San Diego Spectator Sports

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Back to Weekend GetawaysSan Diego Spectator Sports

Baseball & Softball

The San Diego Padres play April through September at downtown's brand-new $474-million PETCO Park. Mired in litigation and revelations of influence peddling that drove a city council member from office, the 42,000-seat ballpark finally opened in 2004 to enthusiastic acclaim from San Diegans and out-of-town fans alike. A total of seven historic buildings were incorporated into the stadium, most prominently the Western Metal Supply building, a four-story brick structure dating to 1909 that now sprouts left field bleachers from one side.

The ballpark isn't the first to offer sushi alongside the usual franks and fries, but you'll find plenty of dining options, notably La Cocina, a Mexican food court with grilled ahi sandwiches and Rubio's fish tacos, and Pacific Wok, where you can munch on spring rolls and delicious Asian salads. The local barbecue stand is run by former Padres pitcher Randy Jones. PETCO parking is limited, and costly -- for a space within a couple blocks of the facility, expect to pay at least $17. Less expensive lots are found around the Santa Fe depot, Kettner and Broadway -- a 15-minute walk from the ballpark. Better yet, take the San Diego Trolley, with three stops right outside the park. For schedules, information, and tickets, call tel. 877/374-2784 or 619/795-5000, or visit www.padres.com.

The highlight of many San Diegans' summer is the racy softball event known as the World Championship Over-the-Line Tournament, held on Fiesta Island in Mission Bay on the second and third weekends of July.

Boating

San Diego has probably played host to the America's Cup for the last time, but several other boating events of interest are held here. They include the America's Schooner Cup, held every March or April (tel. 619/223-3138), and the Annual San Diego Crew Classic, held on Mission Bay every April (tel. 619/488-0700). The Crew Classic rowing competition draws teams from throughout the United States and Canada. The Wooden Boat Festival is held on Shelter Island every May (tel. 619/574-8020). Approximately 90 boats participate in the festival, which features nautical displays, food, music, and crafts.

Fishing Tournaments

Enthusiasts will want to attend the Day at the Docks event, held at the San Diego Sportfishing Landing, Harbor Drive and Scott Street, in Point Loma, every April. For more information, call tel. 619/294-7912.

Football

Although at press time they were holding the city hostage with the threat of leaving for another metropolis, for now, San Diego's professional football team, the Chargers (tel. 877/CHARGERS; www.chargers.com), plays at Qualcomm Stadium ("The Q"), 9449 Friars Rd., Mission Valley. The season runs from August to December. The Chargers Express bus (tel. 619/685-4900 for information) costs $5 round-trip and picks up passengers at several locations throughout the city, beginning 2 hours before the game; the stadium is also easily reached via the San Diego Trolley.

The collegiate Holiday Bowl, held at Qualcomm Stadium every December, pits the Western Athletic Conference champion against a team from the Big 10. For information, call tel. 619/283-5808.

Golf

San Diego is the site of some of the country's most important golf tournaments, including the Buick Invitational, which takes place in February at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla (tel. 800/888-BUICK or 619/281-4653), and the Accenture Match Play Championship put on by World Golf Championships and held at La Costa, also in February (tel. 760/431-9110). Now you know why February is celebrated as Golf Month by the Convention and Visitors Bureau. The U.S. Open will be held at Torrey Pines in 2008.

Horse Racing & Shows

Live thoroughbred racing takes place at the Del Mar Race Track (tel. 858/755-1141 for information and racing schedules; www.delmarracing.com) from late July to mid-September. Post time for the nine-race program is 2pm (except for Fri, when it's 4pm); there is no racing on Tuesdays. Admission to the clubhouse is $8, including program; stretch run seating is $5 with program and includes infield access; and reserved seats are $5. The infield area has a jungle gym where kids can play or watch exhibition shows put on by BMX riders and skateboarders. "Four O'Clock Fridays" is designed to lure the martini crowd, with a 4pm post time and live bands at 7pm.

The Del Mar National Horse Show takes place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds from late April to early May. Olympic-caliber and national championship riders participate. For information, call tel. 858/792-4288 or 858/755-1161, or check www.sdfair.com.

Ice Hockey

The San Diego Gulls of the West Coast Hockey League skate at the San Diego Sports Arena from late October into March. For schedules, tickets, and information, call tel. 619/224-4625 or 619/224-4171, or visit www.sandiegogulls.com.

Marathons & Triathalons

San Diego is a wonderful place to run or watch a marathon because the weather is usually mild. The San Diego Marathon takes place in January. It's actually in Carlsbad, 35 miles north of San Diego, and stretches mostly along the coastline. For more information, call tel. 858/792-2900, or visit www.inmotionevents.com.

Drawing about 20,000 runners, the Suzuki Rock 'n' Roll Marathon is held in early June and features a route lined with rock bands, usually capped off by a headline act performing at a large venue. For additional information, call tel. 858/450-6510, or visit www.eliteracing.com.

Another popular event is the La Jolla Half Marathon, held in late April. It begins at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and finishes at La Jolla Cove. For information, call tel. 858/454-1262, or see www.lajollahalfmarathon.com.

The America's Finest City Half Marathon is held in August every year. The race begins at Cabrillo National Monument, winds through downtown, and ends in Balboa Park. For information, call tel. 858/792-2900, or visit www.inmotionevents.com.

The San Diego International Triathlon, held in late June, includes an international course comprised of a 1,000m swim, a 30km bike ride, and a 10km run, plus a shorter sprint course. A kids triathlon precedes the event by 1 day. It starts at Spanish Landing on San Diego Bay. For information, call tel. 858/268-1250 or check www.kozenterprises.com.

Polo

The public is invited to watch polo matches on Sundays from June to September at the San Diego Polo Club, 14555 El Camino Real, Rancho Santa Fe (tel. 858/481-9217; www.sandiegopolo.com). Admission is $5.

Soccer

The San Diego Sockers, members of the Continental Indoor Soccer League, play from September to March at the San Diego Sports Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. (tel. 858/836-4625; www.sockers.com). Tickets range $10 to $35.

Tennis

San Diego plays host to several major tennis tournaments, notably the Acura Tennis Classic, held at the La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad. The tournament is usually held between late July and early August. For information and tickets, call tel. 760/438-5683 or check www.acuraclassic.com.