Flip Hits the Ballpark: A First Game at Petco Park

This week, Flip joined us for a major league milestone—our grandson’s very first baseball game—set against the sun-soaked charm of downtown San Diego, where we caught the Padres in action at iconic Petco Park.

Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, opened in 2004 and has earned a reputation as the most beautiful stadium in Major League Baseball. With views of the San Diego skyline, the bay, and the historic Western Metal Supply Co. building incorporated into the stadium’s design, it’s a destination in its own right—whether or not you’re a die-hard baseball fan.

Before the game started, Flip grabbed a photo from his seat overlooking the field—ready for the action and excited to be part of such a special day.

Although we've visited before, this time we discovered a few helpful features designed for families with young children:

• Nursing Suite: Located near Section 112, Petco Park offers a clean, private suite for nursing mothers. Inside you’ll find comfortable chairs, changing stations, and a peaceful environment for caregivers—a thoughtful option we hadn’t known about before.
• Stroller Parking: There are designated stroller parking areas throughout the stadium, including Guest Services locations and certain seating sections. It made navigating with little ones much easier.

These small touches went a long way in making the experience more enjoyable—and they’re worth knowing if you're traveling with children.

We also learned that first-time guests can stop by Guest Services for a little extra fun. Our grandson received a special certificate to commemorate his first Padres game—a simple but memorable gesture.

And it’s not just Petco Park. Many major league stadiums offer similar perks for first-time visitors, including badges, shoutouts, or keepsakes. Requirements vary, but most locations simply ask that you stop by early and share that it's your first visit.

A ballgame can be an unexpectedly perfect travel experience—especially when it brings together generations, sunshine, and new discoveries. From the stadium features we hadn’t noticed before to that proud moment in the stands, it was an outing we won’t forget. And Flip, of course, is already hoping for a return visit.