Welcome Back, Baseball: Detroit, Root on Your Tigers in 2020

The Detroit Tigers join fans from across the globe in excitement as the baseball season is upon us! The Tigers are proud to give fans in Detroit, across Michigan, and around the world, something to ROOT for, together.

As we all know, nobody ROOTS like Detroit ROOTS. Check out how we root.

The ballclub returns to Comerica Park to open the home portion of their schedule on Monday, July 27. First pitch against the Kansas City Royals is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.

While fans can’t be in the stadium for this year’s Home Opener, the Tigers faithful have opportunities to be virtually present for the pregame ceremonies and game play by following the action on @Tigers social media channels or tuning into the broadcasts on FOX Sports Detroit and 97.1 The Ticket. Below is just some of what’s in store.

Monday, July 27 vs. Kansas City – First Pitch at 7:10 p.m. (Pregame Ceremony Begins at 6:40 p.m.)

• Opening Day on-field introductions for the Tigers and starting lineup for the Royals.
  • Tigers starters and manager will be introduced via video by youth representatives organizations.
• Pregame Memorial for the Late Al Kaline will recognize his Hall of Fame career and impact on the Detroit Tigers organization.
• National Anthem will be performed virtually by Jose Feliciano.
• Numerous season-long items will honor Mr. Tiger’s memory.
  • ‘6’ Jersey Patch to be worn on Tigers uniforms.
  • Recognition flag reading “KALINE” will be flown in center field.
• For the home opener, base jewels will pay homage to Mr. Tiger.
• The Tigers partnered with Comerica Bank to connect with fans from across Michigan to film our Longest First Pitch. Can be seen on @Tigers social media channels around gametime.

Home Game No. 2, July 28 – Pre-Game Ceremony

• The Tigers will honor the bravery and commitment of COVID-19 Front-Line Heroes, along with those who have lost their lives from the disease.
• Starting lineups and manager for the Tigers will be introduced via video by local Front-Line Heroes.
• Players will wear shirts in batting practice recognizing Front Line Heroes.
• Tribute cards held by Tigers players in a special moment of recognition for essential workers.
• Moment of silence for those who have lost their lives due to COVID-19.

“Today is about the best fans in baseball,” said Ellen Zeringue, Tigers Vice President of Marketing. “Opening Day in our city is a tradition built by generations of great Tigers fans. As thrilled as we are to start the season, we’re equally excited to launch our Detroit Roots campaign. This platform taps into the deep-rooted pride of “being from Detroit” and invites all people to experience the collective revelry they can only get from being Detroit Tigers fan.  So, while fans cannot cheer with us in the ballpark, we are providing them with tools and resources to root for the Tigers at home or wherever they watch Tigers games. From meme generators, downloadable lineup cards and Olde English D stencils to encouraging fans to share photos and videos from where they are rooting or displaying fan shout outs to players on the Comerica Park Scoreboard.  Detroit Roots connects the club, its fans and the entire community into one big rooting section, cheering for the Tigers and the city of Detroit.”

Looking to the rest of the 2020 season, fans will be treated to a modified 60-game “sprint” schedule for the first time in Major League Baseball history. The Tigers enter the regular season  with a roster of seasoned all-stars, dynamic young talent and a highly touted farm system.

In this unprecedented 2020 season, there’s no telling what can happen – so be sure to tune in and share how you ROOT for our Tigers! #DetroitRoots

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