The RHM crew will be taking part in some of these events, and it’s so nice of the Reds to provide a way to keep warm in case the April night turns cold. I imagine the fleecie will do a much better job than the terrible coffee when last we attended an April evening game in Cinergy/Riverfront. The 30 degree temperatures that night made us swear off early-season games for quite some time.

The Cincinnati Reds announce a new special celebration for the first night game of the season, called Opening Night, when the Reds take on the Cardinals on Wednesday, April 7.

From a meet and greet with Reds players and live music in the Fan Zone to a flyover and full team introductions during pregame ceremonies to a spectacular post-game fireworks show, Opening Night will have all the glitz and glamour of the traditional home opener combined with the thrill of baseball under the lights.

Don’t miss the birth of a new can’t-miss date on the Cincinnati calendar!
Here’s a rundown of Wednesday night’s events:

Opening: 5:10 p.m.
Hall of Fame breezeway gate opens to all fans at 5:10 p.m.
Reds Fleecie wearable snuggly blanket giveaway to the first 20,000 fans, presented by hhgregg
Fan Zone Fun: “Meet & Greet” with current Reds players and special appearance by Hall of Famer Joe Morgan, Carnival Performers, Games and Reds House DJ “DJ Sab”
Right field Porch: Swingtime Big Band performing

Act I: 6:30 p.m.
Special “Opening Night” Team Introductions
Ceremonial first pitch by Joe Morgan
Anthem performed by “Widow Douglas” (Jenn Scott) from The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of Tom Sawyer
Flyover: Four (4) F-16s from the 178th Fighter Wing of Springfield, Ohio

Act II: 7:10 p.m.
Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Right field Porch: Swingtime Big Band performing between innings throughout the game

Act III: Postgame
101st Airborne Rangers U.S. Army Parachute Demonstration Team
Fireworks Spectacular, presented by Hollywood Casino