SAN DIEGO -- The down economy combined with the lackluster San Diego Padres baseball season equals plummeting ticket sales.

The average game attendance this year is down nearly 20 percent from last year, according to experts.

"If they played a little bit better, we would probably do a lot better," said Roy Romero, part-owner of the Tivoli Bar.

Romero said the bar has seen a drop in sales that coincides with the drop in Petco Park's attendance.

However, the July Fourth weekend is a different story with a sold-out crowd ready to welcome Los Angeles Dodgers star Manny Ramirez back after a 50-game suspension.

"I'm expecting a lot a lot of people," said Romero.

David Pinkney, owner of Crunch Time, agreed.

"We are not at all Dodger fans. But if you're going to bring us in a full stadium, a full downtown, come on Dodgers," said Pinkney.

Pinkney said his business, located across the street from the 7th Ave. park entrance, has actually grown over the last year.

He said the growth is because of his low-ticket, family friendly items such as popcorn and ice cream.

"Anybody's got $3.75 right now. And you eat ice cream when you're in a good mood or in a bad mood. Either way, you're leaving in a good mood," said Pinkney.

To keep up with the down economy, Pinkney said he has had to make changes.

"We actually got a hot dog and a Coca-Cola for $2.75. This time last year we would be selling it for $5.75," said Pinkney.

Pinkney and Romero said they believe the Padres' moment will come soon.

"They're just waiting, I think, for maybe a couple years to really bust it open. It will bring us a lot of business," said Romero.