The “Boys of Summer” on a well-groomed green field beneath a sun-drenched blue sky. The crack of a hard-swung bat, the slap of a speeding ball against leather glove and the roar of the crowd. The aromas of a steamy hot dog served with grilled onions, and a cold beer’s malty froth. Ahhh, baseball. What better way to enjoy America’s pastime than at San Diego LGBT Pride’s OUT at the Park?
OUT at the Park, an official San Diego LGBT Pride event is happening this weekend Saturday, May 2. More than 1,200 fans, families and friends will gather to tailgate before the game, and cheer the Padres to victory as they take on the Colorado Rockies. Tickets are still available for the tailgate party and game. Tailgate festivities begin at 2:15 p.m. and the $10 entry comes with a hot dog or veggie dog, chips and a free drink, adult or otherwise. The game starts at 5:40 p.m. Tickets to the game purchased through Pride are only $15 – a 33 percent savings compared to individual tickets purchased directly from the Padres
Event sponsors include Urban Mo’s, Bud Lite and Uber. There will also be a free after party at Baja Betty’s where your Padres ticket stub gets you a $3 beer.
OUT at the Park began organically several years ago when community members purchased tickets and attended the game. In 2007, the Padres in cooperation with San Diego LGBT Pride, supported and promoted the first official event. The inaugural occasion was a huge success unmarred by insignificant “pro-family” protests. OUT at the Park has only become bigger, better and more popular with time.
I spoke with Sarafina Scapicchio, director of development with San Diego LGBT Pride, and asked her what makes OUT at the Park fabulous? “The event is a fun opportunity,” Scapicchio replied, “where friends, families and loved ones can gather in a welcoming safe environment.” She praised the Padres’ senior account staff when she described how they have worked closely with Pride to “celebrate diversity and increase our visibility in the community.”
I also wanted to better understand the Padres’ perspective, and submitted queries to Shana Wilson, director of communications. Among other things, I wanted to know how OUT at the Park fit with the Padres’ core values of inclusion and diversity, and what experience could LGBT attendees expect?
Wilson responded the Padres are proud to offer discounted group tickets so anybody from any local organization can come out and enjoy a game; that everybody can expect a revamped in-game experience with the largest HD video board in the National League; and that a representative from San Diego LGBT Pride will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Oh, and she told me there will also be a fireworks show afterwards set to music by Led Zeppelin!
Petco Park is an amazing venue. I, a long-time Padres fan, am excited about attending the San Diego LGBT Pride event and being OUT at the old ball game.
TICKETS: www.flavorus.com/event/Out-at-the-Park/288102
Padre tickets purchased online will be available for pickup at the San Diego LGBT Pride Office located at:
3620 30th Street
San Diego, CA 92104
Or at the Pride Tailgate Party. Just look for the rainbows and “Will Call”!
