CLEVELAND GUARDIANS ANNOUNCE OPENING DAY FESTIVITIES FOR HOME OPENER ON APRIL 3
Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Women’s Hockey Gold Medalist Laila Edwards
to throw Ceremonial First Pitch
O.A.R’s Jon Lampley to perform National Anthem and God Bless America
Cleveland, OH – The Cleveland Guardians today announced the full slate of Opening Day festivities taking place at the Guardians Home Opener celebration on April 3 against the Chicago Cubs at 4:10PM ET. Pregame ceremonies will begin at 3:30PM ET.
The game marks the Guardians 33rd Home Opener at Progressive Field and the 125th anniversary of Cleveland baseball. This is a milestone season celebrating the franchise’s legacy of excellence, resilience and community. This Home Opener, the Guardians will celebrate “Unforgettable Moments,” honoring the players, fans and achievements that have shaped the club’s enduring story, including barrier breakers, generations of fans and Championship runs.
Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Women’s Hockey Gold Medalist and Cleveland Heights native Laila Edwards will throw the Ceremonial First Pitch. The 22-year-old made history at the Winter Games, becoming the first Black woman on Team USA’s Olympic hockey team. The forward-turned-blueliner tallied eight points during the 2026 Olympic Winter Games (2G, 6A), the second-most on the team, including an assist in the gold-medal match on the game-tying goal. The University of Wisconsin star got her start in youth hockey in Cleveland, playing for the 10U Cleveland Baron Boys and the 12U Cleveland Lumberjacks Boys.
Akron, Ohio native and trumpeter Jon Lampley will perform the National Anthem, God Bless America and ‘Take Me Out To The Ballgame’ during the Guards Home Opener. The Ohio State University alum is currently working on his sophomore solo album, Notes To Self, which debuts on Friday, June 26, and features his lead single, “Greener,” which was released on March 13. Additionally, the O.A.R band member will be on tour all summer for O.A.R’s 30th anniversary tour.
The Presentation of Colors will feature military members of different branches with a flyover from the 180th Fighter Wing based in Toledo, Ohio, flying four F-16s. During the anthem, an American Flag will be held on the field by KeyBank employees in the outfield.
In celebration of the Guardians 125th anniversary, the AL Central Champions Flag will be raised with the support of six long-tenured Season Ticket Members, some of whom have been with us since 1961.
Fans are encouraged to allow extra time for travel due to expected traffic congestion due to the Home Opener.
DJ Nick Duvé presented by White Claw will be performing in the Right Field District once gates open until the start of pregame ceremonies. Cleveland Entertainers, including face painters, a glitter tattoo artist and an airbrush artist will be on the Gateway Plaza from 1-3PM ET, as well as a photo op with marquee letters. Long-time Season Ticket Member, Nancy Sherwin, will deliver the Game Ball, while a Cleveland Clinic patient will be the game’s Play Ball Kid.