DETROIT — Forecasted clouds and showers could not stop fans from returning in larger numbers since 2019.
The COVID-19 pandemic limited fans from Comerica Park for the past two years but, new relaxed guidelines drew an expected 40,000 attendees to the ballpark, Friday, to see the Tigers faceoff against the Chicago White Sox on Opening Day.
The home-opening for Detroit’s MLB team is like a holiday for game attendees and for people without a ticket to the game, because the downtown tailgating is almost like having the next best seat.
“This is not even a tradition for me”, said Janelle May. May just moved back to Michigan and was determined to tailgate party in her white Tigers jersey. “I’ll be inside this tent party and then I’m going back home to watch (the game).”
The area surrounding the stadium were jumping once again with tents stood-up in parking lots to welcome fans for food, games, and big TV monitors for all the game-day action.
Opening game day is also good for street-side business from apparel to a good tasty hot dog.
“This is my first really big day in almost two years, said Renetta “The LunchLady” Dobson. Dobson sat up her concession stand around 9am to service patrons with meat products ranging from beef hot dogs to Kobasas, along with turkey and vegetarian products as well. “I’m hopeful for what the crowd will bring, slight skeptical because of possible rain but, nonetheless, today is very exciting.”
Inside Comerica Park, with 40,000 fans expected to have filled the seats, long lines at concession stands brought a renewed sense of joy for fans.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tigers fans back to Comerica Park, both on Opening Day and throughout the upcoming season,” said Ellen Hill-Zeringue, Vice President of Marketing. “We have some amazing experiences planned for our fans …it’s going to be a very exciting summer at the ballpark.”
In its Opening Day ceremony before the game, the ball club took a moment in a video tribute to honor its first-base coach Kimera Bartee who died at 49 during the offseason last December. Bartee collapsed suddenly while visiting his father in Omaha, Neb.
Bartee’s family were welcomed on the field in an emotional moment, honored with a base and ball cap. A moment of silence was also held. Bartee’s No. 18 jersey will hang inside the coaches locker this season, a way to remember the “KB” coach and former, initials that will be patched on the shoulder of players jerseys.
This day means so much to people in Detroit and from afar.
“We drove all the way from Maryland to come back to my hometown, said Lorri Johnson, joined by her sister and two daughters. “We are diehard Tigers fans and we are looking forward to seeing Miguel Caberra the most.”
Temps held in the chilly 40’s for the game and Tigers held to a tight score and close. The home team would claim victory in a bottom of the 9th inning 5-4 win against the Chicago White Sox.
Tigers fans are reminded that all tickets at Comerica Park are now digital. Fans are encouraged to download tickets to their digital wallet before leaving home to ensure seamless entry into the ballpark. All bags, purses and clutches are prohibited. Only wallets sized 4” x 6” x 1.5” or smaller are permitted.