Mariners FanFest the Best Bang for your Buck

This weekend Jan. 28th and 29th, at Safeco Field is the Mariner FanFest.  I finally attended my first one last year and can not believe what I was missing.  There is so much to do and not enough time to do it all in. 

Gates are open from 11-4 both days.  Tickets are ten dollars for adults, kids are five dollars and under five are free.  You can purchase tickets on-line or at the stadium.  Best thing is the free parking at the Safeco Field lot across from the stadium on Edgar Martinez Way.

If you are going for the autographs get there early to line up.  Last year the big draw was Cy Young award winning pitcher Felix Hernandez.  This year there is no real big names featured.  But what I learned from last year, there is two different lines outside the gates one for autographs and one for all other activities.  Once you enter the gate from the autograph line you get a ticket for the player you want.  There is a limited amount and once they are gone their gone for that player. 

It is limited to one autograph per ticket.  They do let you sneak in a quick picture but be ready.  Watch the time the players will be there, if your not lined up by a certain time they will cut off the line.  Helpful hint:  if you are just getting one autograph from a player but have three family members, then have them all get a ticket for different players.  You can all stand in line and meet the players this will just save you alot of time from going back to the autograph gate line and getting another ticket.  You can only get one ticket at a time per person.

My favorite part of FanFest was the Dugout Dialogue.  They have the Mariners' boadcast team, coaches, current players, minor league players and retired Mariners there.  Check the schedule for what time they will be apperaring.  They sit on the Mariners dugout with Rick Rizz asking quetions and then open it up to the fans for their questions.  Helpful hint:  sit as close as possible when the players get ready to leave they will usually sign autographs for a few minutes (my profile picture was taken from the seat I was sitting in).

FanFest is a chance to see all of Safeco Field from the clubhouse to the suites and even the roof control room.  You can pitch in the Mariners bullpen, play catch in the out field and swing for fences.  Don't forget to check out the Dave Niehaus statue out in centerfield.  For the kids the Kids Zone is open with activities, face painting and a prize wheel.

Check out the Mariners Care garage sale of old used Mariners equipment and autographed items from former players.  They have discounted items and the proceeds go towards the Mariners Care non profit foundation.  I found a used Mariners batting helmet that still had the pine tar on it for only ten dollars.   

I hope if your a baseball fan you will check it out.

Link to Fan Fest and a the list of players that will be appearing:

http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/sea/fan_forum/fan_fest.jsp