The San Diego Padres Home Opener against the San Francisco Giants starts at 3:40 p.m. Thursday. Here’s everything you need to know about the sold-out ballgame.
For starters, the Padres say right-handed pitcher Ian Kennedy is set to take the mound before the crowd. Every fan in attendance will receive a free Padres fedora presented by Sycuan.
The pre-game ceremony will include the unveiling of Petco Park’s newest addition, the National League’s largest video board. After the game, fans can enjoy the video board in all its glory with a 10-minute post-game video produced by Padres Productions and SONY.
The U.S. Navy parachute team – known as the Leap Frogs – will also perform an aerial demonstration for fans. The unfurling of the Holiday Bowl Big Flag is also on the agenda and will be held by 300 sailors from Navy Region Southwest, United States Third Fleet, Naval Air Forces, Naval Surface Forces, Naval Special Warfare and Submarine Squadron 11.
The team said recording artist Ashleigh Stone will sing the National Anthem at Opening Day. Stone’s Anthem will be followed by a flyover by two Harriers from the VMA-311 Tomcats from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Yuma, Ariz. In addition, San Diego native Caroline Corn will perform “God Bless America” before the 7th inning stretch.
The Ceremonial First Pitch will be thrown by local sports icons including Padres Hall of Famer and 1976 Cy Young Winner Randy Jones, former San Diego Chargers Center Nick Hardwick, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, one of the world’s greatest surfers, Rob Machado and San Diego State Aztecs basketball forward J.J. O’Brien.
Fans are advised to be in their seat by 3 p.m. so they can catch all of the fun of the pre-game ceremony.
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Park in the Park – the grassy hangout inside the stadium – will host Happy Hour starting at 5 p.m. featuring food and drink specials, plus entertainment.
New security measures are in place at the ballpark this season, including walk-through metal detectors installed at all Petco Park entry gates and access points. All fans will be screened as they enter the park.
Fans are advised to use public transit when visiting Petco Park. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) will offer additional "Special Event" trolley service from Qualcomm Stadium and Mission Valley stations to the ballpark area. All three Trolley Lines offer direct service to Petco Park and increased service following the game.
The North County Transit District (NCTD) will offer extra Coaster service with trains departing from Oceanside Station at 11:05 a.m., 1:51 p.m. and 2:32 p.m.
Though Opening Day is sold out, limited tickets are still available for the three remaining weekend games in the Opening Series. Tickets can be purchased here.
On Sunday, the Padres will honor military service members with Military Opening Day. Sunday will also bring KidsFest at the Park, a kid-friendly event boasting bounce houses, inflatable games, balloon artists, face painters and other family-friendly activities.
