View from Craft Pier, April 2016 (Photo Credit: San Diego Union-Tribune | Charlie Neuman)

SAN DIEGO, CA--The start of the Padres' 2016 season is highlighted by the unveiling of several off-season ballpark improvements, including The Pier and Sun Diego Beach decks.

As reported in the Union-Tribune, at the end of his third annual preseason tour of Petco Park, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer paused on the new two-tier Craft Pier and Sun Diego Beach in right-centerfield, looked back toward home plate and said, "Petco Park is a great example of what you can do when everything comes together."

Two years in the making, Larimer Design is honored to have worked in collaboration with the San Diego Padres and Clark Construction on this exciting addition to the Petco Park fan experience!

Located atop the right-centerfield wall, the two decks provide much needed social gathering space that can accommodate up to 600 fans in a variety of large group, small group and general admission configurations.

The lower deck, named the Sun Diego Beach, is elevated two feet above the warning track, giving fans an unique viewing opportunity atop the outfield fence. Tying The Beach to its name is a shallow sand pit below an overhanging deck, flanked by wooden pilings, that gives way to an oversized mural of San Diego's surf. Bringing home the theme are a quiver of surfboards buried in the sand. The lower deck can accommodate up to 250 fans.

The upper deck, named The Pier, is a large, elevated deck that can accommodate up to 350 fans. The Pier is readily accessible from K Street Promenade, inside the ballpark, and will feature up to 54 taps highlighting San Diego's finest craft breweries. Immediately adjacent to The Pier is Rimel's, featuring their signature rotisserie chicken and local fish tacos.

Fresh fish tacos, local craft beer and phenomenal views into the ballpark sound like the perfect recipe for an great trip to the ballpark!