Petco Park
Petco Park
Petco Park, home of the Padres, may be one the craftiest beer ballparks in the country. The venue, which has introduced several craft beer options in recent years, has added a 2,800-square-foot Stone Gardens above Hodad’s. The Gardens, a 12-tap stop with big views and big, hoppy beers, will look much like the new Liberty Station Stone location, as well as the massive Escondido campus.
In addition, Ballast Point, which already has a beer garden at the ballpark, has unveiled a 4,200-square-foot tap room called “The Draft.”
“We live in the Napa Valley of craft beer,” says Scott Marshall, vice president of concessions and retail for the Padres. “We want to celebrate local craft beer.”
So much so that the team will also launch six iconic craft beer carts at the ballpark this season, selling Karl Strauss’ Red Trolley, Mission Brewery beers, and Green Flash. The large carts can’t be missed—especially the one shaped like a lifeguard tower.
The ballpark’s efforts are a clear sign that management is listening to fans, who have asked for more craft beer in-house.
“We’ve really tried to create a great destination for fans,” Marshall says.
That includes craft in cans, too. Fat Cat Beer, a contract brewer with offices in La Jolla, will bring four styles of beer to Petco.
Can’t wait for game time? East Village’s popular Southpaw Social Club is emphasizing its outdoor biergarten-style seating. And Stone just opened a tap room at Eighth and J, facing the Park at the Park.
This summer, The Quartyard, a pop-up marketplace, will open a 30,000-square-foot spot at Park and Market that will push craft beer options. Rounding out the influx, a brewpub called Half-Door Brewing Co. will open in the East Village this October. Play ball!
