CLEVELAND — On Thursday, the Cleveland Guardians made their long-awaited announcement about the start time for their April 8 home opener against the Chicago White Sox, which is occurring on the same day as the historic solar eclipse. The team is also reminding fans that single-game tickets will be available on Friday.
Let's break it all down.
HOME OPENER
Amid the total solar eclipse that will also be happening on April 8, the Guardians will have a first pitch at 5:10 p.m. The gates at Progressive Field will open at 2 p.m.
Why is the game being pushed back from its usual start time of around 4:10 p.m.?
First, here is how NASA has outlined the eclipse timeframe in Cleveland for April 8:
- Partial eclipse begins: 1:59 p.m.
- Totality begins: 3:13 p.m.
- Maximum totality: 3:15 p.m.
- Totality ends: 3:17 p.m.
- Partial eclipse ends: 4:29 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Associated Press reports that officials are estimating 200,000 visitors will descend upon the city of Cleveland strictly to view the eclipse, with 50,000 expected to attend an event at the Great Lakes Science Center, where NASA is setting up one of three national broadcasting hubs. Great American Eclipse estimates that Ohio will see anywhere from 139,000 to 556,000 visitors.
So with those factors in mind, the Guardians have decided to start roughly two hours after totality ends.
TICKETS
Single-game tickets for all 81 Guardians home games, including opening day, will go on sale Friday just in time for 216 Day. (Feb. 16) at 10 a.m. You can purchase your tickets by clicking here. The Guardians say that all tickets for the 2024 season will be mobile entry and falls will utilize the Ballpark app to enter Progressive Field.
The Guardians add that due to the renovations at Progressive Field, the box office is not an option for fans to purchase tickets. All tickets must be purchased digitally.
Meanwhile, the Guardians have already released their promotional schedule for 2024. This year's slate includes nine Dollar Dog Nights, four bobblehead giveaways, more than a dozen fireworks shows, and even a concert from Shaquille O'Neal.