SAN DIEGO (CNS) - The San Diego Padres will play their home opener Friday against the San Francisco Giants at a sold-out Petco Park after beginning the season by losing three of four games to the Dodgers in Los Angeles.
The pregame ceremony will include the unfurling of the Holiday Bowl Big Flag, held by 275 sailors stationed in San Diego.
The ceremonial bell will be rung by San Diego Police Department Officer Wade Irwin, partner of slain Officer Jonathan "J.D." DeGuzman. Irwin was wounded in the July 28 shooting that left DeGuzman dead.
Stephany Negrete, a 2016 "American Idol" semifinalist, will sing the national anthem. The anthem will be followed by a flyover of F-35s from the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Padres Hall of Fame pitcher Randy Jones will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Yarrick Conner will sing "God Bless America" before the seventh-inning stretch.
Like for all Friday home games, the Padres will wear their brown jerseys.
Fans are advised to enter Petco Park early and pre-purchase parking. Parking can be purchased in advance for off-site locations, including the San Diego Convention Center and Bayfront Hilton, for the first time online at sandiego.padres.mlb.com/sd/ballpark/transportation/index.jsp
Fans without pre-purchased parking passes are encouraged to take public transportation or use ride-sharing services. A new ride-sharing pickup and drop off zone has been designated for Park Boulevard, near the Convention Center.
Uber is providing fans with a free first ride, up to $15, by using the promotional code PETCOPARK.
The Metropolitan Transit System will offer additional special event trolley service from Qualcomm Stadium and Mission Valley stations to the ballpark area, with trains departing every 7 1/2 minutes beginning at noon. Trolleys will depart every 7 1/2 minutes after the game until crowds diminish.
Extra Coaster service will be offered with trains departing from Oceanside Station at 11:08 a.m. and 1:51 p.m. Free parking is available at all North County Coaster stations. A northbound Coaster train will depart the Santa Fe Depot 60 minutes after the final out.
All Petco Park gates will open at 12:30 p.m. The Padres will begin taking batting practice at 1:05 p.m., the Giants at approximately 2:35 p.m.
Fans are advised to be in their seats no later than 3 p.m. for the pregame ceremonies. The first pitch is scheduled for 3:40 p.m.
