MLB’s Padres strike National University partnership

MLB baseball franchise the San Diego Padres has agreed a multi-year partnership with local education establishment National University.

Under the deal, National University will become the exclusive higher education partner of the franchise and adopt the Padres as its home team.

National University students, faculty and staff will have access to season-long ticket savings via a special discount program.

Padres players, coaches and executive will make regular guest appearances at National University events to interact with current and prospective students, as well as staff and faculty members.

In addition, during each year of the partnership, a Padres player, coach, alumni or front office executive will undertake a National University class.

The Padres have also agreed to host two annual special nights at its Petco Park ballpark. The National University night will welcome hundreds of guests while the Teacher Appreciation Night will honour teachers in the San Diego county.

Coinciding with Friday’s partnership announcement was the debut of National University's interim signage on the Western Metal Supply building rooftop at Petco Park. The signage will remain in place until mid-season, when a new National University Picnic Terrace sign will be installed above the home and away bullpens. This will be one of the largest signs visible inside the seating bowl.