And yes, before you read all of this I know what the forecast is. We’ll make a call on whether we think we can have the ceremony and/or the game probably some time between 3:00 and 4:00 Friday afternoon. Check this Facebook page and check our website for the most up to date information as the day wears on Friday.
Opening Night – Where do I go? What do I do?
Keep in mind that the ceremony starts at 5:00 and the game begins at 6:30.
Players are asked to wear their uniforms
1. If you are playing for EC Auto or Kiwanis you can take batting practice when your coach tells you to. You may keep your bat bags in the dugout during the opening ceremony.
2. If you are league age 9 years old or league age 12 years old then you will probably want to be a part of the group picture that has been planned for your fellow players that are the same Little League age as you. If you want to be in the picture report to the big green wall (batter’s eye). The picture will be taken off the field at 4:30 so please report to the wall by 4:15 if you want to be in the picture.
3. If you were on the 2022 8-10 TOSC Championship team or the 2022. 9-11 year old state champion team please report to the area behind home plate (on the field) and have a seat on the grass near the padded wall (between the dugouts) by 4:45. You will be receiving your awards near the beginning of the ceremony right after the City Councilman Robinson and Recreation and Parks Department Director Octigan speak. Once you have received your award(s) then you will exit the field. Players still in the league need to quickly return to their regular season teams in the right field area.
4. If you are a player in the league this year (who was not on one of last year’s state championship teams) then you will report to the right field bleachers/ Blaise’s Picnic Area by 4:45. You will view the first part of the Opening Ceremony from the bleacher area/ Blaise’s Picnic Area in right field. This will keep you players from having to stand for FOREVER on the field. There will be some moms out there to get you somewhat organized before you make your grand entrance on to the field (through the left field service gate near the foul pole). Once the players have exited the bleacher area in right field spectators who do not have a seat are welcome to filter in to the bleacher area.
5. Buy a burger from the Tie Breakers Food Truck. We will also have Pizza Hut pizza along with our normal selection of popcorn, candy, peanuts and soft drinks.
Other things to keep in mind:
1. Parking will be challenging. If you don’t get one of the spots in the main lot (several will be blocked off for dignitaries and the food truck) then you can expect to have a 3-5 minute walk from down the street to the park. If I had to guess the main lots (both upper and lower) will be full by 4:00 or 4:15.
2. If you want a stadium seat get there early. Stadium seating is first come first serve.
3. Remember the concession stand is a “cash only” operation. I would guess the food truck takes credit cards but our concession stand only takes cash.