Despite concerns that requiring fans to download free FanFest tickets onto their smartphones or printing them out at home might adversely affect attendance at the Dodgers FanFest event at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, exactly the opposite happened. According to reports, a FanFest record crowd of nearly 35,000 made it out to Blue Heaven on Earth to partake in what was arguably the best organized FanFest in the event’s six-year history.

“It’s really exciting just to allow us to look forward and see the energy, excitement,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts of the event. “The player turnout, to get the guys who showed up – that flew in – was really encouraging; and to see them in the community all year and to show up all throughout the day, to interact with the fans was really good, and my hat’s off to the guys.”

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shares a laugh with SportsNet LA’s Alanna Rizzo and AM 570’s David Vassegh in front of a record FanFest crowd of 35,000. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

As you might expect, the highlight of the day-long event were the pre-paid autograph sessions, with all proceed benefiting the LA Dodgers Foundation.

Pretty sure Dodgers catcher Kyle Farmer made this youngster’s day at Dodgers FanFest 2018
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

But for those who were unable to secure an autograph voucher on line, which sold out in record time, several of the Dodger players walked the rope line signing for fans, especially Dodgers second baseman Logan Forsythe and right-hander Ross Stripling, and rookie right-hander Walker Buehler, who spent upwards of an hour signing for fans; many of whom had staked out a spot early and waited all day to get autographs.

Forsythe, Stripling and Buehler spent considerable (extra) time signing for fans.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

In addition to the usual baseball stuff, FanFest 2018 also offered a four-person Euro Bungee Jump for more adventuresome fans.

Those who went on the four-person Euro Bungee Jump say that it was quite exhilarating. I’ll just have to take their word for it. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

There was also the popular Mystery Grab Bag booth, where $20 got you an autographed photograph, $40 an autographed baseball, and $100 and autographed jersey.

This lady got a Scott Kazmir autographed jersey in her Mystery Grab Bag. That’s a $249 item (unsigned) for her $100 investment. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

One of the busiest booths at FanFest was that of the popular Pantone 294 fan group. As most Dodger fans know, the Pantone 294 organize group trips for away games across the country in what founders Alex Soto and Desiree Garcia affectionately call ‘stadium takeovers.’

“We sold out the [spring training] Grand Canyon trip,” said Soto. “And every other trip – Seattle, St. Louis, Anaheim, Oakland, San Diego – most of them have been sold out already,” said Soto. “We added 500 tickets for Wrigley and we only have like 60 tickets left.”

Those familiar with the Pantone 294 fan group can certainly understand why it was among the most popular booths at FanFest 2018. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Needless to say, a good time was had by all at Dodgers FanFest 2018.

FanFest 2018
(Photo credit – Jon SooHoo)

Is it time for Dodger baseball yet?