Cleveland Guardians' home opener, total solar eclipse both set for April 8
After starting the 2024 MLB season with three consecutive road series, the Cleveland Guardians home opener won't take place until April 8, and will coincide with the much-anticipated total solar eclipse.
After facing the Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners and division rival Minnesota Twins from MLB Opening Day through April 7, Cleveland will return home for a three-game set against the Chicago White Sox.
The Guardians announced a full slate of Opening Day festivities for the home opener, which marks the 31st at Progressive Field.
Here's what fans need to know for Opening Day at Progressive Field.
Cleveland Guardians' home opener is the same day as the total solar eclipse
Unless you've been living under a rock, you're likely aware of the upcoming total solar eclipse that will take place April 8, which coincides with the Guardians' home opener.
The Guardians organization is encouraging fans to allow themselves extra travel time and to get to the ballpark early in anticipation of traffic and congestion.
They are also encouraging fans to utilize public transit "whenever possible."
Because of fears the massive influx of tourists and locals alike could crash cell networks, the Guardians are also encouraging fans to download their tickets to their mobile wallets prior to arriving at the ballpark in case cellphone connection proves problematic.
When do Progressive Field's gates open on Opening Day? Will admittance be impacted by the total solar eclipse?
Progressive Field's gates will open at 2 p.m. for the home opener on April 8, with first pitch scheduled for 5:10 p.m.
The Guardians announced that, "Admittance to the ballpark will be temporarily paused at ALL Gates from 3:05-3:25 p.m. ET due to the solar eclipse totality."
The team's announcement added that fans will be permitted to exit and then re-enter the ballpark through both the left field and right field gates if they want to get a better view for the eclipse's totality before the start of the game.
Who is performing the national anthem at the Cleveland Guardians' home opener?
Apropos, given the celestial event happening before the game, Ra-Deon Sledge — Chief of Staff at NASA's Glenn Research Center — will be performing the national anthem as well as "God Bless America."
According to the Guardians' announcement, Sledge is a former member of "1 of the Girls" — a Cleveland-based R&B group. Sledge has been with NASA for more than 15 years.
Who will throw out the first pitch at the Cleveland Guardians 2024 home opener?
Both two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber and five-time All-Star Michael Brantley — key members of Cleveland's 2016 American League Championship team — will be on hand to throw out the Ceremonial First Pitch(es) at Progressive Field April 8.
Kluber and Brantley each announced their retirement from professional baseball this winter. Kluber pitched for 13 seasons in the majors. Brantley played at the major league level for 15 seasons.
Both spent the majority of their MLB careers in a Cleveland uniform.
What else should Guardians fans expect on Opening Day?
The pregame festivities will also include "a flyover from the 910th Airlift Wing out of Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, flying the C130H Hercules."
DJ Kyro will perform in the right field district when gates open up until the pregame ceremonies begin.
The team also notes that due to renovations happening at Progressive Field, the Guardians Team Store will be located on Gateway Plaza temporarily during the 2024 season.
Are Guardians tickets sold out for the home opener?
Yes.
However, fans can still get tickets for the sold-out home opener by purchasing the "Ballpark Pass." For $49 per month, the pass allows fans to attend every home game, including the April 8 opener, with standing room only tickets.
Tickets can be purchased at CLEGuardians.com/BallparkPass.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Guardians April 8 home opener same day as the total solar eclipse
