The World Series champion Kansas City Royals today announced pre-game plans for their first two home games of the 2016 season, with special celebrations slated for both the season opener on Sunday, April 3 and also on Tuesday, April 5, both vs. the defending National League champion New York Mets.
The 2016 opener is scheduled for a 7:37 p.m. first pitch, as it has been designated the marquee game for ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball. The pre-game for the home opener will feature the unveiling of the 2015 World Series Championship banner, on-field introduction of both teams, a 2015 highlight video on Crown Vision and a giant flag carried by 120 military members for the National Anthem. Singers for the Anthem and God Bless America will be announced at a later date, as well as a special guest to throw out the first pitch.
Prior to the 3:15 p.m. matinee on Tuesday, the Royals will receive their 2015 World Series championship rings in an on-field ceremony. The pre-game will also feature video highlights from the 2015 World Series, as well as a video feature acknowledging the unprecedented eight postseason come-from-behind victories. The pre-game on Tuesday will be covered extensively by FOX Sports Kansas City prior to its first of 150 regular season telecasts.
"We decided to move the ring ceremony to the second game of the season so our entire fan base could feel like they are a part of it," said Kevin Uhlich, Royals' Senior Vice President of Business Operations. "While it's great that ESPN has selected our season opener for their first primetime telecast, only our fans in attendance would have the opportunity to witness the entire ring ceremony. By moving the ceremony to Tuesday, our partners at FOX Sports Kansas City can carry the ring presentation in its entirety for all fans to see."
More details on National Anthem and God Bless America singers, as well as first pitch participants for each of the first two games, will be announced at a later date.