Red Sox to Celebrate 1986 AL Championship Team at Home Opener April 3
BOSTON, MA – The Red Sox will open their 126th home season, their 115th at Fenway Park, on Friday, April 3, at 2:10 p.m. against the San Diego Padres. Pregame ceremonies will honor the 40th anniversary of the club's 1986 American League Championship team. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 1:30 p.m.
Nearly 25 team members are set to return for the anniversary celebration, including, Tony Armas, Marty Barrett, Wade Boggs, Oil Can Boyd, Mike Brown, Steve Crawford, Pat Dodson, Dwight Evans, Rich Gedman, Bruce Hurst, Rene Lachemann, Tim Lollar, Spike Owen, Jim Rice, Ed Romero, Joe Sambito, Dave Sax, Calvin Schiraldi, Jeff Sellers, Bob Stanley, Mike Stenhouse, Marc Sullivan, Mike Trujillo, Rob Woodward.
Before the game, both teams will be introduced along the baselines. The colors will be presented by members of the Vermont Army National Guard, Massachusetts Army and Air Force National Guard from Hanscom Air Force Base. The American flag, in use since 2002, will be draped over the Green Monster during the National Anthem, performed by Boston native and Broadway actor Nik Walker.
Live coverage begins at 12:00 p.m. ET on NESN and NESN 360, featuring a special two-hour pregame show with full coverage of the on-field ceremony. Dave O'Brien and Lou Merloni will be in the booth, with Jahmai Webster reporting from the field. In-studio coverage will be led by longtime host Tom Caron, alongside Hall of Famer Jim Rice and 2007 World Series Champion Jonathan Papelbon. Fans can stream the game live on NESN 360 by logging in through their TV provider or subscribing directly at NESN360.com. WEEI's live coverage of Opening Day will begin at 1:10 p.m. Will Flemming and Will Middlebrooks will be in the booth with Joe Weil leading the pregame coverage. Fans can listen to the game on 93.7 FM or the Audacy app. Nilson "Junior" Pepen will be in the booth for Spanish Radio broadcasts airing on WESX 1230 AM and WCCM 1490 AM.
Fenway Park gates will open two hours before the game for all fans on April 3 (12:10 p.m.), and 90 minutes prior to first pitch for all other regular season games. Fans are encouraged to review Fenway Park Security guidelines to familiarize themselves with screening procedures, bag policies, and prohibited items to ensure a smooth entry process.
As part of the club's ongoing commitment to safety and security, Steve Sweeney, a 31-year veteran of the Boston Police Department, has been named Director of Security and Emergency Services for the club following the retirement of Security Director, Colm Lydon. Sweeney served seven years as Captain of the local Fenway District and brings extensive experience managing large crowds and public safety operations throughout the city. Lydon will remain with the club through the transition in an advisory capacity.
Fans attending Opening Day will also notice enhancements to the overall ballpark experience, including new interactive elements for younger fans and families. A "Game Saving Catch" experience in the Kids Concourse invites fans to dive onto a padded mat and make a highlight-reel catch. Additionally, a new photo booth located on the Big Concourse offers fans another way to capture and share their Fenway Park experience. A Sensory Room located on the Gate E concourse next to the Family Restroom provides a quiet, calming environment designed to support fans with sensory sensitivities.
Fenway Park also offers accessible seating, elevators, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms throughout the venue, as well as a universal changing table to accommodate fans with medical mobility needs and caregivers.
Assistive listening devices, accessible parking and drop off/pick up options, and Fan Services booths are available to support guests with disabilities. For more information on accessibility services, visit redsox.com/accessibility or call 617-226-6197.
Tickets for all games are available at redsox.com. Mastercard is the preferred payment method of the Boston Red Sox.