers analyzed each major league ballpark from a fan's vantage point in order to determine which venues offered the best value and experience. But this time around they went to the best source: the fans, who gave their take on their local ballpark experiences. So, how does our own Petco Park rate? Not so good, so it seems. Our much hyped downtown park ranked a fairly low 21st out of 30 parks - just below Oakland's McAfee Coliseum but above Dodger Stadium. So, why the low ranking? Well, after sifting through the fan input, the SI writers came up with this summary:

Here's what we don't understand: After years of delays, you build a spiffy new ballpark, tie it in with local history via a unique old building next to the park, offer plenty of family-friendly sections and activities and even build a playoff-caliber club. Then you go and shake down the fans for every last penny at the concession stands. What, the ticket prices aren't high enough? Did the Padres need to feel a kinship with their higher-priced baseball brethren in San Francisco? For a park that, for all of its comforts, carries a strong scent of corporate America, it would have been nice if a day at the stadium were priced with the families in mind instead of the fat cats sitting in the luxury boxes.

Man, I couldn't have said it better, though I probably came close with my review of Petco Park peeves. But this Sports Illustrated fan value index shows it wasn't just my perception. For a look at the very interesting rankings and comments for all of Major League Baseball ballparks, check it out on SI.com.