The Padres vs. Dodgers series contains the must see games of the year for Southern California.

Two  hours apart from each other, the rivalry is always around even when they aren’t playing each other.  Trash talking and booed around the city are always prevalent.

The Padres/Dodgers experience is definitely a great rivalry in baseball. It doesn’t go back as far as the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry, but it is definitely just as intense.

The rivalry grew stronger in ’96 when the Padres swept a three game series in Los Angeles to clinch the National League West Division title.

With both teams playing in the same division, it makes the games are that much more important.

If you’re a San Diego native and of course a Padres fan, Petco Park is the place to be when the Dodgers are in town.

It’s talked about all week throughout town and the games are generally sold out including this weekend’s games.

The experience is different from any other game at the park. It is similar to a playoff atmosphere.  The stakes are higher because it is a division game, but mainly because the teams are hated rivals!

"BEAT LA! BEAT LA! BEAT LA!"

The chant is all you hear during the series; anytime there is anything positive going for the Padres, the chant continues to get louder and louder.

It has become such a trend now that the Padres organization runs with it. They even have the Swinging Friar stomping in the scoreboard. In fact, last year for the 4^th of July game, they gave away "BEAT LA" towels and this year, shirts with the same solgan will be provided for fans.

Face paintings and signs with the chant will be seen.

If you make it out to Petco Park at all this year, the Padres/Dodger series is the one to attend.