The San Diego Padres begin selling single-game tickets Friday, and the team's hope is that off-season moves to bolster the roster and improve Petco Park's scoreboard will boost attendance.
In 2004, the first year the Padres played in Petco Park, attendance hit the 3 million mark. That hasn't happened since.
In the past six years, attendance has never exceeded 2.2 million, and in 2009 it even dipped to a low of 1.9 million.
Wayne Partello, the team's chief marketing officer, said fans will notice some significant changes this season.
“The biggest addition is our brand new HD video board out in left field. It will be the largest in the National League and third biggest in baseball," Partello said.
The Padres also in the off season added three former All-Stars to their 2015 roster — outfielders Matt Kemp and Justin Upton, and catcher Derek Norris.
“The organization and the front office of the organization is focused on putting a competitive team (on the field), and a team that can go out and compete for championships,” Partello said.
With the bolstered roster, the team hopes to fill more seats.
“Our goal everyday is to fill Petco Park with a crowd that wants to cheer on this team,” Partello said.
