petco park gallagher square renovation

san diego, california

ballpark improvements

In celebration of Petco Park’s 20th anniversary, Gallagher Square (formerly Park-at-the-Park) underwent a complete transformation, enhancing fan access, operational flexibility, and community engagement. Originally conceived in 1998, the two-acre space provided families with an elevated grassy berm for watching games, a wiffle ball field for kids, and a neighborhood park for non-game days. As the Padres and Petco Park evolved, the original infrastructure struggled to meet growing operational demands, prompting a thoughtful redesign.

A centerpiece of the revitalized square is the Tony Gwynn tribute, honoring his legendary career. Tony’s statue stands prominently on the Tony Gwynn Terrace group deck, positioned above a walkway leading to his longtime teammate Trevor Hoffman’s statue. Interpretive displays below the deck celebrate Tony’s achievements, with an audio loop of his voice, while a walkway featuring 108 red stitches visually connects the two icons, symbolizing their partnership and the game of baseball itself.

Key Improvements Include:

New entry gate welcoming fans into Petco Park
20,000-square-foot plaza with terraced seating for events and gatherings
Elevated flexible viewing deck accommodating up to 600 spectators
Expanded Picnic Hill for enhanced outdoor fan experiences
Relocated wiffle ball field for family-friendly play
Upgraded Kids Play Area for interactive fun
Secure, off-leash dog park for pet-friendly enjoyment
Convenient concessions and retail options for fans
Integrated landscaping featuring native plants for beauty and sustainability

The redesign of Gallagher Square seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetics, creating a vibrant community space for visitors of all ages—and their furry friends! Larimer Design is proud to have led the transformation of this iconic venue in downtown San Diego.