Indians to celebrate Progressive Field during opener

SAN DIEGO -- When the Indians take on the Twins in Friday's home opener, it will mark the 20th anniversary of the first game at Progressive Field. Cleveland plans on celebrating that moment as part of its Opening Week festivities.

Former Indians catcher and current first-base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. will receive the ceremonial first pitch from former manager Mike Hargrove prior to Friday's 3:05 p.m. ET tilt against Minnesota. The Indians will also raise a 20th anniversary flag and show a video tribute to the first game against the Mariners at then-Jacobs Field on April 4, 1994.

Gates will open at 1 p.m., and the Indians are encouraging fans to get to their seats by 2:30 p.m. to enjoy the pregame events.

Cleveland plans on recognizing the 2013 squad that captured the American League's top Wild Card spot and took the Indians to the postseason for the first time since 2007. As part of the proceedings, the Indians will also honor a select group of season-ticket holders who have stuck with the Indians every season since 1994.

The Indians will also have a moment of silence for late broadcaster Mike Hegan.

Members of all branches of the United States military will also be honored, as members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard will present the colors. The national anthem will be performed by the Cleveland Orchestra Double String Quartet, which has members who also performed the anthem on Opening Day in '94.