MLB opening day is a highly anticipated event for baseball fans, with many cities hosting tailgates, parades, and parties before and after the game. For fans whose team is traveling for opening day, bars and restaurants in the team’s home city often host watch parties for fans to attend. Additionally, teams not hosting opening day often have huge celebrations prior to their own home opener instead. This year, five teams – the Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Miami Marlins, and San Diego Padres – are celebrating opening day in unique ways.
The Cincinnati Reds will be hosting the Washington Nationals on opening day this year. Before the game, fans can enjoy the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade, which is a popular event in the city with an estimated 130,000 attendees last year. A block party with food, beverages, and entertainment for the whole family will kick off just prior to the parade. The Houston Astros, hosting the New York Yankees, will have an Opening Day Street Fest featuring live music, face painters, photo booths, food trucks, and more. Admission to the event is free with a game ticket.
The Kansas City Royals will host the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium, offering a free bobblehead to the first 30,000 fans who arrive early. Before the game, fans can enjoy a pre-game concert by Lost Wax. The Miami Marlins, hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates, will have a fan parade to the ballpark before the game. The first 30,000 fans to arrive will receive a free rally towel. The San Diego Padres will have pre-game and post-game celebrations at the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Rooftop Bar, part of the Margaritaville Hotel, with free admission by reservation. A full weekend of fun in San Diego will include the Party in the Park event on Friday with live entertainment and $5 drinks, as well as a live musical performance from the Padres House Band on Saturday.
Overall, MLB opening day is a time for fans to come together and celebrate the start of a new baseball season. With a variety of events and activities planned by different teams, fans have the opportunity to enjoy pre-game and post-game celebrations, parades, concerts, and more. Whether attending the game in person or watching from a local bar or restaurant, opening day is a time to show support for your favorite team and enjoy the excitement of the new season. Each team mentioned in this article has its own unique way of celebrating opening day, offering fans a memorable and enjoyable experience.
