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BOSTON (WBZNewsRadio) - It's the Friday Red Sox fans have been waiting for. The Red Sox Home Opener at Fenway Park kicks off a big weekend not only for Boston sports fans but for the city as a whole.
With plans to mark One Boston Day and commemorate the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier, the Red Sox will present their Opening Day ceremonies ahead of their 122nd home season. Fans attending the game are asked to be in their seats by 1:30 p.m. to enjoy the ceremony. First pitch against the Minnesota Twins set for 2:10 p.m.
Ahead of the game, a giant American flag will be draped over the left field wall, presented by members of the Hanscom Air Force Base and the Vermont National Guard. The national anthem will be performed by the Premiere Choir of Boston Children's Chorus.
The longtime tradition of a flyover will take place, with an MH-60T helicopter, flown out of the United States Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod.
The singing of God Bless America in the middle of the seventh inning will be performed by Springfield native Michelle Brooke Thompson.
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier, all 30 Major League teams will wear Robinson's number "42" in Dodgers blue on their jerseys and a "42" patch on their uniform sleeves and cap.
WBZ's Jim MacKay spoke to Joe from Lynn, who never misses a game.
"I've been coming here since '67." Joe said. "I love coming here on opening day."
Today's game also marks the first time the team will offer closed captioning for all home games through the MLB Ballpark App. Anyone wishing to use the service should select the Boston Red Sox as their team in the app and clock on the Closed Captioning button. No app? No problem. Closed Captioning will also be displayed on the outfield LED boards during all pregame ceremonies.
WBZ's Jim MacKay (@JimMackayOnAir) reports
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