Padres host Mets and Cubs for ninth homestand

SAN DIEGO – The Padres return home Friday, August 3 for a six-game homestand, featuring a weekend series against the New York Mets followed by three games against the Chicago Cubs. The homestand will be highlighted by 80’s Night and U.S. Coast Guard Appreciation Day.

Home action begins tonight with a 7:05 p.m. start against the Mets, the second of three Retro Nights this season: 80’s Night. Padres players will wear the 1989 “Mark Grant” uniforms, as chosen by a pre-season online fan vote. In honor of 80’s Night, Padres TV analyst and former Padres pitcher (1987-90) Mark Grant will throw out the Ceremonial First Pitch. For more information on the final remaining Retro Night this season, visit www.padres.com/retro.

Tonight’s game will be preceded by a Friday Night Party at Park at the Park presented by Verizon. The 80’s Night party will feature food and drink specials from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., as well as entertainment provided by the 80z All-Stars. Admission to the party is included with a paid ticket to the game.

Fans attending Saturday’s game should note that due to a private event for Scripps Health, the Parcel C parking lot at Park Blvd. and Imperial Ave. will not be open to the public that day. All parking locations adjacent to the ballpark are expected to sell out by 4:30 p.m.

On Saturday, San Diego State University’s Whitney Ashley, the NCAA discus champion, will throw out the Ceremonial First Pitch.

Sunday marks U.S. Coast Guard Appreciation Day, presented by USAA.  The pregame ceremony will highlight the missions of the Coast Guard and honor personnel from Coast Guard Sector San Diego.  Petty Officer Mike Dalager of the Sector San Diego Aids to Navigation Team will perform the National Anthem prior to the game and God Bless America during the 7^th inning stretch.  Five Coast Guard members of the year from San Diego-based commands will throw the Ceremonial First Pitch in unison.  A flyover of a Coast Guard MH-60 helicopter is also planned.

Also Sunday, the Padres will host Petco’s Super Kids Day. Prior to the game, 14 grand prize winners will participate in a kids-only press conference with Padres Manager Bud Black. The winners were selected for their outstanding essays answering the question “If your pet could go on a summer vacation, where would they go and what would they do?”

Prior to all Sunday home games, fans with tickets are invited to enjoy Breakfast at the Park. 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 Junior 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, all fans are invited stay and play catch on the outfield grass at Petco Park. Fans can enter the field from Park at the Park via the ramp near the Beachers in right field.

On Monday, join Phil’s BBQ for the annual “Phil’s Big BBQ at the Ballpark” in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ ‘Operation Bigs’ program. A $25 ticket to the pregame event includes access to the private tailgate at Tailgate Park from 5:00-7:00 p.m., a BBQ meal from Phil’s, ice cream, and a ticket to that night’s game vs. the Cubs. The pregame tailgate offers a Kids Fun Zone and access to a beer garden for those ages 21 and up. Proceeds from the event benefit Operation Bigs, a program that provides critical support to children of active duty military personnel through one-on-one mentoring.

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. Prior to Monday’s game, the Padres will be honoring the Susan G. Komen for the Cure with the State Farm Go to Bat recognition.

Before Tuesday’s game, the Padres will recognize and highlight the Padres Foundation’s featured charity partner this homestand, Sports for Exceptional Athletes. The organization was selected for its commitment to enhancing opportunities for those with and without disabilities to interact and form lasting bonds of friendship through shared sports and recreational activities.

The homestand wraps up Wednesday with a 3:35 p.m. start against the Cubs, when Padres organist Bobby Cressey will fill the ballpark with sounds of traditional organ music. Vice Adm. Gerald R. Beaman, Commander, U.S. Third Fleet will throw out the Ceremonial First Pitch.

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.