Friday is opening day in Detroit. The Tigers are hosting the St. Louis Cardinals in the first of three games. Gates to Comerica Park open at 10:30 a.m., but fans were already drinking beer outside the ballpark at 6 a.m., according to WWJ's Charlie Langton.
The weather is expected to be perfect with temperatures in the low 70's with partly cloudy skies.
The team is encouraging fans to be in their seats by 12:45 for pre-game introductions of Tigers players.
There are many activities before the game. Former Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge will throw out the ceremonial first pitch
Detroit native and R&B singer Angela Davis will sing the National Anthem with a 100-foot American Flag in the outfield. The performance will be followed by a flyover featuring an A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog” aircraft from the 107th Fighter Squadron and part of the 127th Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
Today's game is officially sold out, but there are tickets remaining for the Saturday and Sunday games against the Cardinals. Tomorrow's game starts at 1:10 and the first 15-thousand fans will receive a Tigers Rugby Shirt. Sunday evening's game starts at 7:20. Tickets are available at Tigers.com.
While grounds crews will be getting the field ready inside the stadium, there is a lot going on outside Comerica Park. There is a free Block Party starting at 9 a.m. and running until the end of the game. There will be food trucks, beer, music and appearance by PAWs and the Rally Cats.
This year there will also be a march to the park. Fans can gather at Campus Martius Park and the march on Woodward Avenue to the ballpark will begin at 10:30 a.m. The march will be led by the Tigers’ drumline, PAWS and the Rally Cats Energy Squad.
After the gates open at 10:30, fans can take advantage of the Miller Lite Home Run Happy Hour – on the Comerica Landing – from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Select concessions items are available for just $5, including 16-ounce beers, fountain drinks, hard seltzers and snacks.
The Tigers are again partnering with small restaurant businesses in Detroit, providing fans local flavors throughout the ballpark. New food highlights include a short rib sandwich, steak frites from Fairway Packing Company and the Tiger Tail footlong corn dog.
If you are looking for a jersey or new merchandise, fans have options including newly unveiled Alternate Jerseys, specialty Opening Day hats, and T-shirts. The D Shop has a new Customization Zone, where fans can add any name and number they choose on a blank jersey, and a new Hat Patch Bar, where fans can add one of several patch options to any hat.
Before the game, the Tigers will observe a moment of silence to honor Tigers alumni Mickey Lolich, Elroy Face and Tom Timmermann, who sadly passed away during the off-season.
A couple reminders for fans coming to any game this year. All tickets at Comerica Park remain digital. Fans are encouraged to download tickets from the MLB Ballpark App to their digital wallet before leaving home to ensure seamless entry into the ballpark. All bags, purses and clutches are prohibited. Only wallets sized 4” x 6” x 1.5” or smaller are permitted.
For parking, options are available throughout The District Detroit, including garages surrounding Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena. Parking can be reserved at ParkWhiz.com. Today only, metered parking is free because of Good Friday.
For Sunday's game, some fans will see a double-header with the Red Wings and Tigers. Before the Tigers host Sunday Night Baseball at 7:20 p.m., fans can watch the Detroit Red Wings face the Minnesota Wild at Little Caesars Arena, with puck drop set for 1 p.m. Little Caesars Arena doors open at 11:30 a.m.
Today isn't the only day that is special. Throughout the year, there are marquee weekends including Strike Out Cancer, Black in Baseball, Fiesta Tigres and the 125th Anniversary of the Detroit Tigers. There will be various giveaways during those games.
The Sounds of Summer postgame concerts are back – this season with Nelly on June 19th and Flo Rida on July 24th. The Postgame concerts are free for ticket holders for each game.
Tune in AM 950 for updates all day.
