DENVER — The Colorado Rockies are gearing up for a significant milestone as they prepare to celebrate their 30th Opening Day in LoDo on Friday, April 4, 2025. The excitement is palpable among fans, even as they brace for less-than-ideal weather conditions. The Rockies will host the Oakland Athletics at Coors Field, with first pitch scheduled for 2:10 p.m. M.D.T.
This year’s home opener is set against a backdrop of challenges for the Rockies, who are coming off a rocky start to the season with a 1-5 record. The team has struggled offensively, hitting a mere .182 and scoring only 10 runs over six games, with just three home runs to their name. Power hitters Michael Toglia, Kris Bryant, and Jordan Beck have combined for just four hits and zero homers, leaving fans anxious about their performance.
Meanwhile, the Athletics arrive in Denver with a record of 2-5 and a more potent offense, having hit 11 home runs this season. As the Rockies face off against the A’s in a three-game series, they will hope that returning to the familiar confines of Coors Field can spark a turnaround.
Fans have shown their loyalty over the years, but this season, ticket sales have been sluggish. Traditionally, the Rockies have sold out 30 of their 32 home openers, with exceptions made for the COVID-affected seasons of 2020 and 2021. However, as of April 3, 2025, many tickets remain available for the home opener. Prices for the final batch of tickets are steep, with seats in the Rockpile going for $72 before taxes, while those in the 300 level are close to $100. For fans wanting a closer view of the action, tickets behind home plate are priced at nearly $275.
The forecast for Friday is not promising, with a high of only 39 degrees and a chance of precipitation ranging from graupel to rain and possibly even snow. Such conditions have raised questions about attendance, especially since fans might prefer to wait for warmer weather projected for the following weekend.
“Real fans come no matter what,” said Roger Harris, a longtime season ticket holder. “I mean, it’s part of being in the Rocky Mountains! We’re the Colorado Rockies. We have cold weather, we have nice weather, we have it all.” Harris recalls the freezing cold game in 2018 when the temperature at first pitch was just 27 degrees. “I ended up buying sweatshirts and stuff before the end of the game,” he said, reminiscing about the challenges of attending games in the unpredictable Denver weather.
In addition to the game itself, the Rockies have planned a series of festivities to celebrate the occasion. Opening Day activities at McGregor Square will kick off at 9 a.m., featuring games and activities for fans of all ages. Pregame ceremonies will begin at 1:30 p.m., including special first pitches thrown by notable figures. Habitat for Humanity homeowner Yareni and her daughter will throw the first pitch, followed by Boys & Girls Club City Youth of the Year Shaila Ramirez, who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and academic success. Additionally, Pete Coors, a key figure in the Rockies' history, will also throw out a ceremonial first pitch to mark the 30th anniversary of Coors Field.
The National Anthem will be performed by Stellar Brass, accompanied by fireworks, and a flyover by the F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Colorado Air National Guard is planned. Fans can look forward to a festive atmosphere, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
As for the game, the Rockies will start pitcher Ryan Feltner, who has an ERA of 3.6, against Oakland's Osvaldo Bido, who boasts a 1.8 ERA. The Rockies will also feature German Marquez in Saturday's game and Austin Gomber making his season debut on Sunday, though the latter remains tentative due to the weather.
The Rockies are hoping that the home opener can serve as a turning point for the team. With their current standing in the NL West, being over five games behind the first-place team, fans are eager for a sign of life from the squad. The excitement of Opening Day, coupled with the challenges ahead, sets the stage for a memorable event at Coors Field.
Despite the current struggles, the Rockies’ home opener is a cherished tradition in Denver, and fans remain hopeful for a bright season ahead. As Roger Dudley, another dedicated Rockies fan, puts it, “This will be the top layer probably, unless I decide to go with my parka. Because … if you’re moving around, you can stay warm, but if you’re sitting down, it can get really cold.”
With the Rockies' storied history and loyal fan base, Friday’s game promises to be a celebration, regardless of the weather or the team’s current struggles. Whether it’s the thrill of the game or the camaraderie of fellow fans, Opening Day in Denver is always a special occasion.
