Padres History: A Flashback To Construction of The Petco Park We Love Today

A nice little trip down memory lane in Gaslamp !

Petco Park is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and cutting-edge complexes in not just baseball, but in all of professional sports. It allows fans of the San Diego Padres to soak in as much vitamin c as they please while also getting a great view at their star players from any area they choose. The stadium sits in the heart of downtown San Diego and is home to a number of restaurants, skylines, and historical buildings.

Even though those of the younger generations have been able to visit Petco Park all of their lives, it was actually just an idea once upon a time. The Padres played their first game in the brand new stadium in 2004 and it took roughly around four years to finalize all construction.

The Pastime Gallery gave all Friars fans a nice throwback to 2002, when the park was just in the middle of being built.

Petco Park under construction, 2002. #Padres pic.twitter.com/jk37iIkyjT

— Baseball Nostalgist (@bballnostalgist) March 14, 2023

It definitely looks quite different than the Petco Park that we know and love in 2023 but there is beauty in the struggle just like anything else. The entire city knew magic was happening during the construction period and that it would be well worth the wait.

If you look towards the bottom of the picture, you will see what used to be known as the Western Metal Supply Company building. Most teams would have opted to knock it down in favor of more stadium space but the Friars actually chose to incorporate it into their own park.

It has now been modified to serve as rooftop seating for fans, private suites, and a target for hitters. 

Petco Park easily has one of the best stories behind its creation and Padres fans are blessed to call it their home field.