San Diego has a history of hosting major sporting events & we're ready to showcase our city to the world for #ASG2016 pic.twitter.com/ddMZCAbw4F
— Kevin Faulconer (@Kevin_Faulconer) July 17, 2015The Padres and Major League Baseball Friday started a countdown clock at Petco Park for the 2016 All-Star Game.
The 87th midsummer classic — to be played next July 12 — will be the third All-Star game played in San Diego and the first at Petco Park.
"We've not been here in 24 years, and during that time, the All-Star Game has really become All-Star week," said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.
"There will be just a plethora of events here in San Diego — our fanfest, a free concert, the Futures Game, the celebrity softball game, and a red carpet parade, so that people throughout the community will have an opportunity to engage with baseball whether or not they go to the All-Star Game or Home Run Derby," Manfred said.
He also said events would take place across the border in Mexico.
This year's All-Star Game was played Tuesday in Cincinnati, with the American League posting a 6-3 victory. The league that wins the contest earns a home-field advantage for its representative in the World Series at the end of the season.
"We are excited to welcome the players and the fans from across the world right here in San Diego," Mayor Kevin Faulconer said. "We have a long history of hosting premier sporting events, and together with the Padres and Major League Baseball, we're ready once again to showcase our great city to the world."
He said fans, players and media who come to the game are expected to generate an $80 million economic impact for the region.
The blue logo features the teams "SD" letters on a bridge-like structure across the top, with the words "All-Star Game 2016" below.
