Story and photos by Chris Stone

For thousands of San Diego Padre fans, the day finally arrived. Saturday’s FanFest gave families a first look at a 2015 team attracting playoff buzz.

A couple at the front of the line had been waiting since 4:30 a.m. for the free autograph-and-roam-the-field bonanza (starting at 8 for season-ticket-holders and 9 for the public).

“We’ll actually be watching MLB and not Triple A,” said fan Robert Perez, who has his hopes set on October postseason play for the Padres.

Fans played catch, stretched out on the grass and had their photos taken at home plate. Others lined up for autograph seasons that lasted for two hours. Player jerseys, pants and signed baseballs and banners drew fans to the “garage sale.”

Children played on the inflatable slides and pitched and hit in a kids’ area at the Park at the Park.

Beer flowed and hotdogs and stadium food were downed as crowds packed the walkways. Fans craned their necks and pulled out their cell phones to capture first photos of new players.

Stars of the 2015 club signing autographs included Wil Myers, Matt Kemp and Cameron Maybin. Many fans stayed for the “friendly” exhibition game between the Friars and Mexico City Red Devils (with the Pads prevailing in an 8-0 victory).

The team travels to Los Angeles to play the Dodgers on Opening Day — Monday. The home opener is Thursday against the defending World Series champion Giants.

Outfielder Wil Myers signs a baseball for a fan.
Used balls and bats were among the items for sale at the Padres FanFest 2015.
A young fan enjoys the inflatable slide at the Park at the Park at Padres FanFest 2015.
Fans made a beeline to the Padre “garage sale,” featuring Padre clothing and sovenirs.
Jack Garcia, 8, and Sebastian Ferguson, 8, enjoy the sand at “the Beach” behind the right field fence.
“Padres ‘Biggest Fan,” Jake Ferrin stands 10 feet tall as he greets fans at Padres FanFest 2015.
A young fan makes a leap to catch a ball at the right field wall at Padres FanFest 2015.
Infielder Clint Barmes poses for a photo with a fan at Padres FanFest 2015. Photo by Chris Stone
Infielder Alexi Amarista greets fans at Padres FanFest 2015.
Sage Weiss, 4, plays catch with her father on the field before the game.
New outfielder Wil Myers meets fans in an inside suite at FanFest.
Thousands of fans came to Petco Park for Padres Fan Fest and enjoyed walking and playing on the field before the game.
Alonzo Lozano, 5, plays catch with his father on the infield before the game at FanFest.
Padre Manager Bud Black looks at his new starting pitcher, James Shields, at a FanFest forum.
Young fans wait to get an autograph from pitcher Kevin Quackenbush at Padres FanFest Saturday.
James Shields, who will pitch the season opener, signs a helmet for a young fan.
Fans lined up as early at 4:30 a.m. to see the new Padres lineup at FanFest on Saturday.
Ethan Blumenthal, 3, gets ready to hit a whiffle ball in the Park in the Park area at Padres FanFest 2015
Newly acquired outfielder Matt Kemp, a fan favorite, poses with young fans. Photo by Chris Stone
Young Padres fans practice catching a ball at the right field wall at Padre FanFest 2015.