Petco Park ranked second best MLB pregame destination

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — For some people, baseball season is a time to spend their summer evening indulging in a beer (or two) and grabbing some of their favorite ballpark snacks while cheering on their hometown team. For others, the experience is less about paying attention to the sport and more about socializing at the nearest bar or by firing up a grill for burgers and hot dogs in the lot.

Bookies.com compiled a list of the 30 top MLB pregame destinations for the season, and Petco Park ranked pretty high on that list at number two.

Petco Park named top ballpark in MLB: USA Today

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ PNC Park ranked number one on the list.

The MLB stadiums were ranked based on their accessibility and proximity to the population center, ability for people to tailgate, entertainment available within walking distance and the safety of the surrounding area for kids and families.

According to the list, Petco Park was the only stadium to rank top 10 in all four major categories.

Set against the city’s skyline as a backdrop thanks to its location in the heart of downtown San Diego, the ranking should come as no surprise to Padres fans.

Even during non-game days, people can chill at Gallagher Square, which is located outside the outfield wall but inside Petco Park. It functions as a community space with amenities like a fenced, off-leash dog park, a playground, a viewing deck and picnic area as well as temporary pickleball courts. The Sycuan Stage also hosts concerts throughout the year.

Petco Park was also just named the No. 1 MLB baseball park in America by USA Today.

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