The Detroit Tigers will embark upon their 125th home season on Friday, April 3, when new Tiger pitcher Framber Valdez winds up against the St. Louis Cardinals at 1:10 p.m. at Comerica Park in downtown Detroit.
The hometown team has a major celebration planned for the Motor City’s unofficial holiday to start its home schedule, and the party will go all weekend. Opening Day is presented by Rocket.
Opening Day is officially sold out, but fans can still pack the park for the remainder of Opening Weekend, featuring games against the Cardinals on Saturday, April 4 at 1:10 p.m. – with a Tigers Rugby Shirt giveaway, presented by Pepsi, to the first 15,000 fans – and for Sunday Night Baseball on Easter Sunday, April 5, at 7:20 p.m. Tickets are available at Tigers.com/Tickets.
Fans can start celebrating the 2026 return of Tigers baseball before the ballpark opens on Opening Day with a free pregame Block Party, presented by Miller Lite, next to the park. Friday’s Block Party will open at 9 a.m. and will stay open through the end of the game, with the game broadcast available from the Block Party.
Block Party Includes:
- Local food trucks including Little Caesars Pizza and more.
- Drinks from the Molson Coors Draft Trailer and Happy Thursday Bar (Fans ages 21+).
- Performances from local DJs and artists.
- Appearances from PAWS and the Rally Cats Energy Squad.
- Merchandise retail kiosk.
- “Detroit No Matter What” photo opportunities.
- Interactive games including cornhole, giant Jenga, Plinko, speed pitching stations, and more.
- Game broadcast on multiple screens within the Block Party.
Fans also are invited to join the March to the Park rally to build excitement for Opening Day. They can gather at Campus Martius Park with the march set to begin at 10:30 a.m. Led by the Tigers’ drumline, PAWS, and the Rally Cats Energy Squad, the experience is designed to build energy and unity as fans march down Woodward Avenue toward the block party and Comerica Park just as gates open.
PAWS will throw out T-shirts and other small giveaways to fans, and the experience will conclude at 11:15 a.m., with a performance by the drumline at the block party stage outside the ballpark.
Once inside Comerica Park, fans will be greeted by live music, a live DJ on the Comerica Landing, Opening Day and “Detroit No Matter What” photo opportunities, and the Detroit Tigers Foundation’s 50/50 Raffle. Fans can leave their mark by signing giant Opening Day logos at each entry gate.
All ticketed fans can take advantage of the Miller Lite Home Run Happy Hour – on the Comerica Landing – from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Select concessions items are available for just $5, including 16-ounce beers, fountain drinks, hard seltzers, and snacks.
The Tigers will begin the organization’s 125th season with individual introductions of players, manager, coaches, and support staff. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 12:35 p.m. to meet the 2026 Tigers for the first time. Following introductions, the Tigers will observe a moment of silence to honor Tigers alumni Mickey Lolich, Elroy Face, and Tom Timmermann, who passed away since last season.
Detroit native R&B singer/songwriter Angela Davis will perform the National Anthem as part of a pregame ceremony that includes a 100-foot American flag in the outfield. The performance will be followed by a flyover featuring an A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog” aircraft from the 107th Fighter Squadron and part of the 127th Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township.
Twelve-year Tigers veteran and fan-favorite Brandon Inge will throw out the ceremonial first pitch and the infamous “Play Ball!” call will come from a special guest.
All tickets at Comerica Park remain digital. Fans are encouraged to download tickets from the MLB Ballpark App to their digital wallet before leaving home to ensure seamless entry into the ballpark. All bags, purses, and clutches are prohibited. Only wallets sized 4 by 6 by 1.5 inches or smaller are permitted.
Several parking options are available throughout The District Detroit, including garages surrounding Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena. Parking can be reserved at ParkWhiz.com.
Comerica Park will offer several new food, merchandise, and promotions for the 2026 season. To read a DBusiness Daily News article about them, visit here.
In related news, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit is advising local Catholics that they are encouraged to observe Good Friday fasting and abstinence from meat, even though the feast coincides with Opening Day.
