Thousands of fans came to Petco Park for Padres Fan Fest and enjoyed walking and playing on the field before the game.
Thousands of fans came to Petco Park for Padres Fan Fest and enjoyed walking and playing on the field before the game in 2015.

Just days before the start of the Major League Baseball season, the Padres will hold their annual FanFest Saturday in downtown San Diego.

Fans at the event at Petco Park can get autographs from players, play wiffle ball, take part in a clinic and purchase items at the Padres Foundation garage sale. Proceeds will support the foundation’s programs.

Entry is free for the event that begins at 10 a.m. but requires a ticket available online at Padres.com. The three team-owned parking areas will be free but could fill quickly.

Starting at 11 a.m., Padres players, coaches, executives and broadcasters will take part in question-and-answer forums. Batting practice will take place from 1 to 3 p.m., and children will be allowed to run the bases afterward.

The Padres open their 2017 regular season Monday in Los Angeles.

— City News Service