Petco Park Named MLB's Second-Best Pregame Destination: Report

Jason Fray | Apr 6, 2024

A home run display on the video board at San Diego's Petco Park. The venue was named second-best in one online ranking of pregame destinations in MLB. / Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

The pregame experience for any sporting event is essential.

There’s nothing like ‘easing’ into a game by showing up early and relaxing with an assortment of fun things to enjoy. We’re talking about food choices, entertainment around the stadium, tailgating, proximity to the stadium, and – of course – libations that may or may not be present.

Bookies.com recently released its list of all 30 MLB franchises, ranked by the categories listed above. The goal was to come up with a comprehensive ranking of the best possible pregame destinations ahead of the 2024 MLB season.

When factoring in proximity, tailgating, entertainment around the stadium, and family sentiment, the San Diego Padres ranked as the No. 2 MLB club (only behind the Pittsburgh Pirates). It’s the second-straight season Bookies has ranked the Padres as possessing the second-best pregame situation.

Petco Park is objectively a beautiful venue. Located right in the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp District, it’s quite easy to get to from downtown — or most parts of the city. The area itself is littered with bars and restaurants, some of which are connected to the stadium itself. Others overlook the stadium from high-rise locations. One can even walk behind the right field fence and technically watch the game cost-free.

Being located in a walkable neighborhood, there’s a feasibility present with family that doesn’t exist at other ballparks. You can easily walk to and from the ballpark with elderly family members, as well as with little ones.

Tailgating is clearly not an issue here. While there’s not necessarily the conventional tailgating in a parking lot, there’s no shortage of places to grab a beer or cocktail. This venue is truly one of MLB’s most sparkling gems. For all rabid MLB fans, even casual ones, this is a park worth checking out at least once.

Arrive early.