CLEVELAND — Two months after starring in the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, Travis Kelce's offseason celebration will bring him back home.
On Friday, the Cleveland Heights, Ohio, native will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Cleveland Guardians' home opener against the Seattle Mariners. And he'll do so alongside his mom, Donna, who gained notoriety as her sons -- Travis and Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce -- became the first brothers to play against each other in Super Bowl history.
Travis and Donna Kelce throwing out the ceremonial first pitch is just one of many festivities that the Guardians have announced for Friday's opener at Progressive Field, which will begin at 4:10 p.m. ET. Notably, the team will also wear a patch honoring stadium drummer John Adams, who passed away in January at the age of 71.
According to the team, the "JA" patch will also feature the late drummer's bass drum mallets and will only be worn for Friday's home opener and on the 50th anniversary of Adams' debut on August 24. Additionally, the team will hold a moment of silence before the game for Adams and Hall of Fame pitcher Gaylord Perry, who passed away on December 1, 2022.
Other Opening Day festivities for Friday include:
- Cleveland native Norelle Simpson will perform the national anthem and God Bless America. A graduate of John Carrell University who grew up between Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights and Mayfield Heights, Simpson has performed in two Super Bowl halftime shows, including as a backup singer during Rihanna's performance in February.
- All six military branches will be present to create a joint color presentation, and a flyover will be performed by the 112th fighter squadron of the Ohio Air National Guard with a 4-ship of F-16s.
- The Guardians will unveil their 2022 American League Central Division championship pennant prior to first pitch.
- Little Leaguers (ages 8 and under) from East Palestine, Ohio, will form a "Player Tunnel" to welcome players onto the field during player introductions.
- The Guardians Block Party will be hosted in Gateway Plaza from 1:15-3:30 p.m. The event will be open to the public and feature DJ Kyro, a face painter, airbrush and glitter tattoos, "STAND FOR THE LAND" marquee lights, a Pepsi activation and more.