Fenway Park in Boston and Wrigley Field in Chicago might be two of the oldest and most iconic ballparks, opening back in 1912 and 1914. But part of Petco Park, home to the San Diego Padres, actually dates back even further! The Western Metal Supply Co. Building, built in 1909, is seamlessly incorporated into the park along the left-field foul line, creating a unique mix of historic charm and modern design that really sets Petco apart.
Padres CEO Erik Greupner has made it clear they want Petco to always feel fresh and up-to-date. To make that happen, they’re currently working on a $7 million renovation of the Western Metal building, while carefully preserving its historic status as a San Diego landmark. They’re aiming to finish up by opening day, March 27, when the Padres face the Atlanta Braves.
The renovations are pretty exciting! They’re refreshing the Padres Team Store, the Sony Entertainment Suite on the first floor, and the Budweiser Loft on the fifth. The Western Metal Rooftop will see a big transformation too—it’s getting a 4,000-square-foot raised deck, better views of the field, two new video boards, and even a shaded trellis with heaters for cooler nights.
With the rooftop upgrades, they’ll be able to host groups of 300 or more, making it a vibrant spot to hang out, no matter where you’re sitting in the park. They’re also adding a lighting feature to celebrate big moments, like a home run or a Padres win.
Another cool addition is a grand staircase linking the Budweiser Loft directly to the rooftop. This will make it easier for fans to flow between levels, giving room for groups up to 1,500. This added space also means Petco can host events year-round, well beyond just baseball season.
The Sony Entertainment Suite on the first floor is getting some new seating and a bigger deck, perfect for groups of 16 or more. But maybe the most welcome change for fans is the expanded Padres Team Store. With an extra 1,000 square feet of space, it’ll handle bigger crowds and faster checkouts—a big help on game days when lines can be long.
These updates follow recent renovations across Petco, like the $20 million overhaul of Gallagher Square. Greupner and the team are all about making sure Petco remains a top-notch park for decades. The bones of Petco Park are strong, and it could easily become a 100-plus-year-old ballpark, a Wrigley Field or Fenway Park of the future. So while Petco is staying modern, the Padres are committed to preserving its special place in San Diego.
