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Overview
Strategic upgrades to Petco Park’s historic Western Metal Supply Co. Building elevate retail, hospitality, and rooftop spaces while deepening fan engagement.
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Opportunity
One of the greatest opportunities in stadium design is balancing tradition with innovation, giving fans modern amenities while preserving the history and character of the game's most beloved venues.
For the Padres, that meant revitalizing the iconic Western Metal Supply Co. Building, a landmark since 1909 that was integrated into Petco Park at its 2004 opening. Over two decades of use, the building's hospitality and retail spaces had fallen behind the modern ballpark experience fans now expect. The challenge was to elevate these spaces by upgrading finishes, circulation, and amenities, without compromising the authenticity and industrial character that make the building a beloved, irreplaceable part of the ballpark's identity.
More about this topic
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Why This Matters
01
Protecting Ballpark Identity
More than just a backdrop, this building is part of Petco Park's memory, and every improvement was made to reinforce that legacy.
02
Unlocking Fan Value
The upgrades created more reasons for fans to linger, gather, shop, and celebrate, turning underused areas into destinations that support a richer game-day experience.
03
Growing Event Potential
By improving flow, capacity, and hospitality amenities, the project gave the Padres more flexible spaces for premium experiences, private gatherings, and year-round revenue.
The Gensler team had the creative vision and expert skill to design and guide our complete transformation of the historic Western Metal Supply Co. Building at Petco Park. Post-renovation, the space has exceeded all expectations, including our fans!
Solution
Gensler reimagined the Western Metal Supply Co. Building from ground floor to rooftop, threading contemporary hospitality through its original brick, timber, and steel.
The Padres Team Store was expanded by 1,000 square feet with modernized finishes, enhanced lighting, and a reconfigured layout. On the fifth floor, Gensler transformed the Budweiser Loft and Foul Pole Suite into refined social destinations. A new grand staircase connects the Loft to the renovated Rooftop Deck, now anchored by a shade canopy, large-format video board, and upgraded outdoor amenities.
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Related Content
1,000
Expansion of Padres Team Store · sqft
4,600
Rooftop Deck · sqft
3,900
Budweiser Loft Transformation · sqft
From brief to build: Respecting the historic structure while thoughtfully incorporating modern elements, the design elevates an iconic building's fan experience without compromising its character.
The challenge wasn't just what to add, but how to make every addition feel like it had always belonged. Rather than treating the building as a static artifact, Gensler looked for ways to activate its existing structure through new circulation, upgraded guest-facing spaces, and layered visual moments. Each move had to support operational needs, improve comfort, and strengthen connections between retail, hospitality, and outdoor gathering areas, all while respecting the building's role in the broader ballpark experience.
Impact
A historic ballpark landmark becomes a modern revenue driver, without losing the character that makes Petco Park distinct.
By preserving the building's original materials and character while introducing premium amenities and improved guest flow, Gensler helped the Padres unlock new revenue across retail, hospitality, and events. The result sets a new standard for preservation-forward design inside a working ballpark and reinforces Petco Park's standing as one of Major League Baseball's most celebrated venues.
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What Changed Because of This
01
Retail Growth
The expanded Team Store tripled points of sale, giving fans a smoother, more spacious shopping experience while driving stronger merchandise revenue for the Padres.
02
Premium Hospitality
New social spaces on the fifth floor and rooftop gave the Padres flexible, upscale venues for private events, group outings, and elevated fan gatherings.
03
Preserved Character
Original brick, timber, and steel remain intact, ensuring the modernized building still reads as an authentic, historic piece of Petco Park's identity.
This project shows what is possible when we treat a ballpark’s history as a foundation for growth, building in flexibility today so the Padres can keep evolving how fans gather for years to come.
Recognition
Forbes
Sports Illustrated
Team
Project Leadership
FAQ
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How does this project benefit San Diego?
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