HOUSTON – Two Houston Astros legends will return to the field for Opening Day festivities at Minute Maid Park.
On Tuesday, April 1, Nolan Ryan, former Astros ace and current executive advisor to the team, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch to former second baseman, and catcher, Craig Biggio, who now serves as special assistant to the general manager. In a cool twist, the team says in Biggio's first year in the majors in 1988, he caught Ryan's 100th win as an Astro while they were teammates.
Astros Hall of Fame radio broadcaster Milo Hamilton will address the crowd to kick off the 2014 Astros season and the famed Budweiser Clydesdales will also take the field in grand fashion to deliver a ceremonial game ball. The NiXg Skydiving and Entertainment team will also make an unconventional entrance to deliver the ceremonial first pitch ball. Country music legend Clay Walker will perform the National Anthem and, later during the 7th inning stretch, Walker will perform God Bless America.
Before the 6:10pm start time versus the New York Yankees, fans can check out the 13th annual Opening Day Street Festival from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Crawford Street. There is no admission charge for the festival which will include live music performed by the Scooter Brown Band on the Budweiser stage, an interactive vendor expo, local food trucks, drinks, prizes and activities for all ages.
Fans will also be treated to a rock wall, mechanical bull riding, face painters, caricature artists, bungee runs, a dunk tank and more.
Astros mascot Orbit will also be in attendance, getting fans pumped up for the season.
Opening Day schedule Tuesday, April 1
12 p.m. - 6 p.m.: 13th Annual Opening Day Street Festival on Crawford Street
1:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.: Pep Rally featuring Reid Ryan, emceed by Robert Ford, on the Budweiser Stage
3 p.m.: Gates open to the main concourse
3:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.: Pep Rally featuring Astros players, emceed by Steve Sparks the Budweiser Stage
4 p.m.: Full ballpark access to the public
5:30 p.m.: Pregame field ceremonies begin
6:10 p.m.: New York Yankees at Houston Astros
Postgame: Special classic rock-themed Opening Day fireworks display, presented by Marathon Oil Corporation