Petco Park Bag Policy

Last updated on November 14th, 2023 at 02:47 pm

Petco Park is the Major League Baseball home of the San Diego Padres at 100 Park Blvd, San Diego, California 92101. The bag policy at Petco Park does not allow fans to bring a backpack (unless it is a single-compartment bag) into the stadium for a game or concert. However, fans who want to bring a bag can do so if it does not exceed 7″ x 10″, like a medical bag or fanny pack.

 

Here is the complete Petco Park bag policy and more for your next event. I also share my bag recommendation on what to bring to the game. Finally, there is an affiliate link to Amazon on this page.

 

Approved Bags

Below are some approved bags to bring into the MLB ballpark that comply with Petco Park’s bag policy. 

 

• A clear single-compartment bag that does not exceed 7″ x 10″
• Fanny pack/ clutch purse
• Medical bags
• Diaper bags
• ADA-compliant bags
• Drawstring bag
• Tote bag

 

My Clear Bag Recommendation + Experience

I’ve brought the same type of clear fanny pack to numerous venues without any problems. My clear fanny pack measures 11″ x 6.5″ x 5.9″ in size. The reason this type of bag gets into stadiums is that the bag itself is clear and it is small. From my experience, I’ve been to venues that had a bag size limit of 10″ where I brought my clear fanny pack with me at 11″. No venue has ever measured the size of my bag to see if it meets the size limit. Instead, the security team will do a visual check of the bag to make sure it is clear and is not much larger than 10″ in size.

 

Below is a video of me explaining why I recommend this type of bag in more detail.

 

 

Buy a clear bag for your next stadium visit!

 

How Does Petco Park Review Your Bag?

Fans entering the ballpark for a San Diego Padres game will go through a metal detector before scanning their game day ticket. Fans with a bag will have that go through a separate screening. That screening from a stadium official will review the outside and inside of the bag, ensure it does not exceed the size limit, and ensure no prohibited items are in the bag. If the bag or objects inside it can’t enter the stadium, the fan must find a place to leave before entering the arena for a game or concert.

 

What Items Can’t You Bring into Petco Park?

Petco Park has an extensive list of items that can’t enter the venue on game day. Below are some of the most common things that can’t enter the ballpark. However, fans should visit the official guide of the Padres to ensure that the rules update to include only a few items before their next visit.

 

• Alcoholic beverages
• Animals that are not for ADA reasons
• Backpacks that are bigger than 7″ x 10″
• Balloons
• Bicycles
• Firearms or other types of weapons
• Frisbees
• Hard-sided coolers
• Large Umbrellas
• Laser pointers
• Selfie sticks
• Skateboards
• Suitcases

 

What Should You Do If Your Bag Is Too Big to Enter the San Diego Padres Ballpark?

If your bag is too big or does not fit the compliant guidelines to enter Petco Park, you should return it to your car. From there, you will get back in line to get into the stadium for the event without any issues.

 

However, if you did not drive to the game and didn’t have the option to leave your bag in a car, your next best bet is to head to a local hotel nearby. Several hotels beyond the outfield in left field are within walking distance of the venue. Most hotels will hold onto your bags for a small fee while you go to the game.

 

However, be mindful that certain games and special events, like an opening day, playoff game, or games against the Los Angeles Dodgers, will have bigger crowds visiting, which means these hotels may be booked completely. If that is the case, some hotels might only be able to store your bags there if they have the space.

 

Additional Helpful Links

Check out the Petco Park Parking guide to learn more.

 

Check out the Petco Park food guide to see what the concourse concession stands are at the stadium.