Opening day is always a great day. Not only is everyone starting 0-0 (well except the Dodgers and Cubs since they played in Japan the week before) but it’s the first time back in the ballpark since late last year so there’s a freshness to it, especially with seeing what’s different at Petco Park since the last time I was here.

What really hits it for me is when you first hear the roar of the crowd on Opening Day, in this case when Jackson Merrill singled in Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado with two outs in the bottom of the 1st.

That roar really reminded me why I love baseball and look forward to going to games in person. Not only is Petco a great place to watch the game but there’s the energy in the stands that you can’t match watching it at home.

With that said, here are some thoughts from around the ballpark on the first day:

• Still long lines to get into the team store even with the renovation. Granted it was Opening Day (and there usually was a line before the game the past few seasons when there were capacity crowds) but we tried going about 45 minutes before the game and the line snaked outside towards the Hall of Fame. Being that we wanted to get some food and catch the pregame ceremonies we decided to try again after the game when usually you can get in right away. However, going after the game the line was even longer so we just decided to try again on Friday.
• The new Mini Donut Company stand (section 107 right next to Seaside Market) is definitely worth trying if you’re into donuts. They have 5 different flavors (churro, powered sugar, sprinkles with white frosting, sprinkles with chocolate frosting and plain) and were available in 6 and 12 packs.
• The walkway where the Lexus Club and Padres Authentics stand is a major bottleneck after the game ends. Maybe because there’s also a merch stand and restrooms here too but it gets really bottlenecked if you’re on the first base side trying to make it over to the Western Metal Building after the game (such as going to the team store) or if you’re on the third base side trying to make it over to the Home Plate Gate. I’ve put in the survey to the Padres about this but if you can avoid going this way after the game (i.e. if you’re on the first base side and just want to exit go out towards the Home Plate or Park Blvd Gate or if you do want to go to the team store from the first base side walk around through right field and through Gallagher Square) as it takes a bit of time to get through.

But overall a great time, especially with the Padres coming back to win. Gavin Sheets continuing his Spring Training home run renaissance really started it in the bottom of the 7th as the place erupted when the ball cleared straight away center field as Michael Harris II tried jumping for it.

Will be back at the ballpark again at Tony Gwynn Opening Day and will post if there are any other musings.