Calling All Giants Fans: Trophy Will Visit Boardwalk Jan. 27

Calling all Giants fans: The will be at the in Santa Cruz on Jan. 27 from 4-6 p.m.

Fans and fanatics alike are looking forward to a glimpse of the trophy that took 52 years to bring home.

“We’re excited to have the trophy,” said Santa Cruz Mayor Ryan Coonerty. “We were trying to figure out the best place for the trophy to come, and the Cocoanut Grove emerged as the leader.”

He said that although he offered a key to the city to Buster Posey if he came down to Santa Cruz with the trophy, he has not heard back from the team.

Coonerty said one of the selling points was that the Boardwalk is accustomed to dealing with large groups of people.

“When they did it in San Francisco, they had thousands show up,” said Coonerty. “We are expecting thousands as well.”

He added that Santa Cruz was on the list for the tour, because such a large number of fans live here.

“A huge percentage of their fan base is coming out of Santa Cruz County,” said Coonerty. “Everybody knows a Giants fan in Santa Cruz.”

The Boardwalk announced Tuesday afternoon it planned to rename its classic wooden roller coaster the “Giants Dipper” and a Giants flag will fly above it from Jan. 22-30. It is the first time in the Boardwalk’s 103-year history that a sports team has ever been honored in such a way.

"We wanted to do something kind of unique, kind of different," said Kris Reyes, spokesman for the Boardwalk.

In addition, the Boardwalk will offer free parking for Giants fans on Jan. 27.

That won't ba a problem with potentially large crowds, said Reyes.

"On a busy summer day we have thousands of people come to the park," said Reyes. "The Giants estimate about 2,000 people and we’ll provide parking for that easily."

Nevertheless, it's probably a good idea to show up early.

The viewing is free and open to the public. Fans who want to see the trophy will be served on a first-come, first-served basis, with the line forming on Beach Street.

Fans can have their photo professionally shot posing with the trophy, which can be later purchased online. The use of personal cameras will be discouraged in order to keep the line moving.