Opening Day festivities will be one of the highlights when the Colorado Rockies open the home portion of their schedule on Friday afternoon against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Friday’s game is a sellout and massive crowds are expected for the game. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about Friday’s activities.
Basic information
The game is scheduled to start at 2:10 p.m. (Mountain time). Kyle Freeland will make his Major League debut for the Rockies while Hyun-Jin Ryu will get the start for the Dodgers.
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Gates
On Opening Day, Gate A will open at 11:30 a.m., for Rooftop access. Gates B, C, D and E will open at noon. Additionally, ballpark entry points will be available on Blake Street between Gates B and C, as well as on 20th Street between Gates D and E, both of which open at noon.
Parking
Coors Field parking lots are priced at $16-$18 every game day, $15-$17 in advance. They will open at 9 a.m. Coors Field parking lots are located outside the right-field Gate A entrance and shuttle service is available. Get more information at Rockies.com/parking.
Additionally, plenty of metered parking and parking garages are available within walking distance of Coors Field.
Weather
At 2 p.m., it’s expected to be 71 degrees and partly cloudy, with southwest winds at 10 mph.
Pregame activities
Opening Day pregame ceremonies begin at 1:30 p.m. They will feature 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.
“The Star Spangled Banner” will be performed by Stellar Brass, featuring Airman 1st Class Danielle Diaz, while a large American flag is unfurled on the field by 150 uniformed personnel from military, Denver Sheriff and Fire Departments.
Immediately following the national anthem will be an F-16C jet flyover supported by the 120th Fighter Squadron out of Buckley Air Force Base.
Pregame player recognition
Before the Rockies take the field, pregame ceremonies will also include recognition of Nolan Arenado, Charlie Blackmon and DJ LeMahieu for their outstanding 2016 seasons.
Arenado will receive three awards. Defensive awards include the Rawlings Gold Glove Award and Wilson Defensive Player Award. He will also be bestowed with the Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award for the best offensive season in the National League at third base.
Also receiving his Silver Slugger will be Blackmon for having one of the top three offensive seasons for an National League outfielder.
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LeMahieu will receive the Silver Bat and Tony Gwynn Award for the best batting average in the National League for 2016.