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Earlier today, I opened up my Twitter to see the news about Padres Fanfest and reacted like I'm prone to.
WHICH DATE??
— Friar Fever (@FriarFever) February 2, 2016
THAT'S 2 DAYS!! https://t.co/ChbonFFon0
I CAN'T LIVE MY LIFE LIKE THAT https://t.co/qg800m6bD8
— Friar Fever (@FriarFever) February 2, 2016
Yeah, I'm a little quick to jump on the CAPS LOCK from time to time. But, soon after, I started to think about this impending two day FanFest. Of course, being the kind of person to tweet whatever I'm thinking or watching to anyone who follows me on Twitter, I started tweeting about this FanFest instead of writing it all down here. So, bear with me, Gaslamp Ball. There's about to be a bunch of tweets coming your way. And if you follow me already, it'll be for the second time.
If Fanfest is split between days, there's not going to be a free game for us this year. Which is sad. And would make me less likely to go.
— Friar Fever (@FriarFever) February 2, 2016
If they make them GA games for some set price (less than $15), I'd be interested in going to one of them.
— Friar Fever (@FriarFever) February 2, 2016
But, regular prices for a game and 2 hours of a Fanfest because the other two hours are the next day? That's a tough sell.
— Friar Fever (@FriarFever) February 2, 2016
Last year, you had people scalping those free tickets to FanFest online, so I'm sure the Padres are looking to get their money this year.
— Friar Fever (@FriarFever) February 2, 2016
And that's fair. We got a free game last time. Built interest in an overhauled team for free. Obviously, things change.
— Friar Fever (@FriarFever) February 2, 2016
Splitting FanFest over two days just to be short introductions to 2 consecutive games is where things get interesting.
— Friar Fever (@FriarFever) February 2, 2016
To collect money to 2 games and giving us half a FanFest both days is out of the ordinary.
— Friar Fever (@FriarFever) February 2, 2016
Especially when the first day would be a Friday night.
— Friar Fever (@FriarFever) February 2, 2016
Game starts at 7:05pm.
So, is that a 2 hour Fanfest? 4-6pm and an hour field prep.
The next game is scheduled for 1:05pm on Saturday.
— Friar Fever (@FriarFever) February 2, 2016
Fanfest from 9am-12pm and an hour field prep.
5 hours of Fanfest split over 2 days.
— Friar Fever (@FriarFever) February 2, 2016
Last year, we had 4 hours. 9-1pm with an hour field prep.
ST holders had the extra hour. Got in at 8.
Yeah, they could make the Friday one longer, but who's getting there at 2pm on a Friday to stand in line to get in at 3 for an autograph?
— Friar Fever (@FriarFever) February 2, 2016
5 hours split over 2 days.
— Friar Fever (@FriarFever) February 2, 2016
Yes, it would get people to the park and once you're there, of course you'll probably want to stay for the game.
But then again, why go at all?
— Friar Fever (@FriarFever) February 2, 2016
Cram downtown to get an autograph at 4:45 from Andy Green?
When it was 1 day, we HAD to go.
— Friar Fever (@FriarFever) February 2, 2016
It was the only day.
No reason to go if we're not getting the full experience.
In reality, the only people getting the most out of the 2 day FanFest are the Padres. And the Garage Sale. That's like 12 hours of selling.
— Friar Fever (@FriarFever) February 2, 2016
But, I could be wrong.
— Friar Fever (@FriarFever) February 2, 2016
Could just be a 3 hour Fanfest on Saturday.
More if they move the game time.
But still, gotta pay for that game.
I don't think they're making both of them a free game.
— Friar Fever (@FriarFever) February 2, 2016
Either both are or none of them are.
My money is on them both costing money.
Which again would raise the question of "why go?"
— Friar Fever (@FriarFever) February 2, 2016
"Why go?"
For me, these are words I didn't think I'd find myself saying about something Padres related. Especially when it comes to FanFest. I've gone to the last five and met new people from Gaslamp Ball or other places each time.
I love FanFest.
It's the beginning of something new.
It's the first time I step foot into Petco Park every single year.
I look at the field.
Walk through the stadium.
Look at Tony's statue.
But, this year....why go?
Like I said after that long Twitter monologue, I hope I'm wrong. I really do. I want them to prove me wrong. Read this article and say "NOOOO, that's totally not what's going to happen, man!"
Will they?
I don't know.
Splitting up a day-long activity into two days doesn't give me that confidence. A few FanFests ago, I think they had things going on from 9am until about 4pm. Last year, it was cut down to 1pm to give us a free game. This year, we don't know the hours. We probably won't even know until about a week before.
That's because of the games.
The games are what matter in a two day FanFest. Even if both days are three hours of FanFest, it's the game that will be at the forefront. Which is why it'll all come down to what they do with those games.
If those games cost season money, why even call it FanFest? Just call it Fiesta in the Park.
Baseball Night In San Diego.
Like I said in my tweets, if they charge us for games, that's fair. They're holding two games before the season begins with FanFest attached. Obviously if they're free, it'll be a big win for everyone. However, if those games become something pricey, families will just wait a week. Go to a real game that actually counts. Last year, they brought their family downtown, met the new Padres, and caught up with old friends. I hope this year doesn't change all that. I really don't want to look at my calendar in mid-March and have to ask myself "why go?"