Shaded and Covered Seating at PETCO Park

Shaded Seats at Petco Park

The Padres play over a dozen afternoon games each year at Petco Park. And if there's one thing San Diego is known for, it's sunshine. Southern California sees sunshine about 30% more often than the average U.S. city. Unfortunately, as far as outdoor ballparks go, Petco Park is not the most-shade-friendly venue.

Most Padres day games start at 1:10 p.m. and last about three hours. We'll help identify the best seats for shade between 1 and 4 p.m..

Shaded Seats Are More Prevalent on the Third Base Side

Petco Park faces north, so the sun will set behind sections on the third base side of the field. These sections - labeled with even numbers - will be shaded long before seats on the first base side.

Within the three main levels of seating (100, 200 and 300), the back ten rows are the safest place to avoid the sun.

• Even sections 108-124: Rows 30 and above
• Even sections 204-222: Rows 5 and up
• Even sections 306-328: Rows 20 and above

The rows listed above describe seats that will be shaded for the duration of a 1:00 game. The rows in front of these will also see shade, but the farther you are from the row listed, the longer you will have to wait for shade to reach you.

Shaded Seats With a Home Plate View

Fans looking for a comfortable day at the ballpark need not look much further than the Premier Club seats on the lower level. In addition to comfortable seating and a view from behind home plate, most Premier Club seats are shaded by first pitch and all are shaded by the mid-innings.

If club seats are too pricey, you may want to consider sections 300-305. These sections have beautiful city views and a head-on look at the diamond and main scoreboard. For guaranteed shade, you'll want to be in a row higher than 20. We don't like being up that high and recommend something closer to row 10. The shade will make its way to you in a few innings and you'll save time on trips to the concourse.

Are There Any First Base Seats Out of the Sun?

The first base side of Petco Park does not offer great sun protection - especially as the game wears on. As the sun moves to the third base side, it will start shining on first base seats that were previously shaded. This is common in the 200 level where the sun plays nice for the first few innings but eventually drenches all seats except those in the last row or two.

If being on the first base side is important (this is the Padres side, after all), aim for seats in the highest row possible. Don't forget a hat, sunglasses and other sun protection.

Seats in the Sun at Petco Park

For those who are looking to soak up the San Diego sun, here are some areas of the ballpark that are known for being extra sunny:

• Upper Level Outfield: Sections 226-235
• Low Rows in Right Field: Rows 20 and below of odd sections 115-137
• Upper Deck in Right Field: Odd sections 315-329

Covered Seats at Petco Park

Although it rarely rains in San Diego, Petco Park has no shortage of covered seating options on every level. When looking for tickets, consider the following section and row combinations:

• 300 Level: Rows 19 and above
• 100 Level (Sections 107-124): Rows 32 and above
• Right Field (Odd sections 129-137): Rows 21 and above
• Left Field (Even sections 126-134): Rows 6 and above
• Premier Club Sections (A-L): Rows 9 and above
• Terrace Sections (211-223): Rows 7 and above

These rows provide coverage and protection from the elements at Petco Park. Whether you choose the 300 Level, right field, left field, club sections, or terrace sections, selecting the recommended rows will ensure a more comfortable experience.

Fan Comments

• Third Base Seats Get Shade First at Petco Park

  Submitted by a Fan
  In sunny San Diego, seats on the third base side of the field will get the shade first and have the sun behind them during late afternoon and evening games. In particular, the 200 level seats on the third base side and the second tier of lower level 100 seats on that side are very good for shade. Similarly, the second tier of Sections 111-119 are well-shaded. All Right Field seats -- especially on the 200 level -- are not good for finding shade, nor are seats far down the first base line in the upper deck.

• Front of sections 101-116 are behind the netting

  Submitted by a Fan
  There is some amount of netting or screening in front of sections 101-116. The height and coverage of netting or screening will vary by section. The netting extends past the dugout and down each line.

Related Photos From PETCO Park

Related Questions

• Which seats get the most shade at Petco Park?

  Answered by an RYS Expert · August 26, 2014

  Seats on the third base side at Petco Park are the best options to find seats with shade. The 200 level and seats in the back portion of the 100 level on the third base side will have the most shade throughout the afternoon. The upper level on the third base side is also not a bad option because the sun will be behind you in the afternoon. Avoid seats in right field, especially on the 200 level, as these seats are likely to be in the sun for much of the game.

• Where is the closest shade to Section 123 at Petco Park?

  Answered by an RYS Expert · July 23, 2015

  You can find good shade in nearby Sections 117, 119, and 121 for a mid day (1:10) start in September, just be sure to avoid the Field Reserved portion of the section (Rows 25 and lower), and opt for the higher seating rows in the Field Pavilion portion of the section (Rows 27 and higher) . As the day progresses though, the sun will move further back in the section and there will be little shade left as the sun begins to move further to the west. The last two rows in Sections 117, 119 and 121 (Rows 43-44) will be your best options for staying in the shade for most of the game when sitting near Section 123.

  If the shade end up being a more important factor in your decision than being close to your friends, we recommend opting for seats on the third base side where the shade will only get better as the day grows older. Rows 36 and higher in even numbered Sections 114-120 will have very good shade throughout the day and are a good option for staying out of the sun.

  

• Will there be shade in Section 110 Row 7 for a day game at Petco Park?

  Answered by an RYS Expert · April 27, 2014

  The seats in Section 110 Row 7 will certainly have great views of the game, but unfortunately are further toward the middle of the field near the front of the section. Therefore, these seats will have to wait longer for complete shade than other seats towards the back of the lower level on the third base side.

  
  

  The sun should be at your back by the middle of the game (for a 12:40PM start on May 7th), however complete shade will most likely not be available until the late innings when the Sun falls far enough behind the outer west wall of the ballpark.

  
  

  
  For the best shade at Petco Park, we recommend searching for seats in rows 37 and higher in sections 110-118 as these seats will be underneath the second tier seating deck above for optimal protection from the sun.

• Is Section 110 in the sun at PETCO Park?

  Answered by an RYS Expert · July 30, 2013

  The third base side of Petco Park will get the shade first and have the sun behind them during late afternoon and evening games. Seats at the top rows of Section 110 will have very good shade for most of the game, but you may have to turn your head quite a bit to the left to get a good view of the scoreboard located above the left field wall. Your view of the scoreboard won't be obstructed, but from that angle and with the seats facing the pitchers mound, it just requires a bit of effort the see it.

  

• Where are shaded seats at PETCO Park?

  Answered by an RYS Expert · June 21, 2013

  Seats on the third base side of the field will get the shade first and have the sun behind them during late afternoon and evening games. In particular, the 200 level seats on the third base side and the second tier of lower level 100 seats on that side are very good for shade. Similarly, the second tier of Sections 111-119 are well-shaded. All Right Field seats (especially on the 200 level) are not good for staying out of the sun, nor are seats far down the first base line in the upper deck.

  
  

  

• Which seats do you recommend to avoid sun glare during a game at Petco Park?

  Answered by an RYS Expert · April 18, 2013

  Seats on the third base side of the field will get the shade first and have the sun behind them during late afternoon and evening games.

  In particular, the 200 level seats on the third base side and the second tier of lower level 100 seats on that side are very good for shade. Similarly, the second tier of Sections 111-119 are well-shaded.

  Avoid Seats in Right Field

  All Right Field seats -- especially on the 200 level -- are not good for finding shade, nor are seats far down the first base line in the upper deck.