Rooting for the Padres, catching a hometown soccer game or even cheering on the local hockey team can get expensive, fast. Here are a few ways tips to go to the games and save money.
San Diego County is known for being one of America’s most expensive regions. Locals are feeling the squeeze and looking for solutions. KPBS' new series Price of San Diego dives into the rising costs of groceries, child care, car insurance and even our beloved California burrito.
San Diego has a wide range of live sports for families to enjoy. But rooting for the Padres, catching a hometown soccer game or even cheering on the local hockey team can get expensive. Here are a few ways to save some money if you’re taking kids out to a game.To watch one of the major sports teams in San Diego, the cost of tickets alone starts around $25. Those prices can easily1. Watch the Padres from Gallagher Square instead of the stands The cost of taking a family of four to a Padres game can vary widely. As of this spring, seated tickets to a weekend gameOne popular option is Gallagher Square, the lawn and playground area on the north side of Petco Park. There's no seating, but people can bring blankets or soft seat cushions to sit on. Tickets for that area tend to be cheaper and range from $30 to $65,. The area also hosts games, face paint and other kids’ activities two hours before the first pitch at Sunday games. Petco Park also offers free admission to children under 36 inches in height, provided they are accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. They must sit in the lap of the accompanying adult and not occupy an additional seat.into Padres games as long as it’s wrapped, bagged or inside a container. Sealed, soft-sided plastic water bottles, milk containers and juice boxes are also allowed. Don’t plan to bring in a potluck, though – any food brought into Petco Park must be for individual consumption.is about four miles away in the Mt. Hope neighborhood. But you have to be a member, and since Petco Park policy says soda can't come in with you, drink it ahead of time.near Petco Park during Padres games and other special events. Within a half mile of the park, rates went up from $2.50 per hour to $10 per hour during events that draw 10,000 people or more. Lots near the parka block away from Petco Park. The Green Line stops at the Gaslamp Quarter stop, while the Blue and Orange Lines stop at 12th and Imperial. If, the Rapid 215, 225 and 235 buses stop at City College, where you can get on the Orange or Blue Lines.Coaster fares are zone-based. They range from $5.00 to $13.00 for adults.and under if they have a youth PRONTO app or card on all MTS and NCTD routes. There are also reduced fares for people who qualify and purchase tickets as Senior/Disabled/Medicare riders.San Diego County is known for being one of America’s most expensive regions. This is not news to locals. KPBS' new series Price of San Diego dives into the rising costs of groceries, child care, car insurance and even our beloved California burrito. You won’t want to miss this ongoing series, live now on KPBS.org/priceofsandiegoSpeaking of soccer, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to kick off across the U.S., Mexico and Canada this June. While there won’t be any games in San Diego, there will be many just up Interstate 5 in Los Angeles. Most World Cup tickets range from theif you’re bargain hunting for more affordable World Cup tickets and are willing to take a few extra steps and travel.) But there are cheaper ways to get into the fútbol fever. Locally, San Diego Wave FC, the women's soccer team, began playing at Snapdragon Stadium in 2022 and came out of the gates with immediate success. San Diego FC, the men's soccer team, had a similarly explosive start in their inaugural 2025 season.As for SDFC games, you need to be a member of the supporter union to take advantage of the discount. TheBoth SDFC and Wave FC allow children two years and younger to be admitted for free, but they must sit on a ticket holder’s lap. Wave FC and SDFC also offer groups of 10 or more special group pricing and exclusive group experiences.The San Diego Padres said souvenir cups are eligible for free refills for the entire event on the day it’s sold, but fans are not able to bring cups back into the building for refills for future events. The team also offers a “Pizza Port discounted bundle for a ‘Little Kids Meal’ and a ‘Big Kids Meal’ .”, kids can get a team water bottle on July 12, a keychain on Aug. 23 and a lunchbox on Sept. 20.starting at $135. It includes four tickets to certain weekend games, four hot dogs, four bags of chips, four sodas and a parking pass. Otherwise, weekend tickets range from around $35 to $85 depending on the seat.membership that includes admission to all volleyball, baseball, softball and women’s basketball home games. Kids must be in eighth grade or younger.San Diego’s thrift stores are great places to find T-shirts, jerseys, bags and hats for both kids and adults. Stores like Target, Walmart and DICK’s Sporting Goods have Padres, Wave FC, SDFC and Aztecs shirts But team merchandise is a fraction of the price at Goodwill, the Salvation Army or Veterans Thrift Stores. Plus, you might find something vintage to help you stand out in the crowd.While the Padres, Wave FC, SDFC and the Aztecs are the big players in town, there are other local sports teams you can watch in-person that may save you some money.. And don't forget all the other collegiate athletics in town, like the teams at UC San Diego, CSU San Marcos and the University of San Diego.that offer generally more affordable ticket prices. Be sure to factor in the cost of border wait times if you need to go back and forth!Let us know if we missed anything so we can collect the best ideas to save some money watching our favorite sports teams in San Diego and Tijuana.As a general assignment reporter, I report on a wide range of different issues that affect the diverse neighborhoods of San Diego County including business, health, arts & culture and politics.Katie Anastas covers education for KPBS News, from preschools and TK to universities and community colleges. Katie has covered school closures, child care shortages, Alaska Native education and statewide school funding issues for Alaska Public Media. In New York City, she reported on a controversial admissions process at the city's elite public high schools. KPBS keeps you informed with local stories you need to know about — with no paywall. Our news is free for everyone because people like you help fund it.
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