CBS 8 broke down what fans need to know for the first San Diego Padres game of the regular season.
SAN DIEGO — Baseball is back in San Diego! The Padres will kick off their 2026 season on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Petco Park.
The first pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. as they play against the Detroit Tigers. All entry gates will open at 11 a.m.
CBS 8 broke down what fans need to know to prepare for the game.
How to get to Petco Park
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System recommends that fans use public transportation to avoid downtown parking and traffic trouble. There will be three trolley lines going to Petco Park every 15 minutes. Those lines include the Green Line, US San Diego Blue Line and the Orange Line. Transit fares can be paid with a PRONTO card, a contactless credit/debit card or at a ticket machine. The North County Transit District (NCTD) offers COASTER service with southbound trains departing from Oceanside Transit Center on Opening Day. Free parking is available at all North County Coaster stations and Coaster Regional Day passes include free trolley connections.
WATCH: New wrap unveiled for MTS trolleys ahead of Opening Day
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Parking for Opening Day
Fans can purchase parking for off-site locations, such as the San Diego Convention Center and the Bayfront Hilton. Click here for more information.
Military and first responder discounts
The San Diego Padres have partnered with GOVX to offer discounts for those who serve our country and local communities.
This season, the Padres have designated three games as First Responder Salutes, dedicated to various departments throughout San Diego County, including the police, fire, and lifeguard departments. First responders and their families receive 25% off tickets on dedicated First Responder Salutes and 10% off tickets to all other games, available online through verification by GOVX.com. For a full list of 2026 First Responder Salutes, click here.
Each week, in partnership with USAA, the Padres will hold Military Sundays. Active-duty service members, veterans, and their families receive 25% off Sunday tickets and 10% off tickets all season long, available online through verification by GOVX.
The Padres are hosting several unique Military Salutes throughout the season that recognize different branches, accomplishments and military history. To view a full list of 2026 Military Salutes, click here.
What you can bring to Petco Park
For Opening Day, standard security procedures will be in place at Petco Park. Security officers at every gate will inspect packages, bags and purses before stadium entry.
Bag Policy: Petco Park will prohibit bags except single-compartment clear plastic bags no larger than 12” X 6” X 12” and infant and medical bags. Clutches and purses can not be larger than 5” X 7”.
Banners and Signs: Petco Park allows homemade signs and banners, with specific guidelines. Banners can not be larger than four by eight feet in size and must not be commercial, political or obscene in any way. Banners can not be placed in the direct sight line of the batter or hung on any area of the playing field.
Animal Policy: Service animals are welcome at Petco Park. According to U.S. ADA regulations, disabled guests may use either a dog or a miniature horse that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks. Animals that solely provide emotional support will not be permitted inside the ballpark.
Beverages: Specific water bottles are allowed in Petco Park. They must be factory-sealed plastic bottled water that is still, clear and under one liter or less. Soft-sided single juice or milk containers or ADA-required liquids in a sealed container are also permitted into Petco Park. California liquor regulations prohibit guests from bringing alcoholic beverages into Petco Park.
Food: Petco Park allows guests to bring food into the stadium. All food must be for individual consumption in your seat, not for groups, and must be wrapped, bagged, or in a container to avoid spillage. Food containers must be soft-sided and comply with Petco Park bag policies.
For a full list of what’s allowed in Petco Park, visit the Padres website.
Opening Series Giveaway
For the Friday, March 27 game against the Detroit Tigers, the Padres will be giving out an Opening Series scarf to celebrate the inaugural Friday game of the season. The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive one of the scarves.
For more details on this season’s scheduled giveaways, click here.
What’s new this year
Fans heading to Petco Park this season will notice plenty of new additions throughout the stadium — from upgraded scoreboards with expanded pitcher‑metric displays to an array of fresh food options.
The new video boards on the ballpark’s towers are designed to break down the game even further. Padres CEO Erik Greupner says the displays will feature advanced pitcher metrics, giving fans real‑time access to details like vertical break, horizontal movement and pitch speed.
The food scene at Petco Park is also getting a refresh. Several new vendors and upgraded menu items are debuting, giving fans even more to choose from.
Pop Pie Company joins the ballpark lineup this year with two savory pie options. Coco Ichibanya brings Japanese comfort food to the concourse with curry rice and curry buns. Pretzel lovers have a new stop as well — offering multiple pretzel styles and flavors, including a sweet s’mores version.
Social media favorites are returning, too: banana bread pudding, the Hot Hen chicken sandwich, and birria egg rolls are all back for 2026.
One of the standout additions is called the Shortstop – a French‑dip‑inspired sandwich featuring Boursin cheese, short rib, a fresh French roll, and au jus for dipping. Fans looking for lighter or alternative options will find a Caprese sandwich on the menu, while those craving something hearty can dig into tri‑tip nachos.
Whether you’re a longtime season ticket holder or just planning a weekend outing, the team hopes these upgrades add even more excitement to the ballpark experience.