SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres treated fans to a win for Reopening Day at Petco Park on Thursday. The ninth inning saw two, two-run home runs to finish the game. The game against the Cincinnati Reds ended at 6-4 thanks to a walk-off homer by catcher Victor Caratini.
The Padres were playing in front of a stadium at full capacity for the first time in 630 days. The game sold out with an attendance of 40,362, according to the team, making it the largest event in San Diego County since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Fans turned out to see hometown hero, Joe Musgrove who pitched the Padres' first no-hitter this year and started the game on Thursday.
Many fans showed up wearing Padres gear for the event. Brothers Kyson and Kameron Brummer wore replica swag chains like the ones worn by Padres players after they hit a home run. The chains sold out at the main team store before the first pitch Thursday.
"They're heavy," said Kyson.
One thing fans didn't have to wear Thursday - if fully vaccinated - was a mask.
"I feel naughty without a mask on, I feel like we are breaking a rule. But excited to be here and we have our swag on," said Megan Bruno.
Capacity had been limited at Petco Park this season because of restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic imposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Statewide restrictions were lifted Tuesday. Fans were prohibited from Petco Park during the coronavirus-delayed and shortened 2020 season.
Pregame ceremonies for Thursday night's game included the Padres and Petco honoring 4,000 front-line workers, 275 uniformed personnel from Navy Region Southwest unfurling the American flag and a flyover by F/A-18 Hornets from MCAS Miramar.
The ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Nancy Yam, director of acute care pharmacy services for UC San Diego Health. A fireworks show followed the game.
Prior to the game, San Diego City Council President Jennifer Campbell presented a "San Diego's Opening Night" proclamation to the team.
The Friar Faithful can expect some new promotions coming up. The Padres are planning promotional events over the four-game series. On Friday, it’s Beerfest, Padre Aloha shirts on Saturday and Kidsfest on Sunday.
Tickets are still available for the series. Friday's start time is 7:10 p.m.
If you're going to a game soon, also remember the bag policy has changed this season. Petco Park will prohibit bags with the exception of single compartment bags measuring 7” x 10” or smaller, infant and medical bags.
With near-capacity crowds expected at Petco Park for the remainder of the season, the Metropolitan Transit System will increase the frequency of its trolley service, with trolleys serving all stations every seven to 15 minutes most of the day.
WATCH: Fans arrive at Petco Park for Reopening Day