Mike Shildt retired after the 2025 Wild Card Series loss to the Cubs, and the Padres handed the job to Craig Stammen, the longtime reliever turned first-year manager. It was a quiet hire compared to some names floated in the offseason. But Stammen knows this clubhouse. He pitched here for years. And the early results speak for themselves: after a slow opening week, the Padres rattled off five straight series wins in April and posted an 18-6 record for the month.
The roster has new pieces. Nick Pivetta, who signed a four-year, $55-million deal before last season, got the Opening Day start and delivered a career year in 2025, 181 innings, 190 strikeouts, a 2.87 ERA. Michael King re-upped for three years at $75 million. Nick Castellanos came over to bolster the lineup against left-handed pitching, a weak spot last year. And Fernando Tatis Jr., still the most electric player on the field, is working through an early-season power drought. He hasn't gone yard yet this year. But his walk rate is up, his defense looks sharp, and the home runs will come.
Where to Watch Near Petco Park
The game-day scene in East Village and the Gaslamp Quarter is one of the best in baseball. Bub's at the Ballpark is the go-to pre-game patio. It's loud, it's packed, and the energy ramps up about two hours before first pitch. Queenstown Public House draws a slightly different crowd, craft beers, a wider food menu, and a vibe that works just as well if you're not heading to the game. Ballast Point Brewing and Karl Strauss handle the craft beer crowd. And the brand-new Diamond Room at 323 Seventh Avenue, the Padres' own 1970s-themed cocktail lounge, gives the ballpark district its first real upscale bar.
For food before the game, Hodad's Downtown still has one of the best burgers in San Diego, 4,300-plus reviews and a 4.6-star rating don't lie. Breakfast Republic handles the day-game brunch crowd. Broken Yolk Cafe is another strong morning option. And if you want to make it a real evening, Born and Raised on Kettner is the kind of steakhouse that turns a Tuesday night game into an event.
Hotels Within Walking Distance
If you're coming in from out of town, the Omni Hotel at the Ballpark is literally connected to Petco Park. The Hard Rock Hotel is a five-minute walk. The Pendry San Diego, the US Grant, and the Marriott Marquis are all within a 10-minute radius. You won't need a car. The MTS Trolley runs increased service before and after games, and most downtown hotels are an easy walk or short ride from the ballpark.
Parking meters in the Gaslamp now use surge pricing on game days, that's new for 2026. Plan accordingly. The Trolley is the smarter play, especially for night games.
The Padres host the Dodgers at Petco Park in late April for the rivalry series that drives the highest secondary-market ticket prices in the National League. The Yankees and Red Sox both visit this summer for interleague series. And if October goes well, East Village will be electric again. Keep an eye on this team.
