Petco Park Generates Nearly $1 Billion in Economic Impact for San Diego

New report shows the ballpark supports 15,000 jobs and contributes millions in tax revenue

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:56pm

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A new report commissioned by the San Diego Padres and conducted by the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation has found that Petco Park generates nearly $1 billion in economic impact for the region and supports 15,000 jobs. The report examined the economic benefits of home games, major concerts, community events, national sporting competitions, and the recent Gallagher Square renovation.

Why it matters

As the Padres explore a potential sale, this report underscores the significant economic value that Petco Park brings to San Diego. The ballpark serves as a community anchor and dynamic gathering place, driving tourism and supporting thousands of local jobs beyond just the baseball team.

The details

Based on 2024 data, the report found that Petco Park was responsible for $1.48 billion in sales and had a $913 million economic impact - the equivalent of five Comic-Cons. Padres home games alone were responsible for $789 million in economic impact, while other events at the facility added $123 million. The report noted that outside of baseball season, year-round concerts and events drive tens of thousands of visitors to hotels, restaurants and shops throughout the region. For the city of San Diego, all this business contributed $16.4 million to the general fund and up to $12.4 million in hotel tax revenue.

  • The report examined the economic impact of Petco Park in 2024.

The players

Petco Park

A baseball stadium in downtown San Diego that is home to the San Diego Padres.

San Diego Padres

A Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California.

San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation

A nonprofit organization that works to promote economic growth and prosperity in the San Diego region.

Erik Greupner

CEO of the San Diego Padres.

Mark Cafferty

President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation.

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What they’re saying

“The Padres take great pride as stewards of a public trust and committed civic partners, and our efforts extend well beyond the field. Petco Park will continue to serve as a dynamic gathering place, both a ballpark and a community anchor, delivering benefits that extend far beyond the ballpark district.”

— Erik Greupner, CEO, San Diego Padres

“The San Diego Padres are more than a ballclub — they're a cornerstone of San Diego's identity and a powerful engine for our economy. The franchise's impact extends far beyond Petco Park, supporting thousands of jobs and millions in economic impact, and elevating our binational identity around the globe.”

— Mark Cafferty, President and CEO, San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation

What’s next

The Padres are currently exploring a potential sale of the team, and this report on Petco Park's significant economic impact could be an important factor in those discussions.

The takeaway

Petco Park has proven to be a major economic driver for San Diego, generating nearly $1 billion in annual economic impact and supporting thousands of local jobs. As the Padres consider their future, this report underscores the ballpark's value as a community asset that extends far beyond just the baseball team.