Former Marlins’ All-Stars to complete around the horn ceremonial first pitch and Grammy Award winner Jon Secada to sing national anthem.
The Miami Marlins today announced the pregame festivities planned for Opening Day, April 6. Prior to the start of the 4:10 p.m. game against Atlanta, six former Marlins’ All-Stars will complete the around-the-horn ceremonial first pitch in honor of the January announcement that Marlins Park will host the 2017 All-Star Game. Carl Pavano (2004 All-Star), Charles Johnson (1997, ’01), Mike Lowell (’02- 04, ’07), Alex Gonzalez (’99), Luis Castillo (’02-03, ’05) and Jeff Conine (’94-95) will take part in the first pitch.
Two-time Grammy Award winner Jon Secada will sing the national anthem. The Cuban-born artist, who was raised in Miami-Dade County, has sold 20 million albums over his career. In addition, a flyover with two F-16’s from the 482nd Fighter Wing from Homestead Air Reserve Base will take place pregame. The presentation of colors will be done by Navy and Marine Corps Honor Guard from Navy Operational Support Center Miami, including the unveiling of a 150 x 300-foot American flag by the United States Southern Command.
The on-field, pregame ceremony will begin at 3:30 p.m. with players being recognized for their postseason awards. Team introductions will follow, with legendary boxing announcer Michael Buffer introducing the Marlins players. Fans are encouraged to arrive early as festivities will kick-off at 1:30 p.m. in the West Plaza, and all entrances will open at 2 p.m. Season ticket holders can enter at 1:30 p.m. to watch batting practice from the Skyline Terrace
Fans can also tune in to 940 WINZ-AM as the Marlins’ English flagship station will go live from Marlins Park on Opening Day, beginning at 6 a.m. for the “Jeff DeForest Show.” Then, the “Andy Stater Show” will go live from 1-3 p.m. on the Promenade Level at the Budweiser Bow Tie Bar.
All fans attending Opening Day will receive a 2015 magnetic schedule courtesy of Leon Medical Centers. Fans are encouraged to purchase on-site parking in advance, and can visit Marlins.com/Parking to review parking and traffic information in advance. Fans can also follow Marlins Park on Facebook or Twitter (@MarlinsPark) for up-to-date information on Opening Day, parking, traffic, roof status and more. Limited tickets to the season opener remain and are available at the Marlins Park North Ticket Office, online at Marlins.com or by calling 1-877-MARLINS.
