Petco Park remains one of San Diego’s most valuable public assets. A new analysis commissioned by the San Diego Padres and produced by San Diego Regional EDC quantifies the economic benefits generated by Petco Park based on 183 events held at the ballpark in 2024—including 85 home games, major concerts, community events and national sporting competitions—in addition to the value provided by the Gallagher Square renovation project.
In 2024, Petco Park activity resulted in about $913 million in economic impact for the San Diego region, which is equivalent to more than five Comic-Cons. These events supported nearly 15,000 jobs and generated about $1.48 billion in economic sales across San Diego County.
“The Padres take great pride as stewards of a public trust and committed civic partners, and our efforts extend well beyond the field,” said Padres CEO Erik Greupner. “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.”
“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,” said EDC President and CEO Mark Cafferty. “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. EDC’s report quantifies what San Diegans have long felt: the Padres inspire hometown pride, connection, and momentum year over year.”
The EDC analysis also revealed other economic impacts to San Diego, including:
- Padres baseball remains the single largest driver of year-round economic activity at Petco Park, producing $9.3 million in economic impact per game due to the 40,000 fans that pack the ballpark every game.
- Within the City of San Diego, Petco Park activity delivered more than $16.4 million to the General Fund and $10.5-12.4 million in annual hotel tax revenue.
- The recent Gallagher Square renovation generated about $33.7 million in value added and supported 270 jobs.
- Concerts and special events at Petco Park generated $123 million in regional economic impact across the county in 2024, which is expected to increase with the significant rise in non-baseball events each year.
The EDC assessment was commissioned by the San Diego Padres in Summer 2025. EDC currently does not endorse specific ballot measures or candidates. From time to time, we provide objective research on the economic impact of specific measures or proposals such as this to better inform the public and policymakers on a project’s potential economic impact. If you are interested in working with EDC on customizable research, contact us.