7 Opening Day Baseball Traditions That Never Get Old
Opening Day is the start of the baseball season and a complete reset button. There are new stats, fresh gear, and clean scoreboards. But what really sticks are the traditions fans count on. Some of these rituals never change — and that’s exactly why we love them.
The First Pitch
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Every year, someone steps up — a celebrity, a veteran, a kid — and throws the first pitch. Sometimes, it’s perfect, and other times, it bounces; either way, it doesn’t matter. It’s a signal: baseball’s back, and the season officially starts now.
Full Stadiums
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Opening Day almost always sells out. It’s one of the few games where the crowd shows up early and stays locked in. Even fans who skip weekday games make time for this one. There’s a buzz you can’t fake — the stands feel alive.
The National Anthem
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You know it’s getting real once the anthem starts playing. The whole stadium goes quiet, whether in front of a marching band, a big voice, or a local kid with nerves of steel. And it is all part of the rhythm — a pause before the action begins.
Fresh Jerseys
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New uniforms hit differently on Day One. Even if they’re slightly updated, they look sharper under the sun. Fans wear theirs too — fresh from the store or pulled from the closet, finally dusted off after a long offseason.
Daytime Start Times
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Most Opening Day games still stick to afternoon schedules, which gives them that throwback feel. People skip work, leave early, or stream it from their desks. Priorities shift when the season starts.
Bunting on the Railings
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The red, white, and blue bunting only comes out a few times a year, and Opening Day is one of them. It may not be flashy, but it is an easy way to say, “This game means more.” The stadium feels more dressed up.
Team Introductions
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Before making a pitch, players line up. One by one, their names are called. They tip their caps. Some fans cheer, some boo, but it’s all part of it. The crowd claps loudest for the home team, like they’re welcoming old friends back to town.
Stadium Snacks
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Hot dogs, popcorn, beer in plastic cups–They all taste better on Opening Day, probably because it’s been months since the last one. The lines are long, but no one really minds. It’s part of the experience.
New Scoreboard Graphics
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Every team makes an update — new animations, new walk-up songs, maybe a new hype video. Fans observe, cheer, or roll their eyes. It’s always fun to see what changed while you were gone.
Fresh Cut Grass
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You can smell it before you find your seat. Whether it’s real grass or perfectly groomed turf, the field looks brand new. Sharp lines, perfect color, not a cleat mark in sight. Even people who don’t notice this stuff… notice this stuff.
Ceremonial Flyovers
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Not every stadium gets Ceremonial Flyovers, but when it happens, everyone stops to look up. Military jets, helicopters, or old-school planes roar overhead right after the anthem. It’s loud, quick, and always gets a reaction.
Fresh Scorecards
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Old-school fans still bring pencils and scorecards, especially on Opening Day. There’s something satisfying about tracking every pitch yourself. Some fans keep those cards for years.
First Strikeout Cheer
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The first strikeout by a home pitcher gets a little extra love. It’s a small moment, but it gets the crowd into the game. The energy jumps, and fans start to believe that maybe this year’s team should get you excited.
New Hope
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Even the worst teams get a clean slate. Fans wear their hats a little higher and cheer a little louder, thinking: “Why not us this year?” It doesn’t always last, but on Opening Day, it definitely feels real.
Throwback Clips
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Most teams run a short video before the game — highlights from past seasons, maybe a championship moment. It’s a quick reminder that this game has history. For longtime fans, it hits. For new fans, it sets the tone.
Fans in Team Colors Everywhere
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You see them on the train, in the parking lot, at work. Hats, jerseys, jackets — even for teams that haven’t won in years. There’s pride in showing up. For a lot of fans, Opening Day is the start of something bigger.