FanFest has become a rite of spring with Padres fans. The annual event - which is being held Saturday (April 1) at Petco Park -- is a chance for fans to meet players up-close, buy merchandise at the annual garage sale, attend clinics, participate in Q&A forums involving players, coaches, executives and broadcasters and enjoy Petco Park - for free.
FanFest also includes KidsFest at the Park at the Park with events including bounce houses, face painting, games and obstacle courses. The "For Those Who Serve" zone for military and first responders will again be part of FanFest. There will also be a clinic conducted by a Padres' player on the wiffle ball field
 
And again - for free. Even the parking at Padres-owned lots around Petco Park is free on a first-come basis.
 
To attend 2017 FanFest presented by T-Mobile, just pre-register for free admission on-line at www.padres.com/fanfest. Attendance does require pre registration with each fan able to acquire up to eight tickets.
 
Gates to the general public for FanFest will open at 10 a.m. and the event will continue until 2 p.m. Padres Members will receive early access starting at 9 a.m. Standard Petco Park security and screening procedures will be in effect.
 
Fans will enter Petco Park through the Home Plate, East Village and Gaslamp gates.
 
The Q&A forums will begin at 11 a.m. on the Park at the Park stage. Various players, broadcasters and alumni will sign autographs at locations around the ballpark from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fans are also invited to tour the Padres Hall of Fame, which opened last July along K Street behind the left field seating area.
 
Fans are also invited to watch batting practice starting at 1 p.m. with those catching specially-marked batting practice balls winning prizes. After batting practice ends, kids will be running the bases. One of the more popular features of FanFast is the annual garage sale benefitting the Padres Foundation. The garage sale will be held inside the Park Boulevard Gate and open to all fans seeking to purchase Padres items including game-used jerseys, batting helmets and 2016 All-Star Game memorabilia. There will also be a prize wheel. For a $5 donation to the Padres' Foundation community programs, fans can spin the wheel for a variety of prizes.