Gwynn memorial today; Petco gates open at 5:30 p.m.

SAN DIEGO -- On behalf of the Gwynn family, the San Diego Padres today announced that a free, public memorial tribute to Tony Gwynn will be held today, June 26, at 7:19 p.m. PT at Petco Park. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. Fans may enter through the Home Plate or Park Boulevard gates on Park Blvd., as well as the Gaslamp Gate on 7th Ave. or the East Village gate on 10th Ave.

The event will celebrate Tony's legendary life, accomplishments, and contributions to the Padres, to San Diego, and to the sport of baseball. It will feature special guests from throughout his lifetime. Free parking will be provided in three locations: two surface lots along Imperial Avenue (Parcel C lot and Tailgate lot) on the southeast side of Petco Park, and the Padres Parkade garage (10th Ave at J St).

Tonight, the Padres will remember Tony prior to the 7:10 p.m. game against the Seattle Mariners. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:45 p.m. for a brief tribute during the pregame ceremony. Also tonight, Padres players will begin wearing a patch on their jerseys in honor of Tony, and will do so for the remainder of the season. The patch of Tony's retired 19 inside of home plate will be worn on the left side, over the heart. It joins the star patch with the initials JC, worn on the right sleeve, in honor of legendary broadcaster Jerry Coleman, who passed away in January at the age of 89.

As a reminder, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer is encouraging City employees and all San Diegans to wear Tony Gwynn gear or Padres attire today, June 19, in honor of #19.