David Backes signs an autograph for a fan at the second annual Blues FANfest (Photo by Mark Buckner). Gallery

Video: FANfest Highlights

The second annual FANfest certainly lived up to its name.

Thousands of fans turned out Sunday for a day filled with a scrimmage game, autograph sessions, photo opportunities and more at Scottrade Center.

“(It was) a great turnout. (I’m) not surprised,” said Blues captain Eric Brewer. “We’ve always had a strong core of fans here and I think people are excited about hockey. I wouldn’t say it’s like fall weather out there yet, but it feels like hockey. I think people are pretty excited.”

The team unveiled it’s third jersey Sunday to kick off the event at noon, revealing one of the best kept Blues secrets in recent memory.

Fans turned out in droves, both to see the new uniform and to take in the Blue vs. Gold scrimmage, which featured an extended shootout as the finale. During the game, nearly the entire lower bowl was filled with fans ready to welcome a new season of hockey.

Blue vs. Gold Scrimmage at FANfest   1 2 SO Total Blue Team 2 2 0 4 Gold Team 1 1 1 3 First Period 1. Blue Team - Roman Polak (Kariya) 7:41 2. Blue Team - David Backes (McClement) 8:33 3. Gold Team - Patrik Berglund (Foy) 22:47 Second Period 1. Blue Team - Keith Tkachuk (unassisted) 1:52 2. Blue Team - Jay McClement (Backes, Tkachuk) 17:33 3. Gold Team - Cam Paddock (unassisted) 18:46

Darren Sims was glad he talked his dad into bringing him to the event.

“It was between this and a barbeque,” Darren said. “We made the right decision. I’ve been looking forward to it since last season.”

Season Ticket Holders got a chance to attend a private Q&A session with Blues President John Davidson and head coach Andy Murray. Kevin Dolansky, who has been a Blues Season Ticket Holder on two separate occasions, felt privileged to be able to ask Davidson a question about bringing an All-Star Game to St. Louis.

"It was great," he said. "I remember watching (JD) in his first couple of seasons in St. Louis. Coming and watching the scrimmage and doing this Q&A session...it's a great event and I hope they do it again."

"People really do enjoy the game and they enjoy the players. The effort they bring for us, we're very fortunate to be playing here," Brewer said.

"Management's been doing a great job all summer of keeping the Blues in everybody's mind," said Blues forward Lee Stempniak. "Obviously, the fans speak for themselves by coming out."