The roar of the crowd wasn't just for the game itself this past Saturday; it was for the fans taking center stage at Petco Park for the highly anticipated Padres FanFest 2026! While the baseball bats and gloves might have been resting, the spirit of the game was alive and well as attendees of all ages got to experience the ballpark like never before.
Imagine this: an 8-year-old dynamo named Savannah Schoeneweis, who's been honing her softball skills since she was just 4, making a special trip from Alpine with her dad. They were so eager to dive into the FanFest fun that they arrived bright and early, ready to be among the very first through the gates. While they waited, they were already in game mode, practicing their throws and catches – a perfect snapshot of the passion that fuels young athletes.
Savannah, a proud member of the Alpine Fast Pitch League, shared her ambitious goals: "I’m working on playing as pitcher and catcher. I can pretty much do every position right now." Her father, Ryan Schoeneweis, beamed with pride, adding a touch of seasoned fan wisdom: "She's still working on knowledge of the game and passion for the players. I’ve been a fan since I was her age." It’s that intergenerational love for the game that makes events like FanFest so special.
Once inside, the real magic began! Fans weren't just spectators; they were participants. They had the incredible opportunity to run the bases on the very field where their heroes play, pitch in the bull pen just like the pros, and even snap memorable photos from the iconic Padres dugout. It was a chance to walk a mile in a baseball player's cleats!
But here's where it gets a bit tricky for some: The annual Padres Fan Fest, while a fantastic free event, wasn't just a walk-in affair. To manage the crowds and ensure a great experience, reservations were mandatory, secured online with digital tickets and assigned entry times. And this year, to elevate the experience even further and slash those dreaded wait times, they introduced a new reservation system for player and alumni autographs. And this is the part most people miss... these coveted autograph slots sold out a staggering two weeks before the event! Talk about planning ahead!
Down on street level, in the vibrant Park Blvd Plaza, a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind Padres items and team memorabilia awaited eager fans at the Padres Foundation Garage Sale. The best part? Every purchase directly supported community programs, adding a feel-good factor to scoring a great deal.
Matthew Naslund and his parents, dedicated season ticket holders, were among the first to hit the garage sale, thanks to their early access. Matthew enthusiastically shared his finds: "(I found) stuff that’s team issued that you’re not going to find in a store. Things given to the team or staff, and you feel like you’re part of that when you buy it." It’s that exclusive connection to the team that makes these items so sought after.
Among the unique offerings was a life-sized cutout of former Padre right fielder and Hall of Famer, Dave Winfield, priced at a cool $200. Young Anthony Aguilar, 12, was captivated, carting the impressive figure around in hopes of convincing his mom to make the purchase. "She said ‘no’. But that's alright," Anthony declared with youthful optimism. "Maybe one day I’ll buy it when I make it to the MLB. That's kind of my dream." His aspiration perfectly encapsulates the dreams that baseball ignites in so many.
Now, let's talk about that Dave Winfield cutout. Is a $200 price tag for a cardboard replica of a legend a fair price for a piece of memorabilia, or is it a bit steep? And for Anthony, is dreaming of buying it himself when he reaches the MLB a realistic goal, or a sweet childhood fantasy? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
