Park at the Park comes alive during road trips

This is an idea brilliant in its simplicity.

The Padres are now showing road games on the big screen behind the batter's eye in center field at PETCO Park. Starting tonight, Away at the Park, presented by Cox, invites fans and East Village residents to enjoy the Park at the Park and follow the Padres action.

Before you ask: Yes, it's free.

Fans can take advantage of the park's Picnic Hill, the youth playing field, the children's tot lot and "the Beachers" area. Leashed dogs are permitted in the park.

The park will be open and games shown every time there is a Cox Communications telecast of a road game. The Padres schedule on padres.com has all the TV info.

"PETCO Park is an incredible asset that has already created countless positive memories and tremendous economic value to San Diego and the local community," said Tom Garfinkel, Padres President and Chief Operating Officer, in the team's news release.

"We want to capitalize on the unique environment we have here by creating more opportunities for our neighbors in the East Village and far beyond to enjoy the area, and we're thrilled to be teaming with our partner Cox Communications to do just that with Away at the Park."

The debut game, when the Padres face the Angels at 7:05 tonight, promised to be quite the party. The Swinging Friar and Pad Squad will be on hand, and fans can mingle with Channel 4 San Diego on-air personalities. There will be free raffles for Padres promotional items and tickets.

Concession stands will be open each Friday and Saturday that the Away at the Park program is happening. Items available for purchase include hot dogs, sausages, soda, beer, nachos and Dippin' Dots ice cream treats.

Here are the remaining road games that aren't on the Cox Communications broadcast schedule: Thursday, June 25 at Seattle; Wednesday, July 8 at Arizona; Friday, July 24 at Washington; Thursday, July 30 at Cincinnati; Thursday, August 13 at Cincinnati; Saturday, August 29 at Florida; Monday, September 7 at San Francisco; Wednesday, September 9 at San Francisco; Saturday, September 19 at Pittsburgh.

All other road games are on Channel 4 San Diego and its affiliated outlets and will be on the big screen with full audio.

See you there!

(Photo of the Park at the Park taken by Padres team photographer Chris Hardy)