Social space among Petco Park upgrades
Two-level, beach-themed area in right-center to accommodate 600, will be ready for 2016 season
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Surf's up at Petco Park, as the Padres announced Monday their plan for a social space in right-center field for 2016 that will accommodate 600 with a San Diego beach lifestyle theme.
A two-level social space, with Sun Diego Boardshops as a presenting partner, will be ready for the start of the regular season.
"Sun Diego epitomizes what is unique and desirable about all of Southern California, and we are excited to expand our partnership with such an iconic local company that is emblematic of that lifestyle," said Padres president and CEO Mike Dee in a release.
"This project will transform the space in right-center field, while preserving the view from the grass seating area in the Park at the Park. Together with Sun Diego, we will create an improved and unique experience for fans in what has previously been an underutilized area."
The social space will be constructed in the area currently occupied by The Bleachers seating area and beach area. The children's sand play area, which was just beyond the fence area, will be relocated to a space along K Street, removed from the playing field and safe from balls in play.
Construction on the project is set to begin this week.
The new space will have a design aesthetic modeled after Southern California's iconic piers, will feature pilings and decking constructed from environmentally friendly recycled composite wood.
The area will include drinks rails that will line the front row of each level, with approximately 60 fixed seats between the two. In total, the space will accommodate nearly 600 people in a standing-room-only capacity.
This area will be sold as a group space for a majority of games, the release stated.
There will also be a new LED ribbon board manufactured by Daktronics along the fascia of the top level of the social area, which measures 3 1/2 feet tall by 70 feet wide.
Other upgrades at Petco Park for 2016 include:
• The Lexus Home Plate Club will be refreshed with the installation of 222 new seats manufactured by American Seating. The premium area immediately behind home plate on the field level will also receive a new floor surface application as well as new paint on guardrails and handrails.
• The team will install new backstop netting, which will separate fans behind home plate. The netting, manufactured by Promats® Athletics, features the latest technology to minimize the appearance of the net and provide an optimal viewing experience, while maintaining high safety standards.
• As was previously announced, the team is installing LED lighting, which will be completed in early January. The new system will cut glare both inside and outside the ballpark, and the improved visibility it offers will enhance television broadcasts and provide a stage-like atmosphere for spectators.
• The new Padres Hall of Fame will open behind K Street behind the left-field seating area before the 2016 All-Star Game. More details on the Hall of Fame project will be announced at a later date.