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All-Star Game Events Kick Off with Fan Convention

Events leading up to Tuesday’s All-Star Game in Anaheim got under way in earnest Friday with the opening of a convention for baseball fans.

FanFest, which runs through Tuesday at the Anaheim Convention Center, features interactive exhibits and clinics, player appearances and merchandise for sale.

The event is expected to draw more than 100,000 fans, according to Major League Baseball representatives.

FanFest is part of a series of events surrounding the All-Star Game, which pits the best players from baseball’s American and National leagues against each other in an exhibition match at Angel Stadium of Anaheim.

With an estimated economic impact of $85 million, the game is likely to be the county’s event of the year, providing a much needed boost to hotels, restaurants, theme parks and other businesses.

Thousands of baseball executives, players, sponsors, media and fans started arriving in Anaheim earlier in the week with more coming over the weekend.

The 1,600-room Anaheim Hilton and the 1,000-room Anaheim Marriott are co-headquarter hotels for the game, hosting players and baseball executives.

Media are staying at the Sheraton Park Hotel and Doubletree Guest Suites in Anaheim.

From now until the game on Tuesday, there are community and corporate events, dinners and parties across the county.

From Friday to Tuesday, Foothill Ranch-based sunglasses maker Oakley Inc. plans to have its O Lab—a trailer showcasing products—on hand at Angel Stadium.

For Monday’s Home Run Derby, the company’s hosting journalists and others for the event and holding a party including players at its headquarters.

On Sunday, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim owner Arte Moreno is set to host a reception at the Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast for MLB Chairman Bud Selig and other team owners.

Moreno and Angels Chairman Dennis Kuhl are set to host Selig in the owner’s box at Angel Stadium during the game and Home Run Derby.

As hosts, the Angels have spent close to $2 million on upgrades to Angel Stadium of Anaheim in the past year, according to Kuhl.

About 45,000 people are expected to be on hand at Angel Stadium for both the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game.

Even with the big crowds, this year’s All-Star Game has seen some anecdotal softness as the mindset of the recession lingers.

Opening crowds at FanFest were brisk but not overwhelming with tickets still readily available.

Tickets for the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby also still are available. Some Angels season ticketholders, corporations and fans passed on the tickets, which start at about $200 each.

The Angels aren’t receiving a cut of revenue from sales of tickets, food, concessions or merchandise.

“It is an MLB event,” Kuhl said.

The Angels see it as a “privilege to have the All-Star Game” and wanted to give back to the team’s fans, he said.

The Angels hope to benefit down the road by showcasing the team and stadium to potential national advertisers, according to Kuhl.

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