Jeff Byrne is willing to stand in line in his quest to make his 5-year-old daughter Keira a lifelong Diamondbacks fan.
And that’s just what he and Keira will be doing Friday for a chance to meet pitchers Ian Kennedy and Bryan Shaw, infielder Ryan Roberts and outfielder Gerardo Parra at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino.
Byrne said he has attended the event the past two years, but was especially happy last year when it opened to children.
“My daughter enjoys being up close and personal with the players who we watch on television all the time,” he said.
The first 200 fans will have an opportunity to get autographs and meet with the players 6-7 p.m. in the Ocotillo Ballroom. Each attendee will be provided an opportunity to have one item signed by each player
Free autographed player photos also will be available.
“Although the event is relatively small, it essentially kicks of the new baseball season and is a prelude to the FanFest event held the following day at Chase Field,” said Bryne, who has lived in Maricopa four years. “The setting is much more intimate, and having my daughter meet the players and get autographs is worth waiting in line.”
The hotel and casino is located off Interstate 10 at 5040 Wild Horse Blvd., Chandler.
The 8th annual SUBWAY® D-backs FanFest is 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at Chase Field.The event is free and gives fans access to current players, coaches, alumni and broadcasters, including autograph and photo sessions on the field. Children 12 and younger will receive free autographs in a special area, while others can receive access to autograph sessions with a $5 donation to the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation.
The first 3,000 fans in attendance received a SUBWAY® cash card. For more information go to FanFest.
