The Seattle Mariners 2020 Opening Day, presented by T-Mobile, is Friday, July 31, against the Oakland Athletics (6:40pm first pitch). Even though there won’t be any fans at the ballpark, there will still be an Opening Day pregame ceremony that features many of the elements that have become a Mariners tradition.
The pregame ceremony, which starts at 6:00pm, will be carried live by ROOT SPORTS. Fans will hear the familiar voice of T-Mobile Park public address announcer Tom Hutyler introduce the various elements, whether they are on videotape on the MarinersVision HD videoboard, or happen live at the ballpark.
Musical Performance by Ben Gibbard
The program begins with a special performance by Seattle-based singer-songwriter Ben Gibbard, lead vocalist for Death Cab for Cutie and the Postal Service. Gibbard videotaped the song at T-Mobile Park after a recent Summer Camp workout/intra-squad game. The song will be followed by a video that blends Mariners players and fans with a heartfelt message about the return of baseball.
National Anthem
The National Anthem will be performed by Madisen Hallberg and Emmanuel Henreid, who shared a viral moment while singing the Star-Spangled Banner for Portland State University’s virtual graduation ceremony. Hallberg, a PSU senior, was videotaping the song when she was joined, impromptu, by Henreid, a Portland-based opera singer. The two shared a powerful moment that symbolized unity during these un-settled times.**
Ceremonial First Run Around the Bases**
A beloved Mariners Opening Day tradition continues this year with a virtual ceremonial first run around the bases by a Make-A-Wish® child. This year’s honoree is 6-year old Lily or Snohomish. Lily is being treated for Langerhans cell histiocytosis, a rare disorder that that is characterized by an abnormal increase in certain immune cells. Lily recently videotaped her run around the bases at T-Mobile Park when the ballpark was empty.
Game Ball Delivery & Ceremonial First Pitch
Delivery of the game ball will get an assist from health care workers who sent in video of themselves passing a ball on and off screen, in a virtual chain. As they pass the ball along, they will encourage fans to stay safe and healthy. The handoff will be completed in person to Washington Governor Jay Inslee, who will be on the mound at T-Mobile Park to throw out the ceremonial first pitch live.
Special Message from Scott Servais
Just before the ceremony concludes, Mariners manager Scott Servais will speak live from the dugout thanking fans for their support and for rooting for the team from home.
ROOT SPORTS & 710 ESPN Seattle
All 60 of the Mariners 2020 season games will be telecast on ROOT SPORTS and air on 710 ESPN Seattle and the Mariners Radio Network. For the complete schedule, including start times, log onto Mariners.com/Schedule.