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Qualcomm Stadium
In the mid-1960's, San Diego Union sports editor Jack Murphy began campaigning for a new, first-class stadium that would house the NFL Chargers and a baseball expansion team. In 1965, a referendum to raise $27.75 million to build the stadium was supported by 72 percent of the voters in San Diego. The city built the multi-purpose stadium on a 166-acre site in Mission Valley. Three years later, Major League Baseball awarded a team to San Diego. For many years, Jack Murphy Stadium was one of the most difficult home run parks in baseball. However, in 1982 the Padres moved the fences forward, making it one of the most hitter-friendly ballparks in the National League.
Tenants: San Diego Padres (NL); San Diego Chargers (NFL)
Opened: August 20, 1967
First Padres game: April 8, 1969
Last Padres game: September 28, 2004
Surface: Santa Ana Bermuda grass
Capacity: 50,000 (1967); 44,790 (1973); 47,634 (1974); 47,491 (1976); 48,460 (1977); 51,362 (1979); 48,443 (1980); 51,362 (1981); 51,319 (1983); 58,671 (1984); 58,433 (1986); 59,022 (1990); 59,254 (1991); 59,700 (1992); 67,544 (1997, baseball).
Architect: Gary Allen (Frank L. Hope and Associates)
Construction: n/a
Owner: City of San Diego
Cost: $27.75 million (1967)
Lease: Padres original lease expired after the 1999 season
Location: Left field (N by NE), 9449 Friars Road; third base (W by NW), Stadium Way and a quarry; first base (S by SW), San Diego River, Camino del Rio North, and Interstate 8; right field (E by SE), Interstate 15.
Dimensions: Left field: 330 (1969), 327 (1982); power alleys: 375 (1969), 370 (1982); center field: 420 (1969), 410 (1973), 420 (1978), 405 (1982); right field: 330 (1969), 327 (1982), 330 (1996); backstop: 80 (1969), 75 (1982).
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