In 2006, the team announced that the ballpark would become entirely smoke-free, making Petco one of the first outdoor venues in professional sports to ban smoking entirely. Last season, smoking was permitted in several designated areas throughout the ballpark. Fans who wish to smoke during the game will be required to exit the ballpark gates. They will be issued a re-entry pass to return to the ballpark.
Even more importantly, at least to the players, the power-starved team is conceding that Petco's dimensions are tantamount to Death Valley, at least in centerfield. The club has filled in a portion of Death Valley by moving in fences at its deepest point in right-center from 411 to 400 feet. Only 11 feet perhaps, but maybe it'll help the batters psychologically.
That's not to say Petco Park was ever a bust. In fact, it's quite a nice place to watch baseball...kinda like San Diego. But does it offer regular fans - those who watch their dollars and aren't privy to corporate comps - an atmosphere of baseball immersion? Far from it. Some things are just downright maddening - and I'm not talking about parking. In fact, parking is a piece of cake, despite what you might hear from others.
So, what bugs me about Petco Park?
The Food
It's mediocre, at best. If you're sitting in the upper deck (i.e. affordable seats), forget about flagging down any food hawkers - they're non-existent unless you want cotton candy. So, where to get decent food? Perhaps at one of the venue's restaurants? Well, not so fast...
The Air of Exclusivity
Because, even if I wanted to blow my cash at one of Petco's restaurants and bars (Coronados, Baja Bistro, Club 19, Wind and Sea Lounge, Hall of Fame Bar and Grill), I can't unless I have a $45-55 ticket on the Toyota Terrace. In fact, I'm not allowed on the Terrace level with my $12 ticket, even if I want to buy overpriced, mediocre food. But I wouldn't know it's overpriced and mediocre because I'm not allowed to enter the level, much less patronize the restaurant.
But the first impression you get when you enter the park is that the privileged have access to the much-hyped features. Walk on the main concourse and what do you immediately see? The Omni Club restaurant - open only to guests of the exclusive Omni Hotel across the footbridge and Toyota Terrace ticket holders. We get to peek through the glass, though.
One spot that would have been a real treat to all patrons is the hometeam bullpen in left field. It could've been like Safeco Field's awesome bullpen plaza, where fans get right up to the fence and hear the smack of the ball in the catcher's glove. But no...at Petco, they give access to the special events party terrace (i.e. big bucks) and relegate us peons to a crowded tiny corner up above next to a pillar if we want to watch Trevor Hoffman warm up.
Oh, and don't you hate watching on TV those idiots on their cell phones waving to the camera behind home plate because they scored company seats. You see, Petco Park does a lot of dangling goodies to its patrons, but the goodies are out of reach to most of us.
The Building
Architecturally, Petco is fine. But there's something about the sandstone and white that just doesn't say "ballpark." Now, Wrigley, SBC, and Coors say "ballpark." Why? Red bricks! Oh sure, we have the Western Metals building in left field, and it's cool and all. But the rest of the structure dwarfs it.
In fact, intimate does not describe Petco Park - the place just *seems* huge. Oh sure, it only has a capacity of 44,000, but it isn't exactly cozy. And some of the contrivances are just plain maddening: walk along the main concourse on the third base side and you have a great view of the field while you stroll (a la Coors, Safeco, Dodger). But walk on the first base side and everything is obstructed by giant sandstone edifices. What is with that? The right field porch is contrived but I like it. The sandpit in center field is just silly, although the kids love it. And what's with the gigantic batter's eye? The players complained, and the ballclub again listened and improved it considerably.
The Atmosphere
The K Street corridor, where the Park at the Park (which is a nice contrivance) is situated, could really be a place where the sights, smells and sounds of baseball permeate. But the fact is, it was kinda dull. Rubios has been added and with a few activities, this could be the area which makes Petco a real ballpark.
If only the Padres organization would de-regulate some of Petco's areas and quit catering to the fat wallets and corporate clients, Petco Park could be an exciting place. At least the ballclub is competitive these days.
