The Durham Bulls will play a game at their home field on Tuesday, and it’s not your average opening night.
It’s a relief for fans and folks looking for a return to normal for one of the most beloved summertime activities in the Triangle.
It’s been 607 days since the Bulls played a regular season game at the DBAP, as team officials are trying to make everything as fun as possible while battling COVID-19 restrictions.
“I wish I could say that fans are going to come back here and everything’s going to be like it was 606 days ago, but it’s not going to be that way,” said Bulls Vice President of Baseball Operations Mike Birling. “We’re not going to be able to do some of the promotions we’ve been able to do just because of limitations, but we’re still going to try to create that experience.”
The DBAP has hosted numerous games for Duke, but this will be the first Bulls game since 2019. About 2,800 fans are expected to attend Tuesday’s game. Spectators will still have to wear a mask.
Fans will find QR codes on the backs of seats that they can scan to access a menu on their phones.
The Bulls, who are off to an impressive 5-1 start to the season, host the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp on Tuesday night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35. The forecast is expected to stay dry with temperatures in the mid-60s at game time.
Limited tickets are available on the Bulls website.
Fans can also get a COVID-19 vaccine at the ballpark tonight. Appropriately, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen will throw out the first pitch.
Right next to the stadium, WRAL will debut its new Durham newsroom on Tuesday. The newsroom will have a news ticker, TVs and a mural painted by Durham-based artist Candy Carver. If you’re headed to the game, you can stop by the studio (359 Blackwell St. Suite 200) from 4 to 6 p.m. to look through the windows.
Thanks to WRAL-TV’s Kasey Cunningham for this Capcom story & to WRAL.com for this Capcom photo.
Day For Durham Bulls Home Opener 2021 is Here!
For the first time in 607 days we can say this: IT’S GAMEDAY AT THE DBAP! Here’s everything you need to know if you’re joining the Bulls tonight: https://atmilb.com/2RKlVzX
Thanks to the Durham Bulls for this Capcom scoop & graphic.