Mile High Sports

Everything you need to know for the Rockies 2018 Home Opener

The Colorado Rockies celebrate the Home Opener of their 25th Anniversary Season Friday, April 6 vs. the Atlanta Braves at Coors Field, with first pitch at 2:10 p.m. preceded by pregame ceremonies and exciting pageantry.

Pregame Ceremonies

Fans should plan to be in their seats by 1:15 p.m. as Opening Day pregame ceremonies begin promptly at 1:20 p.m. with an official unveiling of the new scoreboard in left-center field. The new scoreboard features state-of-the-art HD1080P technology, is 258% larger in size, has a unique mountain shape and is brought to life by 6.8 million LEDs.

The ceremonies continue with a military march and color guard by members of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard, with musical accompaniment by the United States Air Force Academy Band Stellar Brass. After both the Braves’ and Rockies’ team introductions, Stellar Brass will perform the national anthem, with vocals by Airman First Class Danielle Diaz. The anthem will be accompanied by the unfurling of a 300’ x 150’ American flag across the outfield grass by 150 uniformed personnel from the Denver Sheriff Department, Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Littleton Fire Rescue. A flyover will be provided by four F-16 Fighting Falcons, flown by pilots of the 120th Fighter Squadron, Colorado Air National Guard out of Buckley Air Force Base. Ceremonial first pitches will be thrown by sheriffs from Adams, Douglas and El Paso County Sheriff Departments, all of which suffered tragic losses of deputies over the offseason. Season Ticket Holder John Jacks will throw out a ceremonial first pitch as well.

2017 Honors

Before the home team takes the field, pregame ceremonies will culminate in recognizing third baseman Nolan Arenado, center fielder Charlie Blackmon and second baseman DJ LeMahieu for their 2017 campaigns. Arenado will receive four awards: his fifth Rawlings Gold Glove Award, his third Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award and his first Platinum Glove Award for the best defense across all positions in the National League, as well as his third Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award for his offensive production. Blackmon will receive his second Silver Slugger and his first Tony Gwynn Award for the best batting average in the National League. LeMahieu will receive his second Gold Glove and Defensive Player of the Year Awards.

Parking

As it has been for all 25 years of the franchise’s existence, Opening Day is a sellout, so fans should be aware of the large crowds at 20th & Blake and in the parking lots throughout downtown. Coors Field parking lots (priced at $17-$19 every game day, $16-$18 in advance; information at Rockies.com/parking) will open at 9 a.m.; Coors Field parking lots are conveniently located outside the right-field Gate A entrance (with access at Wazee & Park Ave., or 33rd & Blake St.) and shuttle service is available within the lots to and from the Gate A entrance.

 Coors Field Entry

On Opening Day, all gates open at noon. NOTE: There will be an additional ballpark entry point on 20th Street between Gates D and E which also opens at noon. In addition to arriving early to avoid lines at the gates, fans are encouraged to move to any of the seven entry points available.

Opening Day Fest

The annual Opening Day Fest on Blake and 21st Streets will be open from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., offering games and activities for adults and children. The Rooftop opens at noon, and fans can enjoy music and pregame drink specials until first pitch at 2:10 p.m. For information on this and future Rooftop events follow on Twitter, @RoxRooftop.

Weather

The weather forecast for Friday calls for increasing snow and decreasing temperatures as the game progresses.

Tickets / Promotions

Though Opening Day is sold out, fans can secure individual game tickets to other 2018 regular season games by visiting Rockies.com/tickets, calling (303) ROCKIES (762-5437) or visiting the Coors Field Ticket Office, Rockies Dugout Stores, Kings Soopers and select City Market stores. Fans can save money over individual ticket prices by purchasing Rockies Season Tickets or a Mini-Plan. Opening Weekend at Coors Field continues with a 6:10 p.m. start on Saturday, April 7, and a 1:10 p.m. start on Sunday, April 8, both vs. the Atlanta Braves. Opening Day fans will receive a GO ROCKIES Rally Towel, courtesy of ARROW Electronics. Saturday will feature a 25th Anniversary Season Magnet Schedule, presented by Colorado Lottery, and Sunday will award the first 20,000 fans with a Charlie Blackmon Batting Champion Bobblehead, presented by ShaneCo, (gates will open at 11 a.m. on Sunday to accommodate the bobblehead giveaway). The first Player Autograph Sunday will also take place on April 8, beginning at 11:40 a.m.; Autograph Sundays occur on the first Sunday home game of each month throughout the season. For more information regarding 2018 promotions, which include several themed to the 25th Anniversary, visit Rockies.com/promotions or Rockies.com/25th.

Opening Day Event Timeline

9 a.m.                Coors Field parking lots open (located outside Gate A, priced from $16 for Opening Day – Lot B only)

11 a.m.              Opening Day Fest begins, at Blake and 21st Streets

11:15 a.m.           Rockies Batting Practice

12:00 p.m.          All gates open

12:20 p.m.          Braves Batting Practice

1:20 p.m.            Pregame Ceremonies

2:06 p.m.            Rockies take the field

2:10 p.m.            Official game time

7th Inn. Stretch     Salute to Heroes – SSgt Eli Cheek

“God Bless America” – TSgt Chris Hammiel

Mid-8th Break      Flyover pilot & support personnel in-game recognition

Television / Radio Coverage

The Rockies’ home opener against the Braves will be televised locally on AT&T SportsNet. The Rockies’ radio broadcast is on KOA NewsRadio 850 AM & 94.1 FM and in Spanish on KNRV 1150 AM.

Security Reminder

As a continuation of Major League Baseball’s league-wide implementation requirement started in 2015 and in the interest of continuing to ensure fan safety at Coors Field, the Colorado Rockies will use walk-through metal detectors at all gates. Some key points for Rockies fans to continue to keep in mind:

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