Padres to increase Petco Park capacity, open concession stands for direct ordering

With San Diego County now in the less restrictive orange tier, total capacity at Petco Park is moving from 20 percent to 33 percent — just in time for a weekend series against the rival Dodgers — and the Padres are opening concession stands for in-person ordering.

The previous COVID-19 restrictions limited attendance through the Padres’ first homestand to 10,350. The new capacity will be approximately 17,000.

Additionally, capacity will be increased to as high as 67 percent in seating sections designated for fully vaccinated fans or fans who can show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the game.

The requirement — paper or digital copies of the test or CDC-issued vaccination card and a photo ID — is for fans 13 years and older. Masks must continue to be worn by all fans 2 years and older unless actively eating or drinking.

The increased capacity, the Padres said, is allowing them to place season ticket holders as close as possible to their original seats, based on plan type, tenure and survey responses. The team will not to be able fully return season ticket holders to their original seats until full capacity is allowed.

The additional tickets made available for the upcoming homestand will first be offered to season ticket holders via an online-only presale later this week before they are opened up for the general public.

Unlike the first homestand, fans will also be allowed to order directly from concessions stands instead of using the MLB Ballpark app, although all transactions will remain cashless (credit card, Padres Pay or other forms of digital payment).

Mobile ordering will remain available for beverage delivery throughout Petco Park, as well as for fans in premium seating areas that include in-seat service. The team said concession stands will be open on all levels of the ballpark.