This Saturday’s Padres 2015 FanFest is sold out. However, even though the online registration is over and no more passes for the event are available, fans who want to get a glimpse of the new-look Friars might still have a chance to do it.
On Thursday the Padres released this information:
“For fans who did not pre-register before the event reached capacity, a limited number of Park Passes is expected to be released on site the day of the event. A standby line will be in place at the main ticket windows on Park Blvd. on April 4 for that purpose. Due to overwhelming demand for this event, re-entry will not be permitted, even for fans who pre-registered. As guests exit the ballpark, those in the standby line will be granted entry in their place.”
So, it’s not ideal, but it’s something. Plus, Park at the Park will be buzzing with activities, including the interactive “For those who Serve” Military and First Responder Zone, as well as the Sunday KidsFest setup, including bounce houses, games, obstacle courses and face painting.
As for the folks who already have passes to get inside, the Padres have released details of what the day has in store.
Gates open to the general public at 9:00 a.m. Padres Members receive exclusive early access beginning at 8:00 a.m. You’re going to want to get there as early as possible, because there will not be much time to do stuff.
First pitch for the exhibition game against the Mexico City Red Devils (Diablos Rojos del México) of the Mexican Baseball League is slated for 2:00 p.m. That means fans can only play catch on the field until 11:00 a.m., when everyone will be cleared out for pregame batting practice, which starts with the Red Devils at 11:30 (the Padres will hit at about 12:15).
Now, that means a lot of people in one place, trying to do things in a very short time, so parking and entry will be paramount. Free parking will be provided in Padres-owned lots around the ballpark, which are expected to fill quickly. Guests arriving after 9 a.m. should plan to utilize public transportation or parking in paid lots near the ballpark.
There will be three gates open for entry: the Home Plate Gate on Park Blvd., the Gaslamp Gate on 7th Ave. and the East Village Gate on 10th Ave. Autograph vouchers will be available at each gate, while supplies last. The first 4,500 guests will receive a voucher to participate in an autograph session. New in 2015, the players and coaches involved in each autograph session will remain a surprise until the session begins.
All 25 guys on the roster, plus coaches, Padres alumni and members of the front office are expected to participate in FanFest in some capacity.
Padres ownership will be joined by Manager Bud Black and Opening Day starting pitcher James Shields for a fan forum scheduled for 10:30 a.m., while Padres President and CEO Mike Dee and Padres EVP/General Manager A.J. Preller will be joined by 2014 All-Star Tyson Ross for a forum scheduled for 11:00 a.m. (Please note: forum participants are subject to change).
Also returning to FanFest in 2015, the Padres Foundation will host its annual Garage Sale inside the Park Blvd. gate. Fans will have the opportunity to buy Padres items, including game-used jerseys and batting helmets, with proceeds going to the Padres Foundation, so hit the ATM before heading to the ballpark.
Also, keep an eye on Twitter. Starting at 8:00 a.m., the Padres (@Padres) will start tweeting clues for a social scavenger hunt. Fans that complete the scavenger hunt can claim a #PadresFanFest prize at the Padres Social Lounge located in left field on the set of Padres Social Hour at the AMR Studio in the Padres Team Store. A “selfie station” will be set up there, and a few players are expected to make appearances.
Oh, and please remember to bring sunblock and stay hydrated. It’s going to be another fantastic Saturday in San Diego!
