The blend of neutral and white decor featured a mix of modern white oak, concrete, and white linen fabrics with gold accents sprinkled throughout.Photo: Eric Scire/Petco Park Events
The setup, event execution, and breakdown all took place during the lone off day in the middle of a homestand—meaning there was a home game Wednesday, the event was held Thursday, followed by another home game Friday.
The action-packed event comprised a red carpet; two separate cocktail hour locations—one for Padres players and their guests and one for VIPs; a seated dinner on the Petco Park playing field alongside players, coaches, ownership, and alumni; live and silent auctions; a game of Family Feud between players and pitchers; a musical performance by Ashanti and Ja Rule; and a fireworks display.
Shortly after Wednesday’s game ended, the crew began work—laying down flooring on the field and building the stage. The Petco Park Events team, which coordinates about 300 events per year at the stadium, had roughly 24 hours to transform the field into a large-scale gala space, complete with dinner tables and decor, and allotting for time for sound checks and rehearsals as well.
Immediately after the event, work to clear the field in time for the game the following day at 6:40 p.m. started. Jaclyn Lash, SVP of special events for the Padres, explained that the event is held on an off day so that players are able to attend. “From a production standpoint, it's not the easiest. We had a game on Wednesday and then a game on Friday, so it's a real quick turnaround," she said, adding that preserving the turf is key.
This year’s Baja-inspired event transported guests to a Mexican oasis in the middle of Petco Park’s playing field with luscious palms and agave plants complemented by floral arrangements filled with Phalaenopsis orchids, spray roses, and campanellas, which adorned the light wood cabanas that guests passed through upon arrival. Lash described the space as “reminiscent of a really gorgeous resort in Cabo.”
The event hosted 580 guests, including 100% attendance from Padres players. Attendees had the opportunity to buy tables at different price levels, allowing them to sit with a current player on the team.
The live auction featured five large items including a package where the winner gets to travel with the team. “We're able to offer some really unique opportunities that money, frankly, cannot buy, other than at this event,” Lash said.
As the largest fundraising event for the Padres Foundation, the charitable arm of the team and organization, the gala raised more than half a million dollars for its partners, Urban Street Angels and Youth Assistance Coalition, with an additional half a million dollars raised for ending youth homelessness, totaling a $1 million donation.
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VENDORS
Audiovisual & Stage Design: Show Imaging
Candles: SoCal Candle Rentals
Catering: Delaware North
Content Production: Padres Productions
DJ/Entertainment: Dart Collective
Entertainment: Game Show America, Mariachi Divas
Event Design, Concept & Operations: Petco Park Events
Florals & Candles: Posies Floral Co.
Fireworks: Pyro Spectaculars
Linens: Luxe Linens
Magician: Nick Ivory
Plant Rentals: Creative Plant Rentals
Parking: ACE Parking
Rentals: Bright Event Rentals, Hire Elegance
Security: Elite Security & Staffing
Staffing: Hands On Labor
