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By Mike Scarr / MLB.com

Padres manager Bruce Bochy at the team's first workout at PETCO. (Lenny Ignelzi/AP)

The Padres have sold an equivalent of over 17,000 season tickets, not only a club record but on a pace to surpass initial forecasts.

The 17,000 season-ticket figure is a combination of over 28,000 full, half and 20-game plans sold through January. The Padres sold a total of 11,407 season tickets in 2003.

"The fact that 2004 season ticket sales have surpassed initial expectations is a testament to our loyal fans," said Padres executive vice president of business operations, Steve Violetta in a statement. "Our initial projection was 17,500-18,000 season tickets, so we are extremely pleased to be trending well ahead of that pace, including exceeding January's season ticket sales forecast by nearly 250 percent."

The club has only eclipsed the 12,000 season ticket barrier in two other seasons -- establishing a record in 1985 with a total of 12,854 season tickets sold. In 2000, the Padres sold 12,380 season tickets.

Two factors contribute to this year's upswing. The Padres will be opening their new downtown ballpark this season. Though holding a seating capacity that is less than they had at Qualcomm, PETCO Park is designed to give the fan a closer and more intimate view of the game.

Another factor that has Padres fans hopeful about the upcoming season is a rebuilt roster that will make a run at the competitive NL West.

"The enthusiasm surrounding the inaugural season at PETCO Park will continue to build right through Opening Day on April 8," Violetta said. "This is an exceptional time to be a Padres fan."

Over 1.3 million tickets have been sold, with over 1.5 million still available for groups and individual ticket sales. An exact date for public individual ticket sales, including tickets for the club's two exhibition games April 3-4 vs. the Seattle Mariners and regular season home dates at PETCO Park, will be announced shortly.

Over 4,400 Premium Seats, club seats and suites, have also been sold. The Padres have thus far sold out their inventory of Dugout Seats, Omni Hotel Premier Club Seats and Premier Suites, with 85 percent of the Toyota Terrace Infield Level sold out as well.

Season tickets for 2004, which offer priority seating for all games, including Opening Day, are still available by calling (619) 795-5500 or by visiting the Padres ticket office at PETCO Park during regular business hours.

In addition, there are a limited number of luxury suites still available. For more information regarding suites, please call (619) 795-5148.

Mike Scarr is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.