It seems like forever, but now we only have to wait a few more hours to watch Padres baseball at Petco Park. The team was supposed to open the season at home, but a lockout by the owners pushed the Padres home opener until April 14, 2022.

The team will take on the defending World Series Champion Atlanta Braves in a four-game series beginning at 5:10 p.m. on Thursday.

Gates Open

Those planning to attend the game should know a few things. All entry gates will open for general seating at 3 p.m. However, fans are being urged to be in their seats by 4:30 p.m. to take in the pageantry and festivities of Opening Day. 

Petco Park has instituted a rule limiting bags that can be brought into the stadium. Bags that are acceptable include single compartment bags measure seven inches by 10 inches or smaller. Infant and medical bags are also allowed.

Transportation and parking

Attending fans are being urged to utilize public transportation and Trolley Park & Ride locations. For those who will be driving down to Petco Park, more than 27,000 parking spaces are located near the ballpark in the downtown area. Of those spaces, 8,000 have been designated specifically for Petco Park guests at prices ranging from $10.00 to $35.00 depending on proximity to the ballpark. Padres Preferred parking, located directly adjacent to Petco Park, can be purchased in advance.

Guests driving to the ballpark should plan on arriving early and should choose a parking location based on the direction they will be heading after the game, whether to the north, south or east. For large attendance games, guests are urged to utilize public transportation, or to park in Harbor Drive parking facilities or the Horton Plaza garage.

Cheer for Padres stolen bases!

Rubio’s Coastal Grill and the San Diego Padres have partnered to give fans something extra tasty during the 2022 MLB season. Each time the Padres steal a base at Petco Park, fans will score a free, à la carte Rubio’s taco, with any purchase, the day after the game.

“We are pleased to bring together two hometown favorites,” said Sergio Del Prado, senior vice president, corporate partnerships at San Diego Padres. “Rubio’s has forged strong roots in San Diego, based on their authentic recipes and brand concept, so we’re very proud to partner with them this season.” Padres fans will receive one taco of their choice, with the purchase of any item on the menu, on the day after the stolen base. Guests can order online or through the app, and enter code ­­­GOPADRES, or mention the offer when visiting a restaurant.

Enjoy the game!!!