Take me out to the ballgame... for a concert

First, the Padres sign Manny Machado. Woo-hoo!! Sorry. Still pretty jacked up about that. But then, we have to wait for what seems like an eternity until opening day to see what the All-Star and Gold Glove-winning third baseman/shortstop can do alongside an exciting Friar lineup that includes Fernando Tatís Jr., Ian Kinsler, Eric Hosmer, Wil Myers, and Franmil Reyes.

Well, that day is finally here! And the good news just keeps on coming. After this opening series against the Giants, fans will still have 158 Padre games to determine how good this newly configured team can be. But now, they’ll also have a permanent place to check out live music in the interim.

This week, the Padres announced a new concert venue in the Park at the Park. Through a partnership with Live Nation, the newly constructed Sycuan Stage is set to host a minimum of eight national touring acts each year. With a GA capacity of more than 6,000, it’s the first of its kind at a Major League ballpark and expands San Diego’s already varied palette of concert venues.

Of course, this is not the first time live music has been featured at Petco Park. Metallica, The Eagles, and Aerosmith, among others, have all played on the field, while the Park at the Park has hosted a wide variety of acts including Deftones, Skrillex, Snoop Dogg, Flo Rida, Major Lazer, Disclosure, Linkin Park and POD.

While more acts will be announced in the coming months, the 2019 Sycuan Stage lineup kicks off with LED’s My Life Every Day fest on May 25-26, followed by an appearance from co-headliners Coheed & Cambria and Mastodon in June.

“Petco Park is more than a ballpark and has become San Diego’s premier entertainment venue”, said Padres President of Business Operations Erik Greupner. “This one-of-a-kind venue is the latest step in making Petco Park a world class entertainment destination.”

“Live Nation is excited to partner with the San Diego Padres to combine resources and bring live music to the heart of downtown San Diego”, added Candace Mandracia, President of Live Nation San Diego. “The central location and unique space that Park at the Park offers makes for an incredible concert-going experience.”