Call it “San Diego Problems” – while some Padres fans can’t wait to take off their shirt and bask in San Diego’s succulent rays of Vitamin D, others prefer to avoid the sun rather than roasting like a hot dog. Petco Park has some sections that get more shade than others, and in San Diego it is sunny almost every day, so here’s some help to know which places to sit if you are looking to avoid the sun or shade.
In The Shade
In general, the 3rd base side is your better bet if you are a Padres fan seeking shade. These will be the even numbered sections. Seats in the 200 and 300 levels will be shadier than field level. And the further back you are in the section, the more likely you will be under the overhang and protected from the flame ball in the sky.
The best bet for the Padres tickets for seats in the shade: Toyota Terrace.
In The Sun
The sun is great but just remember that the sun can be brutal in the summer and unrelenting. Make sure you have a hat, sunglasses and double-digit SPF. The San Diego sun loves right field. Padres sections 129-137 and 227-235 (the odd numbered sections) are going to provide you with a nice suntan.
For early day games in particular, the Padres’ 1st base side gets hit hard. In the upper deck, the odd section numbers are more likely to be in the sun, particularly past the luxury tower (315-327) than than even numbered sections (316-328) . The lower row you are sitting in any section, the more likely you are to catch full sun exposure.
You can always stretch your legs and catch some rays (and some local brews) at the Craft Pier.
Related: Petco Park Seating Chart | Shade Map
Petco Park Insider is your guide to enjoying games in San Diego at the Padres baseball stadium. Please join the conversation on Twitter @PetcoParkSD or contact us at Petco Park Insider.
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