Gallagher Square (Park At The Park)

Posted in 2024 in

Gallagher Square in San DiegoLike the Western Metal Supply Building, Gallagher Square (nee Park at the Park) at Petco Park is one of the creative quirks that makes attending a San Diego Padres game a unique experience.

Gallagher Square is the Park At The Park

Located outside the outfield wall but inside the Petco gates (so you do need a ticket on Padres game days), Gallagher Square is a grassy area of approximately 2.8 acres. It contains a mini little league infield diamond, trees, a statue of Padres great Tony Gwynn, and lots of area to sprawl out to picnic and play. Bring a blanket!

Game Day Access

Anyone with any ticket to get into Petco Park can also access Gallagher Square. They are connected. Reciprocally, anyone with a Gallagher Square ticket to a Padres game has the freedom to stroll the entire ballpark.

Read about Gallagher Square tickets and pricing. Also see the view.

2024 Renovation

Here’s what’s new as a result of the Gallagher Square 2024 Renovation, an effort to transform the space, modernize and expand its usefulness as a component of the ballpark experience as well as a concert venue and year-round community park.
  • Off-leash dog park, wiffle ball area, and pickleball courts.
  • Tony Gwynn Terrace – New home for Tony Gwynn’s statue, murals highlighting Gwynn’s achievements, enhanced viewing experience with excellent sight lines to the playing field.
  • Expanded seating with permanent concrete benches.
  • Upgraded video board: now three times larger at 73 feet x 21 feet
  • Two additional strategically placed video boards.
  • Upgraded audio system.
  • Improved kids’ ballpark and playground including slide.
  • New entrance at Balboa Gate.
  • Picnic tables
  • Enhanced noise mitigation measures during events.

    Who Is Gallagher Square Name After

    Prior to the 2020 season, the park was rebranded from “Park at the Park” to “Gallagher Square.” The Gallagher in question is not a person, Gallagher is a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm. That’s right, you just got hit with a sponsored brand impression.

    Gallagher’s connection to America’s Finest City is “hundreds of clients and employees throughout the greater San Diego area.” And as of the inking of this multi-year deal, they are the San Diego Padres’ official insurance broker and benefits consultant. They are also sponsors of the Chairman’s Club. It will forever be called the Park at the Park by headstrong locals, purists and the lazy.

    Is Gallagher changing the shape to a square or is it still a rectangle

    It does feel like a rectangle but if you look on the map it is in fact a square. Kids should be sure to know, every square is a rectangle. But the name Gallagher’s Rectangle sounds too much like a prog rock album or a piece of prop comedy from the 1970s. Also its a “square” like a town square, an open public space for the community.

    Speaking of shapes, Gallagher has invested in the kids miniature baseball diamond in Gallagher Square to make it more durable and long-lasting.

    Park at the Park

    Can I bring chairs?

    The same rules on bringing chairs to Petco Park apply to Gallagher Square: Beach chairs, rigid lawn chairs, any seating with a hard or firm frame are not allowed. You can bring blankets, towels and cushions if you are not comfortable sitting directly on the lawn.

    For more details, see what you are and are not allowed to bring.

    Gallagher Square Concessions

    Don’t worry, mamas and dads, there is plenty of access to beer vendors in the Park at the Park (a frequently asked question). In fact you have full access all of Petco Park and any food & drink throughout the ballpark. Note: you can now bring outside food again. How about a picnic?

    Picnic Hill

    The raised inclined area has a name and it is not yet sponsored. It is known as Picnic Hill, named for the French words “piquer” (to pick) and “nique” (a trifle). The literal meaning of “pique-nique” is “each pick a bit.”

    Play Area

    Gallagher Square has a large children’s play area that is fun for kids of all ages. The play area features a variety of climbing structures, slides, and other activities.

    What Time Does Gallagher Square Open

    On game days, Gallagher Square opens 2 hours prior to Padres game time. Standard Gallagher Square hours are “sunrise to sunset.” In more practical terms the schedule is more complicated than that. On days with early games, concerts, and other conflicts, the park is closed to the public. On most game days, the park is publicly accessible until early afternoon. For best results, check the Padres schedule and/or take a walk over with expectations in check.

    Here is driving directions to Petco Park.

    Concert Venue

    In 2019, the Padres and Live Nation unveiled the new Sycuan Stage, a concert venue inside the Park At The Park. The venue has committed to at least eight national acts annually.

    When games are not going on, all are welcome to visit Gallagher Square. It is free and open to the public and enjoyed as a local neighborhood park in downtown San Diego. Pets are welcome when there are no games as long as they are on a leash.

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