On the Road Again: Padres Away at the Park Series

They’re baaaaaaaaaaaack!

With the nippy winter weather behind us and spring in full swing, it’s time to get your game face on and celebrate the annual return of Padres baseball season in San Diego.

The San Diego Padres will open the 2011 season on the road with a three-game set in St. Louis against the Cardinals on Thursday, March 31st. But even though our beloved Padres are far, far away, you can still cheer them on at PETCO Park this week...for free.

The fun-filled Away at the Park broadcasts will be showing all road games televised by Channel 4 on the Park at the Park video board thorough the course of the season. That’s right fans, it’s time to gather up those blankets, beach towels and picnic baskets, and root for the Pads along with a slew of other devoted San Diego fans all throughout spring and summer. All elements of Park at the Park remain open to the public during Away at the Park, including the children's tot lot adjacent to J Street, Picnic Hill, the youth wiffle ball field, "Beacher" area, and the opportunity to bring your furry four-legged friends – as long as you keep them on a leash.

After the game, it's essential to educate yourself on the ins and outs of East Village lifestyle. Some people may call us fair weather fans, but chances are they’re mostly just jealous of our pristine downtown stadium, flawless spring and summer weather, and endless variety of post game party options.

If you crave laid back fun, the all new Bub’s at the Ball Park boasts the same chill party vibe as its beachside counterpart with cheap prices and irresistible menu staples like those juicy Steaky-Steakums and infamous Chubbies. For fans who downed one too many frothy brews and have the munchies, Basic Urban Kitchen + Bar is your one-stop shop for delightfully cheesy, New Haven-style thin crust brick oven pizza and a sweet selection of signature cocktails and craft beer. If you’re in search of action-packed entertainment, head over to East Village Tavern & Bowl and enjoy 12 bowling lanes, pool tables, live music, thirty 50 inch HD flat screen TVs, and a tasty menu of upgraded bar bites. If you’re a more sophisticated game-goer, Proper Gastropub & Wine Steals boast a large outdoor sports deck and a hearty menu of must-try dinner entrees.

Don’t worry; we know nothing is ever as good as the real deal so you can be sure to get your fix when The Padres return home to PETCO Park on Tuesday, April 5th to face off against the San Francisco Giants.

Game Time: Keep up to speed with 2011 San Diego Padres season in our San Diego Sports Directory!