ADVERTISEMENT

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

A’s Announce Details of Opening Day Celebration on March 31st

The Athletics have announced details for Monday's Opening Day in Sacramento as they will honor the late Rickey Henderson.

Watch: The 2028 NBA Draft Projects Weaker Than Upcoming 2027 Class | 1 min

The following release is courtesy of Athletics communications

To honor the greatest player in franchise history, every Athletics player and coach will wear number 24 for the team’s home opener in Sacramento on Monday, March 31st.

To commemorate the first home game of their inaugural season in West Sacramento, the A’s will host a celebration featuring a concert, artist and DJ performances, a National Anthem flyover, two stadium giveaways, and special ceremonial first pitches. Gates will open to all fans at 5:05 p.m. PT.

ADVERTISEMENT

Rickey Henderson Tribute

In a tribute to Rickey Henderson, the greatest to ever wear the green and gold, every A’s player will wear Rickey’s number 24 on their backs during the game. Rickey’s daughters, Angela, Alexis, and Adrianna, will also throw out simultaneous ceremonial first pitches.

Dual Giveaways

Every fan will receive two special giveaway items, a green-and-white trucker hat donning the new Sacramento jersey patch that the team will wear this season in addition to a special Rickey Henderson rally towel.

Musical Performances

The Freshmakers are set to perform on the ticket plaza and DJ Christie will play outside the right field gate as fans enter the stadium. Shane Q, top-10 finisher in The Voice and Sacramento native, will sing the National Anthem before DJ Christie moves inside the ballpark to perform throughout the night.

ADVERTISEMENT

David Garibaldi Mural

Performance painter David Garibaldi will bring his Rhythm and Hue act from the stage to the concourse as he creates a mural of Rickey Henderson.

Opening Day Tradition

In following with Major League Baseball Opening Day tradition, both teams will take the lines for introductions and the national anthem, which will feature a 100-foot-by-50-foot  American flag in center field held by season ticket members and a flyover out of Beale Air Force Base.

The A’s will also make 250 lawn seats available for a fixed price of $25 for all 81 regular season home games, including Opening Day, on the day of each game.

More Athletics content from Sactown Sports

As Sutter Health Park prepares for a landmark season featuring both the Athletics and the Sacramento River Cats, the stadium has undergone major upgrades designed to enhance the fan experience, improve game-day technology, and provide robust player amenities. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Cutting-Edge Video Experience 

Sutter Health Park is replacing their previous board with a state-of-the-art video experience featuring a 75’ x 32’ main display. Located in right-center field, the new board will have nearly twice the resolution, resulting in improved visibility for fans throughout the ballpark.

All displays will be powered by Ross XPression CMS, allowing for real-time graphics updates that seamlessly transition between the A’s and River Cats branding. The system also integrates Ross Brushback, which is directly tied to MLB’s stats API, providing live pitch, hit, and runner data along with player statistics from both Major and Minor League appearances.

Other display improvements include:

  • Instant Replays and Seamless Transitions – Faster transitions between video and graphics, making instant replays a reality.
  • Dynamic Stadium Lighting Integration – Home runs and other key moments will trigger graphics across all displays.
  • Expanded Video Board Mapping – Live video can now be featured across different zones of the main display.
  • On-Screen Graphics Enhancements – Live feeds will include custom overlays, lower-third text, and interactive fan prompts.

Additional video enhancements include a ribbon board, a brand-new backstop LED display, and a full digital menu board program across all concession stands.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sutter Health Park Field Enhancements

Sutter Health Park is implementing cutting-edge advancements to enhance the performance, sustainability, and playability of the ballpark’s natural grass playing surface. The installation of AirPAT technology will optimize root zone oxygenation, improve moisture management, and regulate subsurface temperatures – ensuring a healthier, more resilient playing surface year-round. These upgrades will not only enhance turf durability but also reduce reliance on chemical treatments, promoting environmentally responsible field management.

Additionally, the integration of drone monitoring, infrared scanning, and infield moisture sensors will provide real-time data on turf health, moisture levels, and nutrient distribution. This precision-driven approach, combined with an advanced fertilizer injection system, will create optimal growing conditions while minimizing water and resource usage.

ADVERTISEMENT

Read more below:

Sutter Health Park unveils exciting upgrades ahead of historic A’s & River Cats Season

Upcoming 2025 Athletics Schedule

  • Thursday, March 27th-Sunday, March 30th – @ Seattle Mariners
  • Monday, March 31st-Wednesday, April 2nd – vs. Chicago Cubs
  • Friday, April 4th-Sunday, April 6th – @ Colorado Rockies
  • Monday, April 7th-Wednesday, April 9th – vs. San Diego Padres
  • Friday, April 11th-Sunday, April 13th – vs. New York Mets

Thank you for reading sactownsports.com. Follow us on Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Frankie Cartoscelli Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

Author Name: Franklin Cartoscelli Bio: Franklin 'Frankie' Cartoscelli is Sactown Sports 1140's Lead Editor, Sacramento Kings beat writer and co-host of the Return of the Roar podcast. Professional Background: Worked in professional sports… Read more

Comments

0 Comments