The Padres host the Cardinals Saturday afternoon at Petco Park. Tickets start at $28, first pitch at 4:15 PM. Here's everything you need to know about the matchup, pricing, and what to expect.
Heading to Petco Park this Saturday? Here's everything you need to know about the second game of the Padres-Cardinals series.
When: Saturday, May 9 at 4:15 PM
Where: Petco Park, 100 Park Boulevard, Downtown San Diego
Watch at home: Padres.TV ($19.99/month)
This is game two of a three-game weekend series, with the finale Sunday afternoon.
Saturday afternoon games tend to draw bigger crowds than Friday nights, so prices run slightly higher. Tickets start around $28 in the upper deck, with most seats averaging $90+. Plenty of inventory left, but the closer you get to first pitch, the steeper the climb.
A few things to know:
This is the middle game of a series that could shift the NL standings. The Padres (20-14) need to defend home turf against a hot Cardinals (21-14) team. After Friday's pitching duel sets the tone, Saturday's matchup brings a different storyline — afternoon baseball under the San Diego sun, with both teams adjusting to the lighting and conditions.
Watch for Jackson Merrill in center field and Luis Arraez at the plate — Arraez is hunting his fourth straight batting title and Merrill is building on his breakout 2024 campaign. The Cardinals counter with Nolan Arenado at third and a lineup that's been clicking in May.
The ballpark seats nearly 40,000 and offers some of the best stadium views in baseball, with the downtown skyline behind home plate and the bay just beyond the outfield. ADA seating is available throughout the stadium.
Saturday afternoon games run hot — bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. The shaded sections fill up first, so factor that in when picking seats.
How much are tickets really? Anywhere from $28 to $260+ depending on where you sit. Most families do well in the $35–$55 range.
Can I buy tickets at the stadium? Yes, if you're 18 or older. But buying ahead almost always gets you better seats and prices.
Is there a limit? You can buy up to 19 tickets per game.
Should I get there early? For Saturday games, yes. Gates open about 90 minutes before first pitch, and pre-game activities and giveaways are common on weekends.