PETCO Park

Geotechnical Services (1999 – 2004)

In early April 2004, San Diego’s PETCO Park ballpark opened its doors as the new home of the San Diego Padres. The $294-million, 46,000 capacity ballpark was part of a total project cost of $458 million, which is expected to usher in a new era in local history, has been touted as San Diego’s new center of energy. Located at the regional transportation hub, the park is easily accessible by car, bus, trolley, the Coaster, and future water taxis, and sits within walking distance of the San Diego Convention Center and the Gaslamp Quarter. With its ideal location, the park offers panoramic views of the San Diego Bay, Balboa Park, the downtown skyline, and the mountains to the east.

As the project’s primary geotechnical consultant, MACTEC performed the geotechnical investigation for the new ballpark and a structural assessment investigation of the ninety-year-old Western Metal Supply Building, a four-story, non-reinforced masonry building that was incorporated into the ballpark design as one of the field walls. Our geotechnical investigation for the ballpark included a review of prior geotechnical reports, soil borings, cone penetration tests, laboratory testing, and geotechnical engineering analysis.

Our analysis enabled us to recommend a shorter foundation pile design, which resulted in cost savings for the City of San Diego. MACTEC provided geotechnical recommendations for various types of shallow and deep foundations, floor slab support, below-grade walls, shoring, dewatering, and temporary embankments. We also performed a detailed ground motion study, which included a seismic time history analysis, and a fault hazard investigation to evaluate the presence or absence of active faulting.

Developed by the Padres with assistance from their development manager Hines, and designed by HOK Sport Venue and Event in collaboration with Antoine Predock, the end result is spectacular. With a design that looks and feels like San Diego, the ballpark’s natural stone and stucco exterior is surrounded by water walls, a palm court, and jacaranda trees. Fans can relax at The Beach, or watch the game from the Park at the Park, an elevated lawn area.