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This is a pleasant and interesting new ballpark, but it took a long time to get it built. Groundbeaking began in the summer of 2000, but construction was halted because of disputes over public financing. After the necessary bond measures were passed, construction resumed in February 2002. In January 2003 PETCO Animal Supplies Corporation, based in San Diego, signed a 22-year naming rights agreement. (What's with the capital letters? I guess "PETCO" grabs more attention than "Petco.") The downtown location, only a few blocks from the marinas on San Diego Bay, is one of the best aspects of PETCO Park.
Even though the overall layout is fairly symmetrical, rather similar to Philadelphia's new Citizens Bank Park, there are several odd aspects of the outfield shape. Right-center field is noticeably bigger than left-center field, and the fence is higher there as well, possibly aimed at thwarting home runs by Barry Bonds. As at Turner Field, it makes for plenty of triples, at least. In the right field corner there is a tiny "porch" seating area jutting out in such a way that it's hard to tell where the ball will bounce. Counting the adjacent area in foul territory (near the visiting team bullpen), there are eight corners within a forty foot stretch. Just left of center field there is a small bend in the fence where the Padres' bullpen is. Like the one at Ameriquest Field in Arlington, it's basically a gratuitous gimmick.
Perhaps the most striking design innovation is the way the left foul line is aligned with the corner of the historic Western Metal Supply Company Building. That way, there will never be any doubt whether a long fly ball down the line was a home run or just a foul, since the direction of the bounce will make it obvious. There are long balconies on each floor of that building, and a small bleacher section on the roof. Another unique design feature is the pair of towers nestled in big notches in the upper deck, situated behind first and third bases. Those towers combine luxury skybox seating, an elevator, and lighting. In back of the center field wall are sloped grassy areas for overflow crowds, and a "beach area" with real sand. Further beyond, there is a 2.8 acre "Park in the Park," from which picnicking patrons can catch glimpses of the game, but you have to pay to get in. The second and third decks have a fairly decent amount of overhang, and the backstop is only 45 feet from home plate, so most fans are close to the action.
The Padres got a solid boost from PETCO Park in its inaugural year, and were in contention for top spot in the NL West for the first few months. In 2005 they won the division title, even though their winning percentage was barely above .500. Prior the the 2006 they moved the fence at the deep right center field corner in by several feet, appeasing the team's batters but unfortunately detracting from one of the unique features of the ballpark. In hopes that they will reverse their decision, I left the 411 marker in the diagram above, even though I modified the fence alignment. PETCO Park hosted the final three games of the first-ever World Baseball Classic in March 2006.
SOURCES: Padres/MLB Web site, Major League Baseball 2004
