DETROIT (WWJ) - The moment Tigers fans have been waiting for all winter long has finally arrived: Opening Day in Detroit.
The Tigers are set to kick off their 20th season in Comerica Park on Thursday, taking on the Kansas City Royals. Gates to Comerica Park open at 10 a.m. The first pitch is expected to be thrown at 1:10 p.m. Spencer Turnbull will be on the mound for the Tigers, while Jakob Junis pitches for the Royals.
Two new policies are in effect at Comerica Park this year, beginning on Opening Day:
• Mobile Ticketing -- Tigers fans can enter Comerica Park utilizing the Major League Baseball Ballpark App. All PDF tickets, either printed or presented on a mobile phone, will no longer be accepted as a method of entry for Detroit Tigers games at Comerica Park. If fans do not have a smartphone or other accessible device to use for mobile entry, they can visit the Comerica Park Box Office and have tickets printed for them on the day of game. For more information, visit tigers.com/mobiletickets.
• Updated Bag Policy -- All backpacks (except for single-compartment drawstring bags that do not exceed the MLB bag-size requirements of 16" x 16" x 8") are prohibited from being brought into Comerica Park. Purses (including fashion backpack purses) diaper bags, and medical bags that have the appearance of backpacks will be allowed, provided they do not exceed the MLB requirements.
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Among the pregame activities will be a military flyover with four A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthog" aircraft from the 107th Fighter Squadron at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
The national anthem will be performed by Grammy Award nominated and original member of the Supremes, Mary Wilson.
The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by 1984 World Series Champion, Cy Young Award winner and World Series MVP, Guillermo "Willie" Hernandez.
The game ball will be delivered by Brigadier General John D. Slocum, the Commander, 127th Wing, Selfridge ANGB, Michigan.
Along with the game, WWJ is hosting its annual Opening Day Block Party at Grand Circus Park starting at 10 a.m. The FREE event includes live music, interactive games for fans of all ages, food and merchandise. And if you don't have a ticket to the game, you can hang out in the outdoor pub and watch the game on big screens.
