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Gwinnett Braves Season-Opening Homestand

The Gwinnett Braves begin their quest for a second straight International League South Division title with a four-game homestand at Coolray Field from Thursday, April 6 through Sunday, April 9. Their opponent will be the Durham Bulls, the Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays.

The season begins with Opening Day festivities on April 6, including an Opening Day T-Shirt Giveaway (sponsored by Georgia Power) and Post-Game Fireworks. Other promotions throughout the weekend include a 2017 Schedule Magnet Giveaway (sponsored by RE/MAX) on April 7, College Rivalry Night and a G-Braves Hat Giveaway (sponsored by Coolray Heating & Cooling) on April 8, and Sunday Funday (sponsored by Georgia United Credit Union) on April 9.

Here’s a full look at the homestand:

Thursday, April 6

Opponent: Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay Rays)

First Pitch: 7:05 p.m.

Features:

  • Opening Day Festivities – Be sure to arrive when gates open at 6:00 p.m., as there will be plenty of action happening around Coolray Field before the 7:05 p.m. first pitch!
    • Pre-Game Band: Rock cover band Jack’s River will be performing near the Main Entrance.
    • National Anthem with Timothy Miller: Operatic tenor and Atlanta Braves soloist Timothy Miller will perform the National Anthem before the game. Miller will also perform “God Bless America” during the 7th inning stretch.
    • Special Forces Association Parachute Team: During the National Anthem, the Special Forces Association Parachute Team of Fort Bragg, NC will drop in to Coolray Field to deliver the American flag.
    • Meet the Team: Welcome the defending IL South Division Champion G-Braves back for their ninth season at Coolray Field! Pre-game ceremonies will introduce the players and coaching staff, led by new manager Damon Berryhill.
  • Opening Day T-Shirt Giveaway – The first 2,500 fans through the gates will receive a 2017 Opening Day T-Shirt, presented by Georgia Power.
  • Post-Game Fireworks – Stick around after the game as fireworks will light up the night sky for the first time this season.

Friday, April 7

Opponent: Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay Rays)

First Pitch: 7:05 p.m. 

National Anthem performed by: Bramlett Elementary

God Bless America performed by: Morgan County High School

Features:

  • 2017 Schedule Magnet Giveaway – The first 2,500 fans will receive a 2017 G-Braves Schedule Magnet, presented by RE/MAX.

Saturday, April 8

Opponent: Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay Rays)

First Pitch: 6:05 p.m. (Gates will open at 4:00 p.m.)

National Anthem performed by: Abigail Smith

Features:

  • College Rivalry Night – Do you represent the red and black, or the blue and gold? Support your school during College Rivalry Night!
  • G-Braves Hat Giveaway – The first 2,500 fans through the gate will get to choose between two college themed hats, presented by Coolray Heating & Cooling.
  • Leonard Floyd Appearance – Former University of Georgia linebacker Leonard Floyd, currently of the Chicago Bears, will appear as part of College Rivalry Night. After throwing out a first pitch, Floyd will take photos and sign autographs for 90 minutes once the game has started. Floyd will only be signing G-Braves items, not UGA or Bears memorabilia.
  • Chipper Jones Book Signing – Atlanta Braves legend Chipper Jones will be signing copies of his new book, Ballplayer, from 5:00-5:45 p.m. courtesy of the Gwinnett County Public Library.
    • Fans must have a ticket to the Gwinnett Braves game on April 8 in order to enter the signing line.
    • Chipper will only be signing copies of Ballplayer, no outside memorabilia is permitted. No posed photography will be permitted.
    • Copies of Ballplayer will be available for purchase the day of the signing at Coolray Field.
    • Following the signing, Jones will throw out a first pitch.

Sunday, April 9

Opponent: Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay Rays)

First Pitch: 1:05 p.m.

National Anthem performed by: Greater Atlanta Girls’ Choir

Features:

  • Sunday Funday – Fans are invited to play catch on the field before the game from 12:05 p.m. lasting approximately 20 minutes. After the game, kids (ages 12 and under) are welcome to run the bases to cap “Sunday Funday” presented by Georgia United Credit Union.

Tickets for all Gwinnett Braves home games are on sale now at the Coolray Field Ticket Office. Call 678-277-0340 or visit GwinnettBraves.com/tickets to purchase.