Not even the prospect of yet another rock-bottom season will prevent tens of thousands of fans from converging on downtown Denver for the Colorado Rockies Opening Day on Friday.
The festivities will start early, roiling traffic and afternoon commutes well before the first pitch gets thrown around 2 p.m.
Here’s what to know before you head downtown on Friday.
What to know about traffic.
Coors Field parking lots open at 9 a.m., three hours ahead of the gates opening. The Rockies anticipate a heavy demand for parking throughout downtown, so fans should arrive early.
Those who want to avoid driving are encouraged to take RTD. The A, B, E, G, N and W lines all stop at Union Station, just a few blocks from Coors Field. RTD is adding capacity to its D, E and W lines.
Several buses also stop directly at Coors Field, including the 120X, 38, 52, RX and 8 routes.
Those leaving downtown — especially at the I-25 ramps on 20th Street — will likely face heavy car and pedestrian traffic.
What to do once you’re inside the stadium.
If you really want to get the party going early, McGregor Square will host Opening Day festivities starting at 9 a.m. A live DJ will be bumping beats from 10:30 a.m. onward.
Batting practice will start shortly after gates open at noon, as will fan giveaways. There will be F-16 flyovers and fireworks shortly before the ballgame begins at 2 p.m.
Those attending the game must follow Coors Field’s bag policy. Only single-pocket bags no larger than 16”x16”x8” can be brought into the ballpark. Bigger bags, like a backpack or multi-pocket purse, will not be allowed into the stadium.
