2012 Seattle Mariners Opening Night
First King's Court of season scheduled for Felix Hernandez’s start Friday
Mike Cameron, the popular outfielder who played four seasons with the Seattle Mariners, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Mariners Opening Night on Friday, April 13, against the Oakland Athletics. Game time is 7:10pm.
Friday is also the first King’s Court of the season with Felix Hernandez scheduled to start the game. The Opening Night price for tickets in the two special seating sections, 149-150, is $45, which includes a King’s Court T-shirt and K Card.
Pre-game Festivities
Opening Night festivities start at 4:40pm when the gates of Safeco Field open to the general public with a special countdown at the Home Plate Gate. All fans will receive a 2012 Mariners magnetic schedule, courtesy of Safeco Insurance. The pre-game ceremony will start at approximately 6:30pm. www.Mariners.com will stream the pre-game live starting at 6:30pm, and ROOT SPORTS will carry a live one-hour pre-game program beginning at 6pm.
There is a Northwest theme for Opening Night. The annual first run around the bases of Safeco Field is by 12-year old Make-A-Wish recipient Olivia Hanstad of Mount Vernon. Olivia is a cancer survivor who will be the first person to “touch them all” at Safeco Field on Opening Night.
The National Anthem will be performed by Anna Graceman, a 12-year old singer/songwriter from Juneau, Alaska. Anna was a finalist on America’s Got Talent and her music videos have been viewed millions of times on YouTube.
A game ball has made a trip around the Northwest where it has been photographed in well-known locations and with noted residents of the region. There will be a special video presentation of the ball’s journey during the pre-game ceremony.
Opening Series Highlights
Tickets for Opening Night and all games of the opening homestand are still available, including Safeco Insurance Grand Slam Family Package Night on Wednesday, April 18, with $15 View Level, $30 Main Level, and $35 Wells Fargo Terrace Club tickets. Sunday, April 15, is the annual Jackie Robinson Day celebration with Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Russell on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Friday, April 20 is Ichiro Bobblehead Night. The first 20,000 fans will receive an Ichiro bobblehead courtesy of ROOT SPORTS. Saturday, April 21 is Boeing Salute to Armed Forces Day. After the game, 20,000 fans will receive a commemorative coin courtesy of Boeing. Sunday, April 22 is Aquafina Little League Day. All kids 14-and under will get a Mariners drawstring backpack, courtesy of Aquafina. A full list of 2012 Mariners ticket specials is available at www.mariners.com/specials.
Salute To Volunteers
Tuesday, April 17 is also the Fourth Annual Salute to Volunteers Night, as the Mariners, Washington Governor Chris Gregoire and Bonneville Broadcasting salute those who donate their time in service to the community. Winners of the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards will be honored during a pregame ceremony, and two dozen non-profit organizations will take part in a “Volunteer Bazaar” on the Main Concourse with information on how people can get involved in volunteering and to match individuals with volunteer opportunities.
Traffic Note
Construction of the Alaskan Way Deep Bore Tunnel has started. Preliminary construction has removed almost all parking along the waterfront under the old Viaduct. In addition, Alaskan Way and the adjacent street under the old Viaduct are significantly restricted due to construction-related activity and require following several detours.
Parking: Consider using parking lots and garages in downtown Seattle that are north of Columbia Street and east of Second Avenue then walk or take transit the rest of the way to the ballpark. LINK light rail is also available from locations as far north as Westlake Station and as far south as SeaTac Airport and Tukwila and arrives east of the ballpark at the Stadium Station. A list of private parking garages in the surrounding area is available on the Mariners website under the heading “Parking Options.”.
SECURITY REMINDER
All bags will be subject to inspection, including women’s purses. Bags must not be larger than 16”x 16” x 8”. Bags larger than those dimensions will not be permitted inside Safeco Field. Due to the security measures at the gates, fans are encouraged to arrive at the ballpark early to be in your seats in time for the start of the pre-game festivities at 6:30pm.