Fans honor Padres owner at Petco Park memorial

Generations of San Diego Padres fans gathered at a memorial on the steps of Petco Park's Home Plate Gate Tuesday to remember Peter Seidler and honor his legacy.

Why it matters: Seidler's legacy extends beyond the wins and losses of the city's baseball team.

Details: A father and son placed flowers on the ground next to a collection of other bouquets, Padres caps and baseballs with hand-written notes.

• "Rest in Peace Papa Pete Padres fans will miss you," one note scrawled on a baseball read.

A sign taped to an easel holding a large framed photo of Seidler on the field captured what he meant to the city.

• "Thank you Peter Seidler! San Diego is better because of you and this city will never forget you."

What they're saying: "Peter Seidler turned a small market team into a household name through everything that he did," lifelong Padres fan Nathaniel Williams said while standing at the memorial.

Of note: The memorial is open for fans to visit Wednesday until midnight, with free parking at the stadium's tailgate lot.

The big picture: Seidler's death brought an outpouring of support and emotional reactions from local leaders, fans, community organizations and sports teams nationwide.

• He was a "pillar of our community, a generous soul, and a visionary leader," San Diego County Supervisors chair Nora Vargas posted.
• "Peter Seidler instilled a hope in San Diego that I will never forget," Padres fan Ryan Cohen wrote on X. "He made my hometown fall in love with baseball again."