Petco Park Renovations Elevate Tony Gwynn Statue-Now Safely in Place
The renovations are moving along… FAST. Seems not too long ago when centerfield looked like the perfect place to hold some motocross races. However, now things are really starting to pick up, take shape; and come nicely together. For instance, the Petco Park renovations elevate the Tony Gwynn Statue which is now resting safely at its new site!
This is a welcomed change. If you have ever visited Petco Park; you’re probably thrilled that Tony is being relocated to a much better location. His statue used to sit FAR off from everyone and everything. Up on a grassy hill.
For such a Padres legend; just never felt quite right. Nonetheless, obviously the Padres organization feels the same. Their $20 million renovations include moving the Gwynn statue to a more “prominent” position.
Regarding Gwynn being on the move, MLB.com reports,
“The iconic statue of Mr. Padre Tony Gwynn will be elevated, and surrounded by an expanded viewing deck that provides great sightlines of games and can be used for picnics during public hours. Tony will also be more visible from the ballpark and better aligned with his teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman.
The project will also bring a new and expanded fan entry gate to 9th and J Street for improved security and wait times, and provide leveled, tiered lawn seating in Gallagher Square, where tickets are generally more affordable than other areas close to the ballfield.”
Petco Park Renovations Elevate Tony Gwynn Statue-Now Safely in Place
Nice. Nevertheless, what else can Padres fans and residents of San Diego expect from this $20 million investment? Via the MLB website and app, the Padres organization states,
“This $20M investment is on top of the Padres investing hundreds of millions of dollars over 20 years to build a vibrant East Village through economic development and the creation of thousands of jobs. Once complete, the project will attract more residents and visitors, particularly during the off season.
San Diegans will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Petco Park in 2024. To commemorate this milestone, the Padres will invest nearly $20 million to renovate Gallagher Square, providing fans and the community with expanded amenities, and building on the decades-long commitment to deliver “More than a Ballpark.”
Based on community feedback, the renovated Gallagher Square will include new and improved features for the community, all with an eye toward celebrating the Padres’ history and San Diego’s baseball traditions, including:
- Playground and Play Area expanded for wider range of ages and abilities
- Fenced, off-leash dog park
- Improved Play Ball Field
- Temporary Pickleball courts
- Tony Gwynn Terrace viewing deck and picnic space
- Public art displays featuring local artists
Additionally, Gallagher Square will be reconfigured in a manner that will allow for portions of the park to remain open for public use more frequently.”
The late Peter Seidler was all about community. Improving it, as well as making it stronger. Therefore, if he was still here with us; we are confident he would love to see all of these changes coming to fruition.
Petco Park Renovations Move Tony Gwynn Statue
However, getting back to Gwynn. CBS 8 got the opportunity to speak to Padres CEO, Erik Greupner about the Tony Gwynn statue; along with other “surprises” for SD fans. CBS reports,
“The construction also includes the Padres plans to honor MLB Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn with a newly reimagined statue. Padres CEO Erik Greupner says Gwynn’s statue will be moved to the Tony Gwynn Terrace, making it visible from more areas of Petco Park.
‘We’re going to be creating some special touches we want to surprise fans with for opening day,’ says Greupner. ‘Where they’re going to be able to interact with Tony’s amazing legacy as ‘Mr. Padre.’”
Sounds fantastic. Will everything be ready for opening day? No.
Yet, a good chunk of it will be. The majority of the renovation is expected to be completed in time for the San Diego Padres Opening Day in 2024. However, minor construction projects will continue after Opening Day and are expected to be completed by June 2024
**Want Even More Sports, News, Hot Takes, Stats as well as Athlete Celebrity Sighting Updates; Insights as well as Trends? Well, be sure to join all of us Sports Feens over on Youtube to get an additional sports fix; and also don’t forget to check out all of our new Podcast topics and episodes. Plus, get fast highlights and trivia daily by following us on TikTok. Just Click HERE**
Thoughts on Petco Park Renovations Elevate Tony Gwynn Statue-Now Safely in Place! We are always around on social media posting as well as chatting away; and we would love to hear some POV from you. Therefore, join the discussion and talk all things Sports Feen; athletics as well as breaking industry news related with us by dropping a comment or two. Get into our comment section on YT; or also hit us up on our TikTok page or tweet us @SportsFeen.
