Padres announce schedule for 2013 FanFest pres. by State Farm
Player autographs, Garage Sale, clubhouse tours, clinics & more are part of free event February 9
The San Diego Padres today released details surrounding 2013 FanFest presented by State Farm, including a complete schedule of clinics, forums and autograph signings.
The free annual event returns to Petco Park this Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. Gates open to the general public at 10:00 a.m. Padres Platinum, Gold and Blue Members receive exclusive early access from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. with printable passes they were sent via email. Fans who are not Members can pre-register at no cost at www.padres.com/fanfest for a special pass allowing them to enter at 9:30 a.m.
FanFest presented by State Farm will run until 4:00 p.m. Free parking will be provided in four locations: the three surface lots along Imperial Ave. (southeast side of Petco Park) and the Padres Parkade (10th Ave at J St).
More than two dozen Padres players participate at FanFest, joined by alumni, broadcasters and members of the front office. Fans will have the opportunity to get autographs, tour the clubhouse, run the bases and catch fly balls in the outfield. Also featured will be a kids' pitching clinic with Padres All-Star closer Huston Street and a kids' batting clinic with Cameron Maybin. An expanded Military Zone in Park at the Park will feature an interactive dive display with an underwater breathing system and an interactive jump display provided by Navy Special Warfare, among other activities provided by the United States Army and United States Marine Corps.
Padres owners Ron Fowler and Peter Seidler, Padres executives Tom Garfinkel and Josh Byrnes, manager Bud Black, players and broadcasters will take part in scheduled fan forums. The Padres' flagship radio station, The Mighty 1090, will broadcast live from Petco Park for the duration of the event, with live player interviews scheduled throughout the day.
In addition, the Padres Foundation will host its annual Garage Sale. This year, the Garage Sale will be featured at a new location: inside the Park Blvd. gate. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase rare, one-of-a-kind Padres items, including game-used jerseys and batting helmets, with proceeds going to the Padres Foundation.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early at FanFest to get their first choice of autograph session vouchers and Garage Sale merchandise. The list of players scheduled to sign autographs comprises John Baker, Anthony Bass, Brad Boxberger, Brad Brach, Andrew Cashner, Chris Denorfia, Logan Forsythe, Jedd Gyorko, Chase Headley, Nick Hundley, Casey Kelly, Mark Kotsay, Tommy Layne, Cory Luebke, Cameron Maybin, Miles Mikolas, Adys Portillo, Carlos Quentin, Clayton Richard, Tyson Ross, Tim Stauffer, Huston Street, Joe Thatcher, Dale Thayer, Will Venable, Nick Vincent and Joe Wieland.
A full schedule of the day and a map are attached. Please note: the schedule is subject to change. The most up-to-date information can be found online at padres.com/fanfest.
FanFest presented by State Farm also will be the first opportunity for fans to guarantee their seats for some of the biggest match-ups of the 2013 season, including the New York Yankees' first-ever visit to Petco Park. The Padres Budweiser 6 Pack includes the choice of one Yankees game (either Friday Aug. 2 or Sunday Aug. 4), and five additional games, with Opening Day and select other games excluded. The Budweiser 6 Pack is available in three seating locations, with prices starting at $99. The package will be available online, at the Petco Park box office and by phone at 619.795.5555 beginning at 7:30 a.m. on February 9. Additionally, tickets will be on sale at two locations inside the ballpark during the event. Visit www.padres.com for the complete 2013 schedule, including game times (subject to change).