"There is no sports event like Opening Day of baseball,
the sense of beating back the forces of darkness and the National Football League."
- Author George Vecsey in A Year in the Sun (1989)
The last few days around here have virtually centered on today's weather report. Although the Reds' website insists it will be sunny and in the 80s, everyone else has predicted cooler temps and at least some chance of rain.
It never really mattered though. Weather alone won't be enough to stop Reds fans. Matt just left a few minutes ago in fact, sporting layers of tshirts, sweatshirts, and a windbreaker, with two umbrellas and a bag of peanuts in hand.
The game doesn't start until around 2 p.m. today, but if you've ever been to Cincinnati in the Spring, you know that the game isn't the only attraction. Festivities commenced this morning at 9 a.m. with a pep rally and live music on Cincinnati's Fountain Square. The parade will start around 11 a.m., snaking through downtown Cincinnati and taking about 2 hours to finish.
After a quick bite to eat at one of the several downtown Skyline Chili restaurants, fans lucky enough to have tickets to the game will make their way to Great American Ballpark for the "opener of openers." (As Major League Baseball's first officially recognized franchise, the Cincinnati Reds are historically awarded the privilege of hosting the first opening day of any baseball franchise.)
Circumstances beyond my control meant that Matt had to find another taker for my game ticket. I'm a little disappointed, but they'll have lots of fun. Plenty more Opening Days on the horizon.
the sense of beating back the forces of darkness and the National Football League."
- Author George Vecsey in A Year in the Sun (1989)
The last few days around here have virtually centered on today's weather report. Although the Reds' website insists it will be sunny and in the 80s, everyone else has predicted cooler temps and at least some chance of rain.
It never really mattered though. Weather alone won't be enough to stop Reds fans. Matt just left a few minutes ago in fact, sporting layers of tshirts, sweatshirts, and a windbreaker, with two umbrellas and a bag of peanuts in hand.
The game doesn't start until around 2 p.m. today, but if you've ever been to Cincinnati in the Spring, you know that the game isn't the only attraction. Festivities commenced this morning at 9 a.m. with a pep rally and live music on Cincinnati's Fountain Square. The parade will start around 11 a.m., snaking through downtown Cincinnati and taking about 2 hours to finish.
After a quick bite to eat at one of the several downtown Skyline Chili restaurants, fans lucky enough to have tickets to the game will make their way to Great American Ballpark for the "opener of openers." (As Major League Baseball's first officially recognized franchise, the Cincinnati Reds are historically awarded the privilege of hosting the first opening day of any baseball franchise.)
Circumstances beyond my control meant that Matt had to find another taker for my game ticket. I'm a little disappointed, but they'll have lots of fun. Plenty more Opening Days on the horizon.
