I mean, there's probably nothing more to be said about this place. You've seen the ratings…read moreeverywhere, you've heard the gossip. If you find yourself being dragged to a sports or music event that you didn't sign up for, and you aren't familiar with Petco Park, take solace in the fact that the stadium has something else for you.
This massive place has three levels of eateries to choose from, and it seems like every year there are new additions. With current big names like Mister Softee, Teaspoon, Spiro's Mediterranean, Puesto, Pizza Port, Hodad's, Grand Ole BBQ, Gaglione Brothers, Deckman's, Board & Brew, An's Gelato, Pop Pie Co., and Coco Ichibanya (just to name a few...), you could attend an event every day of the year and never run out of something new to try.
There are also many places to buy drinks, with some brands having dedicated stands and carts, and others having entire restaurant spaces. All restaurants have TVs with the event on (so you don't miss out), but some eating spaces even have a view overlooking the field.
One time, my husband and I bought tickets to a cheap Padres game just to walk around the entire time and try food from the different food stands. Pretty good variety, though we got pretty full before the game ended.
I try to attend at least one Padres game (and now one Bananas game) per year, and I just recently attended my first major concert at this stadium in August (My Chemical Romance reunion tour). I was truly surprised at how well I could hear the music and see the stage from our cheap seats, and I would totally return for a music event (and not just baseball games). I will say that the Bananas game didn't have very good sound and the whole thing was kinda difficult to hear (as they do a lot of talking and it was very echoey), but maybe they need to talk to some Padres organizers because I never have issues hearing at those games.
Anyway, I also love the concept of the Gallagher Square seating, where you can just bring a blanket and relax on the grass during an event. Honestly sounds like the move when you have small wiggly kids with a lot of energy. I really want to check that out, and my other Petco Park bucket list item is to have a suite for an event.
My one gripe with this place is that they are (in my opinion, ridiculously) strict with the bag size rules, and if your non-clear bag goes over the size limit in width, length, or height, you have to take it back to your car or pay to store it in a locker for the duration of the game. Anything to make more money, I guess.
How 'bout them meter prices?