San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb makes an appearance at the Giants FanFest on Feb 4, 2023. This was the first FanFest in two years. 2021 and 2022 was canceled due to the Covid 19 protocols. The Giants will hold FanFests in Sacramento, San Jose, Napa and San Francisco in Jan, Feb, and Mar 2024. (San Francisco Chronicle file photo)

By Mauricio Segura

The San Francisco Giants are set to kick off the new year with a fresh and revamped experience for their fans – introducing the Giants & KNBR FanFest Tour 2024. Departing from the traditional one-day event held in San Francisco, this reimagined series will hit the road, making stops across Northern California, including Sacramento, San Jose, and Napa.

The aim is to bring Giants players, coaches, alumni, and the beloved Lou Seal directly to the fans in their local communities. The tour, slated to start on Saturday, January 20, at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, promises an extended opportunity for fans to connect with their favorite team.

At each stop, attendees can look forward to autograph sessions, engaging Q&A sessions, the chance to snag exclusive merchandise, and much more. The excitement is palpable as the Giants’ ace, Logan Webb, a native of Rocklin, Calif., is scheduled to appear at the Sacramento event, alongside other current teammates and coaches.

Sarah Hebel, the Director of Marketing for the Sacramento River Cats, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the tour’s first stop, stating, “Player and fan interaction is an integral part of the Sutter Health Park fan experience.” This sentiment underscores the Giants’ commitment to bringing fans closer to the action, fostering a sense of community and shared passion for the game.

The tour doesn’t stop at Sacramento; it will also make its way to San Jose on January 24 and Napa on February 3. Fans attending these events will not only get a chance to meet their favorite players but can also secure tickets for the upcoming 2024 baseball season, along with exclusive offers available only at the tour stops.

A significant twist in this year’s FanFest is the Spring Training-inspired Open House at Oracle Park on March 9, concluding the tour. While active players may not be in attendance due to the timing, fans can still revel in the unique experience of accessing usually restricted ballpark locations, including the field, clubhouse, broadcast booth, and dugout.

The event promises an immersive encounter with Giants alumni, with opportunities for autographs, meet-and-greets, and unforgettable photo ops with the cherished World Series Trophies.

For the San Francisco leg of the tour, there’s an intriguing mention of using “new technology” to allow fans to interact with players in Scottsdale during the Spring Training game. This innovative touch adds a modern twist to the FanFest experience, catering to tech-savvy fans eager to engage with their favorite players even from a distance.

Rachel Heit, Chief Marketing Officer of the San Francisco Giants, highlights the organization’s commitment to evolving with fan preferences, stating, “With the reimagination of Giants & KNBR FanFest in 2024, we’re giving Giants fans even more opportunities and flexibility to connect with their team, while improving and expanding upon a beloved preseason event.”

Sacramento: Saturday, January 20 (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

Featuring Logan Webb with teammates and coaches Sutter Health Park – Home of the Sacramento River Cats Sacramento Saturday, January 20 (10am – 1 pm)

Featuring Kyle Harrison and Pat Burrell with teammates and coaches San Pedro Square Market 87 North San Pedro St San Jose: Saturday, January 27 (4pm – 7 p.m)

Featuring Michael Conforto and Matt Williams with teammates and coaches, Oxbow Gardens 585 First Street Napa: Saturday, February 3 (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

Oracle Park San Francisco Saturday, March 9 (10am – 1pm)

Featuring Giants alumni, broadcasters and Lou Seal

Mauricio Segura has been a Bay Area sportswriter & photographer for the past 20 years, covering baseball, soccer, football, and basketball. He’s contributed articles for Area Chica Magazine, The Baseball Analyst Quarterly, and various newspapers. He currently publishes an online sports and entertainment website called Golden Bay Times and is the graphics and art Director for the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame.