From the first pitch to the pregame parties — Opening Day in Cleveland was already a win.
CLEVELAND — Cleveland Guardians fans didn’t need a final score to know how Friday was going.
From the first pitch to the pregame parties — Opening Day in Cleveland was already a win.
Downtown Cleveland and surrounding neighborhoods filled up early — with thousands of fans packing into Market Square Park in Ohio City before heading to the game.
According to organizers, the celebration featured an Opening Day cookout with local vendors and ballpark favorites, live music on the Rally Stage, craft beer, yard games, and family-friendly activities.
The day’s signature moment? A parade led by Guardians mascot Slider — making its way across the Hope Memorial Bridge to Progressive Field ahead of first pitch.
Festivities started at 10 a.m., building up to the parade just before 2 p.m.
For fans, the vibe was clear from the start.
“Vibes are good, weather’s good, beers are cold — we’re ready to party,” one fan said.
Ask around, and you’ll hear the same thing — this isn’t just baseball.
“It’s a Cleveland holiday — it’s one of those days you mark on the calendar,” John Hanel said.
“Opening Day’s like the Super Bowl it’s like one big party, everybody’s in a good mood,” Jeremy Dibell said.
For many, Opening Day is personal — something passed down over generations.
“It’s just a tradition in our family and in our lives,” Jerry Vydra said.