The San Diego Padres have announced details surrounding the 2015 Opening Series against the San Francisco Giants, including Opening Day on Thursday, April 9. Right-handed pitcher Ian Kennedy is set to take the mound before a sellout crowd.
The 2015 home schedule gets under way with the first pitch scheduled for 3:40 p.m. Every fan in attendance will receive a Padres Fedora presented by Sycuan and a 2015 Padres schedule cling presented by Las Vegas.
Thursday’s pre-game ceremony will feature the unveiling of Petco Park’s newest addition, the National League’s largest video board (#SDinHD). Highlights of the pregame ceremony include an aerial demonstration by the United States Navy parachute team, also known as the Leap Frogs, and the unfurling of the Holiday Bowl Big Flag, held by 300 sailors from Navy Region Southwest, United States Third Fleet, Naval Air Forces, Naval Surface Forces, Naval Special Warfare and Submarine Squadron 11.
UpDown Records recording artist Ashleigh Stone will sing Thursday’s National Anthem. She is in San Diego on tour, and will be performing at the House of Blues San Diego on April 9 at 7 p.m. Stone’s Anthem will be followed by a flyover by two Harriers from the VMA-311 Tomcats from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Yuma, Ariz. In addition, San Diego native Caroline Corn will perform God Bless America live prior to the 7th inning stretch.
With a sellout crowd headed to the ballpark on Thursday, as well as previously announced parking and security changes, fans attending Thursday’s home opener are encouraged to arrive early. Petco Park gates will open early for this purpose: Padres members will be granted access at the Park Blvd. gate beginning at noon, while all other gates open at 12:30 p.m. for the general public. This will afford fans the rare opportunity to watch the Padres take batting practice. Home team batting practice starts at approximately 12:45 p.m., followed by visitors’ batting practice at approximately 1:45 p.m. Fans should be in their seats no later than 3 p.m..
This year, as part of a Major League Baseball initiative to strengthen and standardize security practices across the League, walk-through metal detectors have been installed at all Petco Park entry gates and access points. Starting this season, all fans will be screened as they enter the ballpark. As in years past, fans will continue to have their bags checked by ballpark security staff prior to reaching entry gates and going through metal detectors. Additional information about new safety measures can be found at www.padres.com/transportation.
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) will offer additional “special event” trolley service from Qualcomm Stadium (with 5,000 free parking spots) and Mission Valley stations to the ballpark area. All three Trolley Lines – Green, Blue and Orange – offer direct service to Petco Park and increased service following the game. The North County Transit District (NCTD) will offer extra Coaster service with trains departing from Oceanside Station at 11:05 a.m., 1:51 p.m. and 2:32 p.m.
While Opening Day is sold out, limited tickets are still available for the three remaining weekend games in the Opening Series. Friday’s game will feature the season’s first Party in the Park presented by Southwest Airlines and supported by Shellback Rum and Maui Jim. As San Diego’s biggest happy hour, Party in the Park will feature food and drink specials, as well as entertainment at Park at the Park starting at 5 p.m. Entry is included with a paid ticket to that night’s game. The first 25,000 guests in attendance on Friday will receive a 2015 Schedule Cling.
Prior to Friday’s game, the Padres will celebrate San Diego’s rich sports history with a ceremonial first pitch by local sports icons including Padres Hall of Famer and 1976 Cy Young winner Randy Jones, former San Diego Chargers center Nick Hardwick, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, one of the world’s greatest surfers, Rob Machado, and San Diego State Aztecs basketball forward JJ O’Brien.
