Western Metal Supply Co. Building: Everything You Need To Know


Posted in 2024 in


Western Metal Building at Petco Park
The Western Metal Supply Co. building is iconic and dramatic, and provides an essential cornerstone of the character of Petco Park. Its gorgeous brick presence serves as a metaphorical handshake between baseball’s past and future.




Western Metal Supply Building Fast Facts

  • Built in 1909
  • 51,400 sq. feet
  • 4 stories
  • Architect Henry Lord Gay
  • Declared a historic landmark in 1978

    History

    The business that became the Western Metal Supply Company was established in 1888. The building was commissioned by brothers Bernard and George McKenzie at a cost of $60,000 according to the city. It stayed in the family for more than 80 years until the company was sold and the new owners filed for bankruptcy in 1975.

    Baseball

    Instead of being demolished, the Western Metal Supply Co. building stands stoutly on the perimeter of the ball field inside Petco Park. In fact, the ballpark was built around the building to accommodate it, designed from the building outward and even repositioned slightly toward the north (instead of the more common north-east).

    Its corner represents the left field foul pole at 336 feet from home plate. If you hit the east side of the building, that’s a home run. For more than a decade after the park’s opening, no one had hit the roof. Rookie Hunter Renfroe became the first hitting a 435-foot home run onto the rooftop, a 1-0 fastball in the 3rd inning of a September 2016 game against the Dodgers.

    What’s Inside The Western Metal Supply Building

  • Padres Majestic Team Store
  • Private suites The Loft restaurant & bar
  • Rooftop seating

    Exciting Renovations Coming in 2025

    The Padres have announced exciting renovations to the historic Western Metal Supply Co. Building, set to debut by the 2025 Opening Day! These updates will include a complete revamp of the Budweiser Loft on the 5th Level, the Foul Pole Suite, the Entertainment Suite, the Rooftop, and the Padres New Era Team Store.

    The upgraded Budweiser Loft will feature a refined social area that preserves the building’s historic charm while enhancing comfort with a renovated bar, premium seating, and new entertainment options. The centerpiece of the renovation is a grand staircase directly connecting the Loft to the newly designed Rooftop, offering guests seamless access between these popular spots.

    The Rooftop will boast a spacious 4,000-square-foot deck with improved views, premium lounge seating, a covered trellis for shade, overhead heating, and two large videoboards to ensure fans never miss a moment of the game. This revamped space will be perfect for larger group events, accommodating gatherings of up to 1,000 people.

    The Foul Pole Suite, adjacent to the Budweiser Loft, is being redesigned with new luxury finishes, expanded seating, and semi-private restrooms, making it an ideal location for intimate groups of 20 or more.

    The Entertainment Suite will also see enhancements, including a larger deck, upgraded seating, and improved privacy features. Located near the left field porch, this suite offers an exclusive space for groups to enjoy the game with premium catering and renovated amenities.

    The Padres New Era Team Store will expand by 1,000 square feet, featuring modern finishes, improved lighting, and a reimagined layout for easier browsing and faster checkouts, enhancing the shopping experience for all fans.

    The Rail seating

    The balconies attached to The Loft are called “The Rail“ and are often compared to Petco Park’s version of Boston’s Green Monster seating.

    Tickets

    You don’t need tickets to enjoy the game from The Loft. In fact, for one of the best values in the park, purchase the cheapest ticket you can and then make your way to the Western Metal Supply Building. Tickets to The Rail can be purchased like any other seat; the ticket price varies based on demand, date, and quality of opponent. The Rail can also be bought out for groups and private events.

    Parties and Group Events

    The Western Metal Supply Building offers a unique atmosphere and an iconic connection to the ballpark’s history. The newly renovated rooftop and suites provide ideal spaces for groups ranging from 30 to 1,000 guests, making it a top choice for unforgettable gatherings.

    The other building inside Petco Park is The Legend condominiums.

    Additional Reading


  • Make the most of events and baseball games at San Diego's Petco Park. Join the conversation (@PetcoParkSD) or contact us about info posted on this website. For tickets and stadium experience inquiries, contact the Padres at 619–795–5000.

    Petco Park Insider is independently operated and reader-supported, unaffiliated with the Padres organization or Petco Park. These pages contain affiliate links through which we may receive compensation from advertisers if you choose to purchase certain products, at no additional cost to you. It is paid by the advertisers and helps keep our site running. Thank you!

    You may also enjoy: