 
|
04/09/2005 12:51 PM ET
Red Sox announce Opening Day schedule
Gates Open at 12:05 p.m., Pre-Game Ceremonies start at 2:05 p.m.
|
|
BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox today announced they will open the gates to Fenway Park at 12:05 p.m. Monday and begin pre-game ceremonies at 2:05 p.m. Game time is 3:05 p.m.
The pre-game ceremonies include the long-awaited presentation of the World Series rings, the raising of the World Series banner, the introduction of the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, the presentation of the "Star-Spangled Banner," and the Ceremonial First Pitch.
In addition, fans will be asked to observe moments of silence in memory of Pope John Paul II and the late Red Sox Hall of Fame reliever Dick Radatz, who died March 16.
The ceremonies are set to end with the declaration to "Play Ball!" by 92-year old righthander Charlie Wagner, who began his pitching career with the Red Sox in 1935.
Because it is a weekday and parking near Fenway Park is limited, the club recommends public transportation to the ballpark and an early arrival.
"We have two pieces of advice: Take the T and come early," said Red Sox Executive Vice President/Public Affairs Dr. Charles Steinberg. "We urge fans to make it a hassle-free day. Come when the gates open, check out the expanded Third Base Concourse and the new First Base Deck, get comfortable, and be in your seats by about 2.
"The 2005 Fenway Improvements have not only added function, but they have helped make the ballpark even more beautiful. The new, restored exteriors will take some fans back to the 1920's, just as the sea of green does inside the park. We hope fans take the time to stroll around the park and enjoy the improvements."
Tentative Opening Day Pre-Game Schedule
12:05 p.m. Gates Open
12:15-1:15 Red Sox Batting Practice
1:15-2:00 Yankees Batting Practice
(Approximate Times)
2:05 Pre-Game Ceremonies Begin
2:15 Presentation of the Rings
2:30 Raising of the World Series Banner
2:40 Introduction of the New York Yankees
2:45 Introduction of the Boston Red Sox
2:53 Introduction of Color Guards
2:53 Moments of Silence for Pope John Paul II and for Dick Radatz
2:54 National Anthem
2:56 Fly-Over of Military Jets
2:57 Ceremonial First Pitch
3:00 Ceremonial Pronouncement to "Play Ball!"
3:02 Managers Conference
3:04 Red Sox Take the Field
3:05 First Pitch of the Game
| 
Official Info
print this page