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

Posted in 2025 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

    2025 Renovations

    The Padres have announced exciting renovations to the historic Western Metal Supply Co. Building, set to debut by the 2025 Opening Day! These updates 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 now features an elevated social space 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 fully redesigned Rooftop, offering guests seamless access between these popular spots.

    The Rooftop boasts 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 is perfect for larger group events, comfortably accommodating gatherings exceeding 1,000 people.

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

    The Entertainment Suite has also seen 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 has expanded by 1,000 square feet, featuring modern finishes, improved lighting, optimized merchandise displays, additional checkout stations for faster service, and remodeled restrooms, enhancing the shopping experience for all fans.

    All fans can visit the Budweiser Loft and the Western Metal Rooftop to enjoy drinks and lounge seating, making these spaces more accessible and enjoyable than ever.

    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

    • Find Cheapest Padres Parking »

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