Padres host Dodgers and Giants for final homestand of 2012

SAN DIEGO - The Padres return home Tuesday, September 25 for the final homestand of the season, featuring three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers followed by a weekend series against the San Francisco Giants. The homestand will be highlighted by Hispanic Heritage Night presented by Verizon, Fan Appreciation Weekend, the final military Sunday of the season, and the Shirts off their Backs ceremony presented by Sycuan.

Home action begins tonight with a 7:05 p.m. start against the Dodgers. Tonight marks Cavalia Night at Petco Park. In anticipation of the famed show's return to San Diego in November, artists from Cavalia will perform the Ceremonial First Pitch prior to the start of the game, and will also make special appearances throughout the game.

Enjoyed by some 3.5 million people, Cavalia is a lavish production involving 49 magnificent horses and featuring 39 riders, aerialists, acrobats, dancers and musicians from all over the world. A show unlike any other, Cavalia celebrates the relationship between humans and horses, virtually reinventing the equestrian arts. The show premieres November 13 under its signature White Big Top, in the parking lot adjacent to Petco Park.

Prior to tonight's game, United States Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, who is in town on official business, will participate in an on-field re-enlistment of more than 70 sailors.

Also during tonight's pregame ceremony, the Padres will recognize and highlight the Padres Foundation's featured charity partner this homestand, Chicano Federation. In addition, the Padres have teamed up with State Farm for the Go to Bat program to salute some of the area's deserving charities that have shown support and commitment to building strong communities. Tonight, the Padres will be honoring Urban League -- EMBODI with the State Farm Go to Bat recognition.

Continuing tonight and throughout the homestand, fans will be able to purchase $1 Shirts off their Backs scratcher tickets for the chance to win the opportunity to take part in the 13th annual Shirts off their Backs ceremony presented by Sycuan. Tickets will be available at the Gaslamp Gate, on the main concourse near sections 103 and 123, and from Guest Service Representatives throughout the ballpark. Following the final home game of the season on Sept. 30, approximately 44 winners will receive a game-worn jersey off the back of a Padres player or coach. All proceeds from the scratcher ticket sales will benefit the Padres Foundation. Over the past 12 years, this program has raised more than $485,000 in support of the Padres Foundation.

Thursday marks the final College Night of the season, featuring special ticket discounts for college students with a valid student ID ($9 in advance or $10 on game day in Right Field Upper Reserved College Night section). A DJ from Channel 93.3 will be spinning at the Budweiser Patio in Right Field from 6:00 p.m. until the conclusion of the game.

Also Thursday, the Padres will welcome actor Tyler Labine and Crystal the Monkey (of The Hangover Part II fame) from NBC's newest comedy Animal Practice to Petco Park. The duo will throw out the Ceremonial First Pitch to help kick off Petco's National Adoption Reunion, where every Petco and Unleashed by Petco store nationwide will help find shelter pets loving homes. This year's events will be held Oct. 6-7.

Friday marks Hispanic Heritage Night presented by Verizon. Friday's game will be preceded by Friday Night Party at Park at the Park, celebrating Hispanic art, entertainment and culture. The event will feature a live mural demonstration from "Writerz Blok," as well as an art garden showcasing community art by Isaias Crow, Gloria "Glow" Muriel, and Armando Nunez. Food and drink specials will be available, and live entertainment will be provided by Salsa Caliente.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Night presented by Verizon, Friday's pregame ceremony will collectively honor all three recipients of the Padres Hispanic Heritage Comunidad Award. The Hispanic Heritage Comunidad Awards is a series of awards established to recognize and pay tribute to individuals or organizations whose work makes a positive impact on those who live and work in San Diego's Hispanic community. In support of the Padres Foundation's community vision, three awards were given throughout the season, one each in the areas of children's health (LIVE), children's education (LEARN) and youth baseball/ softball or youth fitness (PLAY).

Dr. Raul Trejo of the Scripps Family Medicine Residency Program was the recipient in the area of children's health, Armando Cataño, a teacher at Monroe Clark Middle School in City Heights, was the winner in the area of children's education, and Daynara Castillo, a volunteer dance teacher at the Monarch School, was selected to receive the award in the area of youth fitness.

Also as part of the Hispanic Heritage Night festivities, Padres Spanish radio and television broadcaster Eduardo Ortega will be honored for his induction into the Tijuana Sports Hall of Fame.

In addition Friday, Padres pitcher Luke Gregerson will be honored during the pregame ceremony as the club's nominee for the 2012 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet. The award pays tribute to Clemente's achievements and character by recognizing current players who truly understand the value of helping others. It is named for the 12-time MLB All-Star and Hall of Famer who died in a plane crash on New Year's Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.  

Padres fans are encouraged to vote for Gregerson by visiting www.mlb.com/clementeaward.  Voting ends on October 14, and participating fans will be automatically registered for a chance to win a trip to the 2012 World Series, where the national winner will be announced.

Saturday kicks off Fan Appreciation Weekend at Petco Park. The first 25,000 fans in attendance Saturday will receive a Fan Appreciation T-Shirt. Following Saturday's game, a Faith Night celebration will include a concert and testimonials out at Park at the Park.

Continuing Fan Appreciation Weekend Sunday, the first 25,000 fans in attendance will receive a 2012 Padres team photo featuring the 2013 game schedule.

The final home Sunday game of the season marks Military Salute, when the Padres will honor men and women in uniform representing all branches of military service in San Diego.  In addition, there will be a special tribute to our nation's POWs, in recognition of national POW/MIA Day.

Prior to Sunday's game, fans with tickets are invited to enjoy the final Breakfast at the Park of the season. A special selection of breakfast menu items will be offered for purchase along K Street at Park at the Park.  In addition to seating at the Park at the Park, tables may be set up on the warning track, allowing fans to dine on the Petco Park field on a first-come, first-served basis, barring batting practice. Gates will open to Season Ticket Holders with reservations at 10:00 a.m. Gates will open to the general public at 10:30 a.m.

From 11:30 a.m. to noon two Padres players will sign autographs at the Park at the Park for Jr. Padres Sunday Signings. A Jr. Padres membership is required to participate in the signing event. Membership is free, and kids can sign up online or in-person on the day of the event.

Following Sunday's game, fans are invited to stay for the annual Shirts off their Backs fundraiser ceremony, presented by Sycuan. Throughout the homestand, fans will be able to buy $1 Shirts off their Backs scratcher tickets for the chance to win the opportunity to take part in Sunday's ceremony. Following the game, approximately 44 winners will receive a game-worn jersey off the back of one Padres player or coach. All proceeds from the scratcher ticket sales will go to the Padres Foundation.

Tickets for all remaining regular season home games can be purchased online at padres.com, at the Petco Park box office, by phone at (619) 795-5555 and at the Padres Store in Tijuana.