petco park gallagher square renovation

san diego, california

ballpark improvements

In a jubilant celebration of Petco Park’s 20th anniversary, Gallagher Square (formerly Park-at-the-Park) underwent a complete transformation, enhancing fan access and operational flexibility. When conceived in 1998, the Padres designed the two-acre gathering space to provide families with an elevated grassy berm to watch games, to offer a wiffle ball field for kids to enjoy, and to create a neighborhood park for the community on non-gamedays. As Petco Park evolved, Gallagher Square’s original infrastructure struggled to keep up with increasing operational demands, prompting the need for its redesign.

Gallagher Square now also features a memorial tribute to Tony Gwynn’s legendary career. This tribute played a pivotal role in the redesigned square, honoring his immense contributions to Major League Baseball. Tony’s statue proudly stands on the Tony Gwynn Terrace group deck, positioned above a walkway that leads to the statue of his longtime teammate, Trevor Hoffman. Below the group deck, interpretive displays celebrate Tony’s remarkable achievements, with an audio loop of his voice playing overhead. A walkway, featuring 108 red stitches (symbolizing the stitches on a baseball), visually connects Tony and Trevor, further solidifying their iconic partnership.

This $40 million, 2-acre makeover introduces a host of exciting upgrades and new features, including:

A new entry gate at 9th Avenue and J Street
The stunning Tony Gwynn Terrace viewing deck
A revamped concessions stand
A refreshed auxiliary team store
An expanded Picnic Hill with improved sightlines into Petco Park
A relocated and enhanced wiffle ball field
A larger, more inclusive playground with equipment for all ages and abilities
A new fenced, off-leash dog park
Pickleball courts for a fun, active experience
Public art displays showcasing local artists
A more sustainable, regionally-inspired landscape design

Larimer Design is extremely proud to have led the transformation of this dynamic space, making it an even more vibrant and welcoming destination for families and fans alike.