The middle game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres on Saturday drew an announced attendance of 46,701, which set a new record at Petco Park. That surpassed the previous mark of 45,567 set on Opening Day in 2014 when San Diego hosted L.A.
The gate was largely driven by the Dodgers’ and Padres’ contentious rivalry in recent years, as well as several new additions on each team. The weekend series marked Shohei Ohtani’s first time playing at Petco Park as a member of the Dodgers and Luis Arráez’s first at home with the Padres.
Dodgers fans historically travel well on the road and especially so for games in San Diego. In April 2022, Dodgers and Padres fans helped set a new Petco Park attendance record for a three-game series (133,856).
Those who attended Saturday’s matchup watched a largely one-sided battle as L.A. shut out San Diego behind another dominant pitching performance. It was the 18th consecutive game in which the Dodgers’ pitching staff allowed four runs or fewer.
The Dodgers improved to 27-14 and expanded their lead over the Padres to 6.5 games in the National League West. While L.A. has created some separation in the standings, they are just 3-4 against San Diego this season.
Padres wanted to keep Dodgers fans out of Petco Park for 2022 NLDS
Ahead of their 2022 NL Division Series matchup, the Padres restricted direct ticket sales for games at Petco Park to those living within select counties, which prevented Dodgers fans from taking away home-field advantage.
Their playoff game at Petco Park that season was the first postseason game at Petco Park with fans in attendance since 2006. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was the leadoff hitter in the Padres lineup for Game 2 of the 2006 NLDS, when they lost to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Game 4 of the series had an announced attendance of 45,139, which set a new Petco Park record for a postseason matchup.
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