The Texas Rangers officially begin their World Series title defense against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday night at Globe Life Field in Arlington.
After celebrating its championship in November throughout the offseason, the team, its fans, and the rest of the Rangers community will once again honor its championship with the unveiling of the World Series championship banner before its nationally televised season-opener.
The night will also include Michael Carter, a season-ticket holder since the 1970s, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch to Hall of Fame catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, a national anthem performance by Waco’s Wade Bowen, and a moment of silence for late assistant coach Hector Ortiz.
The team will also don gold-trimmed uniforms as part of the MLB’s “Gold Collection,” which celebrates each reigning champion to start each season. Fans have been able to buy the merchandise for nearly a week now, but seeing the players wear it on the field and the entire community coming together in celebration again is something everyone around the team is looking forward to.
“I’ve seen them, and they’re fantastic,” Rangers Executive Vice President of Business Operations Rob Matwick told the media of the uniforms earlier this week. “I can’t wait for our fans to experience that, and I think over the course of the whole year, I’m really looking forward to our fans getting back together and sharing their experiences from last year.”
“Each of us has moments that we remember from the postseason that will live in our hearts and in our minds forever,” he continued, “and it will be fun to bring back the community of Rangers fans to share those stories and to share those sentiments together as we go out and try to do it again in 2024.”
Parking lots around the stadium will open at 2 p.m. CT and the gates at 3 p.m. According to the Dallas Morning News, the pregame ceremony is expected to start 20-25 minutes before first pitch.
The game itself is scheduled to begin at 6:35 p.m.
