Major League Baseball’s two most iconic ballparks, Boston’s Fenway Park and Chicago’s Wrigley Field, opened in 1912 and 1914, respectively.
Interestingly enough, part of Petco Park predates both places.
The Western Metal Supply Co. Building was built in 1909. Its integration into Petco’s construction along the left field foul line may be the most inspired element of the downtown ballpark.
While Padres CEO Erik Greupner said “our goal is to never allow Petco Park to look more than five years old,” an offseason renovation of the Western Metal building is being done with care to protect a building dedicated in 1978 as a historical landmark. Construction is already underway for the $7 million project. It is scheduled to be completed before the Padres’ March 27 season opener against the Atlanta Braves.
The renovation includes remodeling the Padres Team Store, the first-level Sony Entertainment Suite and the fifth-level Budweiser Loft as well as the Western Metal Rooftop.
“I think we’ve done a really good job with what we’ve designed,” Greupner said. “Were in the process of both preserving the nature and the character and iconic status of the Western Metal building while delivering some modern amenities that will improve the fan experience.”
The Western Metal Rooftop will be able to accommodate groups of 300 or more. (Courtesy Gensler and San Diego Padres)A complete renovation of the Western Metal Rooftop will include a 4,000-square-foot raised deck that will allow more spectators in a space that will have improved sight lines to the field.
A pair of 9-foot by16-foot video boards are being added as well as a covered trellis that can provide shade as well as overhead heating.
“It’s a very visible location to the rest of the seating bowl,” Greupner said of a space designed to accommodate groups of 300-plus fans. “That led us to really want to make it a showpiece where fans, regardless of where they’re seated, can look up and see a really active, vibrant rooftop experience.
“We’re going to have a new feature wall on the field-facing side that’s going to have a lighting feature that will involve celebratory moments, whether that’s a home run or a Padres victory.”
The most notable change at the Budweiser Loft on the fifth floor of the Western Metal Co. Building is a grand staircase providing difrect access to the rooftop. (Courtesy Gensler and the San Diego Padres)What the Padres are calling a “grand staircase” will link the Rooftop to the Budweiser Loft, which will include a renovated bar, new furniture and games. It also will have an upgraded Foul Pole Suite with expanded capacity for groups of 20 or more.
“Portions of the rest of that deck will continue to be available for fans on a first-come, first-served basis,” Greupner said.
By creating flow between the Rooftop and Loft, groups of up to 1,500 can be accommodated. Greupner said the space now will be able to host events ”beyond just 81 home baseball games.”
The Sony Entertainment Suite in the left field corner will have an expanded deck and additional seating. (Courtesy Gensler and the San Diego Padres)The Sony Entertainment Suite on the first floor that is tucked into the left-field corner will include additional seating and in-suite amenities for groups of 16 or more.
The most notable change on that level, however, will be in the Padres Team Store.
It is common before games to see dozens and dozens of fans lined up outside the store, waiting until others come out before they are allowed in.
A 1,000-foot expansion will allow more fans into the store and additional checkout stands will get them on their way more quickly.
“We’re going to clear out some of the internal structure that makes it a little clunky from a fan ingress/egress flow perspective,” Greupner said. “So we’re going to open up the floor plan more and still maintain all the historic elements with the wood beams and posts.”
The interior of the Padres Team Store will include an additional 1,000 square feet of floor space. (Courtesy Gensler and the San Diego Padres)Those interested in getting more information on the renovations can go to padres.com/wmb. Suite and group event information is available at padres.com/suites and padres.com/groups.
With these improvements, renovation in the Western Metal Supply Co. Building will be complete. Suites on the third and fourth floors were redone two years ago when the Padres renovated all 70 of the ballparks suites.
The Padres’ big project last year was a $20 million renovation of Gallagher Square.
“Our goal is to never allow Petco Park to look more than five years old,” Greupner said of the 20-year-old ballpark. “We’re busy from Day 1 of the offseason to the night before opening day, not only improving the ballpark but maintaining it.
“The stadium we had down in Mission Valley was sort of the cautionary tale for what it looks like when youre not committed year in and year out to taking the time and spending the money to maintain and improve a facility.
“You eventually reach a point where you have no option but to tear it down and build something new.”
New ballparks for the Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers replaced facilities that were only 20-25 years old. The Padres want Petco around for many decades to come.
“We feel like the bones of Petco Park are really good,” Greupner said. “The location is really good. As a result, we want to preserve it and maintain it over the long term. I believe it could be a 100-plus-year-old ballpark and eventually be a Wrigley Field or Fenway Park.”