(WWJ) More than 200,000 baseball fans are expected in Downtown Detroit for the Detroit Tigers home opener against the Chicago White Sox on Friday. Many fans call it an unofficial holiday.
With the temperature at game time expected to be 49 degrees, this will be the warmest opening day since 2015 when it was 53. That doesn't include 2020 when the season started in July.
Gates open at 10:30 a.m. The first 15,000 fans will receive a "Built Different" rally towel.
Pregame festivities include Michigan native and actor Keegan-Michael Key throwing out the first pitch. Saginaw native and Grammy award winner Brian d'Arcy James will sing the national anthem. His performance will be followed by a flyover featuring an A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog” aircraft from the 107th Fighter Squadron which is part of the 127th Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
Tigers officials are encouraging fans to arrive early and be in their seats by 12:35 p.m. for pre-game festivities with introductions of Tigers players, manager and staff. First pitch is expected at 1:10 p.m.
Tigers fans are reminded all tickets at Comerica Park are 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.
Fans can start celebrating the return of Tigers baseball before the ballpark opens with free pregame block parties throughout the weekend. Friday’s block party will open at 9 a.m., Saturday’s is at 10:30 a.m. and Sunday’s is at 11 a.m.
Some fans will make the day a doubleheader in The District Detroit. After watching Opening Day, fans can visit Little Caesars Arena to cheer on the Detroit Red Wings against the Carolina Hurricanes. Doors at LCA open at 5:30 p.m. with puck drop at 7 p.m., and the first 7,500 fans in attendance receive a Red Wings hat with the Tigers cursive jersey font on the front.
You can hear all Tigers games on WXYT, 97.1 FM The Ticket.