Colorado Rockies: Opening Day at Coors Field parking, gate information

The Colorado Rockies will officially open the home part of their 2018 schedule on Friday afternoon when the Atlanta Braves pay a visit to Denver to open a three-game series.

Opening Day in Colorado is a celebration of spring and this year should be extra special as the Rockies continue their celebration of their 25^thanniversary season.

First pitch is scheduled for 2:10 p.m. (Mountain time) on Friday. However, fans will want to make sure they leave themselves plenty of time to be in their seats for the first pitch.

Pregame ceremonies are slated to begin at 1:20 as the new scoreboard is officially unveiled. Of course, we had a first look at it that you can see by clicking here. There will be plenty of pageantry after that as well, with a flyover scheduled as well as Nolan Arenado, DJ LeMahieu and Charlie Blackmon being honored on the field for their many accomplishments in 2017.

Colorado Rockies

Here are some other things fans need to know when heading to Opening Day at Coors Field on Friday.

First, it’s going to be a sellout so expect crowds anywhere near Coors Field. Parking will also be coveted. Coors Field parking lots (priced at $17-$19 every game day, $16-$18 in advance) will open at 9 a.m. Coors Field parking lots are located outside the right-field Gate A entrance (with access at Wazee & Park Avenue or 33^rd & Blake Street). Shuttle service is available within the lots to and from the Gate A entrance.

Second,all gates will open at noon. There will be also an additional ballpark entry point on 20^th Street between Gates D and E. This also opens at noon. The Braves will take batting practice at approximately 12:20 p.m. The Rockies will take batting practice before the gates open to the public.

Third, the Rooftop will open at noon so it will be open for fans once the gates open.

Fourth, there will be security measures in place, just like last year. Walk-through metal detectors will be in place at all gates. Here are the official notes from the Rockies on what those security measures will entail.

• Unlike the procedures at the airport, fans entering Coors Field WILL NOT be required to remove shoes or belts. Fans WILL BE required to remove cell phones, cameras and keys prior to passing through the metal detectors.
• As in past seasons, the Rockies will allow fans to bring bags, backpacks and purses into Coors Field (16”x 16”x 8” size limit). The food and drink policy will remain the same as well. All permitted bags and purses will be searched upon entry.
• Fans should allow extra time for entry on game days, and fans should be aware of all of the entrance gates as there are typically much shorter lines at gates other than the Home Plate gate (Gate D, 20th and Blake). The heaviest entry time is typically between 30 minutes prior to first pitch and 30 minutes after first pitch, so it is best to avoid that time frame.
• For fans who have no carry-in items, there are Express Lanes at Gates B (22nd and Blake), C (21st and Blake) and D. There are also special lanes for Season Ticket Holders at Gates A, C and E (Wynkoop). Additional entry points will be implemented for some games.
• Gates A (Parking Lot) and E open two hours prior to game time. Gates B, C and D open 90 minutes prior to game time. For Opening Day, gates will open at noon.
• Starting on Opening Day, the Rockies CLEAR lane will be at Gate C and Gate D for every home game this season. The CLEAR lane at Gate C will open for entry two hours prior to game time on Opening Day and 1.5 hours prior to game time for the remainder of the season; the CLEAR lane at Gate D will open 40 minutes prior to each game. Enrollment is free and fans can enroll at Gate C beginning at 10 a.m. on Opening Day.

Next: Why this writer is picking Jon Gray to win the NL Cy Young Award

Rox Pile will be at Opening Day at Coors Field, providing analysis and exclusive interviews before and after the game. Be watching for that here on our site.

Let’s play ball!