Petco Park will celebrate its 20th birthday in 2024 — but it will also mark a new beginning. Gallagher Square will get major renovations as part of a $20 million project to expand its offerings and better serve the surrounding East Village community.

A playground structure expected at Gallagher Square. | Photo via Larimer Design Architecture and GroundLevel Landscape Architecture

The East Village experience

Since Petco Park was built, it's always aimed to be "more than a ballpark." When the venue isn't hosting Padres games or major events, Gallagher Square is open to the public. Once the Gallagher Square Renovation is complete, visitors can expect:

A playground and play area with equipment for a wider range of abilities
An off-leash dog park
An improved Play Ball field
Temporary pickleball courts
Art installations showcasing local artists
New turf and native plants

The project also includes the new Tony Gwynn Terrace, where the ballpark's existing Tony Gwynn statue will be relocated, raised by 6 ft. This will be a viewing area for fans who purchased tickets in Gallagher Square — but when games aren't in session it will be used as picnicking space.

Views of the stage and the ballpark. | Larimer Design Architecture and GroundLevel Landscape Architecture

The game day experience

The project will give locals more reasons to visit Gallagher Square, but when it's game time, the space will be reserved for fans. One of the biggest changes will be tiered-style seating on the grassy hill, with the Tony Gwynn Terrace behind it.

The entrance at Ninth and J streets will also be expanded , designed to improve accessibility, security, and wait times. If this sounds good, there will also be a revised speaker system that will mitigate sound to reduce its impact on the community.

Construction will primarily take place during the off-season after the 2023 baseball season and is expected to be mostly completed by the Padres' return in 2024, with some smaller construction projects continuing through June 2024.

A place for pets inside Petco Park. | Rendering via Larimer Design Architecture and GroundLevel Landscape Architecture

Groundbreaking

Following the 2023 baseball season, crews broke ground on the $20 million renovation in October. Areas of the ballpark near Gallagher Square may see detours and closures.