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Colorado Rockies vs. Atlanta Braves: Opening Day weather updates

ByKevin Henry|
DENVER, CO - APRIL 22: Snow coats the empty seats as the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Colorado Rockies was postponed due to snow at Coors Field on April 22, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. The game will be made up as a split double header on Tuesday April 23, 2013. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - APRIL 22: Snow coats the empty seats as the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Colorado Rockies was postponed due to snow at Coors Field on April 22, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. The game will be made up as a split double header on Tuesday April 23, 2013. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The snow has begun in downtown Denver, threatening the 2018 home opener for the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.

Colorado is scheduled to begin a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves on Friday afternoon. However, roughly four hours before first pitch, snow and wind hit the downtown Denver area, forcing Coors Field groundskeepers to cover the infield with the tarp.

As predicted by @RockiesWX in this article the snow started falling in downtown Denver before first pitch, causing the status of Friday’s game to be up in the air. The game is sold out and is one of the most-anticipated games of the season in Denver. Rockies fans turn out en masse for Opening Day as it often celebrates the start of warm weather and the summer season in the Rocky Mountain region.

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However, the weather on Friday is anything but spring-like … and the forecast is not looking promising throughout the day. Saturday and Sunday, however, look much better with highs in the 50s and 60s both day and limited chances of precipitation. For the latest weather information, make sure you’re following @RockiesWX on Twitter.

If the game happens on Friday, Colorado’s German Marquez is scheduled to take the mound against Brandon McCarthy. Marquez worked his way out of trouble in his first start of the season against the Arizona Diamondbacks, allowing just an unearned run in five innings despite giving up four hits and four walks.

Here are the lineups for Friday’s matchup, weather-permitting …

Colorado Rockies:

  1. Charlie Blackmon, CF
  2. DJ LeMahieu, 2B
  3. Nolan Arenado, 3B
  4. Carlos Gonzalez, RF
  5. Ian Desmond, 1B
  6. Gerardo Parra, LF
  7. Trevor Story, SS
  8. Chris Iannetta, C
  9. German Marquez, P

Atlanta Braves: 

  1. Ender Inciarte, CF
  2. Ozzie Albies, 2B
  3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
  4. Nick Markakis, RF
  5. Preston Tucker, LF
  6. Dansby Swanson, SS
  7. Ryan Flaherty, 3B
  8. Kurt Suzuki, C
  9. Brandon McCarthy, P

We will be in the Coors Field press box, keeping this page updated with information straight from the field. Please keep checking back for the latest updates. Scroll to the bottom for the latest updates.

Related Story: Security, parking, gate information: Your essential guide to Coors Field

10:56 a.m. MT — Check out the video of the snow from our own @Shapalicious…

11:04 a.m. MT — The snow is starting to stick on the grass at Coors Field. Some Rockies players are still throwing and warming up, despite the conditions.

11:19 a.m. MT — Groundskeepers with snow blowers are working to blow the snow and ice off the portion of the field near the dugouts. Snow still coming down at a good clip.

11:33 a.m. MT — An update on the temps…

11:45 a.m. MT — As a note, there has not been anything officially announced from the Rockies regarding a delay or cancellation. At this moment, the game is still scheduled to begin at 2:10 p.m. (Denver time). When we get any official word, we will post here. Please keep refreshing for the latest information.

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12:05 p.m. MT — Groundskeepers are now using portable heaters to try to melt the snow and ice off the tarp. Tractors are also scraping the ice and snow off the outfield grass. There’s no question they are working to keep the field ready to play.

12:20 p.m. MT — The gates are officially open at Coors Field and people are coming in. Snow is still coming down and the tarp is still on the field as preparations continue.

12:38 p.m. MT — Crews have dumped the ice and snow off the tarp but it is back on the infield now. Skies are lighter but snow is still coming down.

12:58 p.m. MT — We are officially in a delay. More details to come but the game will not start at 2:10 p.m. as scheduled.

1:20 p.m. MT — There are actually fans sitting in their seats. Tarp is on the field and Opening Day festivities have been delayed as well as the start of the actual game … but hey, they’re ready to watch something!

1:41 p.m. MT — The tarp has been shifted to just cover the infield so the grounds crew can work on as much of the grass as possible.

1:49 p.m. MT — No activity on the field at the moment. Large deposit of snow and ice is visible in the left field tunnel.

2:08 p.m. MT — Game time has now been set for 3:10 p.m. MT. Tarp is coming off the field.

2:33 p.m. MT — The snow is still falling lightly and it’s going to be a cold game. Currently 28 at Coors Field, the coldest home opener in franchise history. The new scoreboard was just unveiled … WOW!

4:30 p.m. — Temperature has dropped to 25 degrees but snow seems to have mostly stopped.

Note: If you’re looking for the latest weather on Saturday night’s game, we have you covered. Click here.

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