Cleveland, OH – The Cleveland Guardians today announced the full slate of Opening Day festivities that will take place at the Home Opener celebration on April 7 against the Seattle Mariners at 4:10PM ET.
The game marks the Guardians 30th Home Opener at Progressive Field and will be highlighted by 2022 Super Bowl winner and Cleveland Heights native Travis Kelce throwing out the Ceremonial First Pitch with his mother Donna Kelce.
In memory of Cleveland Guardians superfan John Adams, the Guardians will wear a ‘JA’ patch that features his bass drum mallets for their Home Opener. The patch will only be worn during the first home game of the season at Progressive Field and during Adams’ 50th year anniversary of his debut on August 24. Additionally, there will be a moment of silence held for both Adams and Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry who passed away on December 1, 2022.
The National Anthem and God Bless America will be performed by Cleveland native Norelle Simpson. Simpson recently made her second Super Bowl halftime show appearance, as she joined Rhianna as a backup singer. She was also part of Super Bowl LV, performing with Jennifer Lopez and Shakira. Simpson grew up between Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights and Mayfield Heights. She graduated from John Carroll University before pursuing music full time.
Members of all six military branches – Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy and Space Force – will all be on hand to create a joint color presentation, and a flyover will be performed by the 112th fighter squadron of the Ohio Air National Guard with a 4-ship of F-16s.
Prior to first pitch, the Guardians will unveil the 2022 AL Central Division pennant. The title marks the Guardians 11th division crown in franchise history – the most of any team in the Central.
As the player intros are taking place, the East Palestine, Ohio Little League will have boys and girls (8 & under) form the ‘Player Tunnel’ to welcome players on to the field.
The Guardians Block Party will be held in Gateway Plaza from 1:15-3:30PM. The Block Party, which will be open to the public, will feature DJ Kyro, a face painter, airbrush and glitter tattoos, ‘STAND FOR THE LAND’ marquee lights, a Pepsi activation and more.
Fans can still purchase tickets for the sold-out Opening Day, as the Guardians just released a block of Standing Room Only tickets in the Right Field Terraces. Tickets can be purchased at CLEGuardians.com/tickets.
Cleveland Guardians Official Press Release
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