Hello there friends,

It's time to look at the best of the best for the Padres Promos and Giveaways for the 2011 season. As the title states, this will not be a slideshow. That's because we don't stoop to the SEO and pageview tactics of some other blogs. Also, there aren't any pictures on the Padres website yet and I'll be using pics that I stole from the lovers of brown and #balls at RJ's Fro. Read on for the goods.

1. The Whole Slate for Opening Week.The front office did a good job by loading up the first week with some cool offerings. You’re guaranteed some good stuff in that first week if you go to any game, with schwag ranging from a T-shirt on Opening Day, to Rally Towels for a Friday game against the Dodgers, to some Dog Tags for Kids.

2. College Night and Food & Wine Party on Friday April 22^nd vs. the Phillies. Last year, the team did College Nights and it looks like they were successful enough for a return engagement. The same goes with thematic drinking. Last year’s Beerfests have morphed into fests showcasing other booze, with the first of 2011 catering to oenophiles (look it up). I just love that these events fall during a series against the Phillies, a team that attracts a special form of rowdy drunkards.

3. 6-Pack Tube Coolers on Saturday April 23^rd, also against the Phillies. Ok, as if wine and college kids weren’t enough the previous night, all bets are off with this giveaway. I mean, if I understand this correctly, it’s a tube with a strap designed to hold 6 cans of beverages. I have a feeling the fine folks at Elite Security will be confiscating a good amount of Natty Ice at the entrances.

4. Bud Black Bobbleheads on Saturday May 7^th vs. the Diamondbacks. These are the only bobbleheads this year, which is a shame considering there were 5 last year. Oh well, I like this one. The drawing actually looks like Buddy, but we’ll see if the final product is able to match it.

5. Padres Garden Gnomes on Saturday June 4^th against the Astros. So, only one bobblehead this year? Who cares, because 2011 has brought us a freaking GARDEN GNOME! I don’t even have a garden and I’m dying to get my hands on this guy. Whoever thought of giving the fans garden gnomes needs to be promoted right now.

6. PCL Padres Vintage Caps and Throwback Uniforms on Saturday June 11^th against the Nationals. I love it when the team wears throwbacks. Unfortunately, due to work, I wasn’t able to make it to any Throwback Thursdays last year. And just like cutting back on bobbleheads, the team is cutting back on throwback nights as this is the only one scheduled. In any case, those 1936 jerseys look really spiffy.

7. Beach Towels on Saturday June 25^th against the Braves. A yearly tradition. Any San Diegan has a closet with at least 3 Padres beach towels. And if you don’t, we can’t be friends.

8. Rally Pom-Poms on Saturday July 16^th against the Giants. The hated World Champions from San Fran come to town and what are going to do to beat them? Wave pom-poms in their faces!

9. Oktoberfest and College Night on Friday September 16^th vs. the Diamondbacks. Another combination of College Night and drinking. This oughta be fun. Who’s down to do a keg stand in the Park at the Park?

10. Beat LA Rally Towels on Saturday September 24^th vs. the Dodgers. I support anything and everything that involves beating LA.

So that’s my list. What are you most excited for?