The San Diego Padres front office have taken the first step in bringing a MLB All-Star Game back to San Diego, as they submitted their application to host the 2017 All-Star Game (next available opening) to MLB Commissioner Bud Selig last week, according to a U-T San Diego report.
San Diego has not served host to an All-Star Game since 1992, when the Padres were still playing at Jack Murphy Stadium, and according to the report, this is the team’s first official bid for an All-Star Game in their time at Petco Park (2004-present).
Mayor Kevin Faulconer and City Council members are scheduled to meet on Dec. 15, and will vote on specific items that the Padres brass placed in their bid.
Over the past few years the Padres have made several renovations to Petco Park, such as moving in the fences prior to the 2013 season, adding the Jack Daniels deck in right field prior to the 2013 season, and are currently in the process of upgrading their main video scoreboard in left field for the upcoming season. All of those renovations could play a role in the Petco Park being selected over other venues.
According to the UT-San Diego report, the Padres may also be targeting the 2019 All-Star Game, which would coincide with the the franchise’s 50th anniversary. However, the selection process for even the 2017 All-Star Game is still a long way off, and the Padres will need strong support from the San Diego government to make it happen.
The Padres declined to comment on the story, but CEO Mike Dee released this statement to the UT-San Diego:
“Working with our community and with Major League Baseball to secure an All-Star Game for San Diego has been a top priority of our our ownership group since day one,” Dee said. “The events of All-Star week would serve the dual purpose of attracting thousands of visitors to San Diego as well as showcasing the beauty of America’s Finest City to a worldwide television audience. Most importantly, though, Padres fans have spoken loudly that they want this game, and hopefully that wish will come true.”
