Happy (almost) Opening Day, Denver!
On Friday, April 3, baseball returns to the Mile High City as the Colorado Rockies host the Philadelphia Phillies at 2:10 p.m. at Coors Field, and with it comes one of the city’s most electric sports traditions.
In just a few days, LoDo will transform into a sea of purple. Bars will be packed shoulder-to-shoulder by late morning and the streets around the ballpark will buzz for hours before first pitch. That familiar mix of hope and hesitation will settle over the fanbase. Nothing else in the world matters: just baseball, ballpark grub and good times.
Before the first pitch is thrown next Friday, here are five things every Rockies fan should know heading into the 2026 season.
1.)
Moneyball is coming to Denver
The Rockies were bad last year. Like, historically bad. While that’s obviously not ideal for us Rockies fans, it has been a catalyst for significant changes in the organization and front office.
Enter Paul DePodesta, the Rockies’ new President of Baseball Operations.
DePodesta is a sports legend, playing a large part in the infamous 2001 Oakland A’s team that won 20-straight games to win their division, despite having one of the lowest payrolls in baseball. In the movie about that season, Brad Pitt’s Moneyball, DePodesta’s character is portrayed by Johan Hill.
The new man at the helm of the Rockies is renowned as one of the best sports analytics minds out there. If anybody can right the ship and fix this team, it’s DePodesta. In his opening press conference with the Rockies, DePodesta said he’s a “sucker for a good challenge,” and there may be no greater challenge in sports right now than bringing a World Series championship home to Denver.
2.)
Meet the Rockies newest potential superstar
If you’re looking for a reason to get back into baseball and buy into this Rockies team, start with Ezequiel Tovar.
The 24-year old shortstop from Venezuela has been quietly flashing elite defensive ability and showcasing growing confidence at the plate. His recent success on the international stage at the World Baseball Classic only adds to the hype, as he played a key role in Team Venezuela’s championship run over the United States and Japan.
Tovar isn’t just a promising piece anymore, he’s a potential franchise player and important building block. Opening Day will give fans their first real look at whether he’s ready to take that next leap into stardom in Denver.
Will he become the next Troy Tulowitzski or Trevor Story? We’re about to find out, so get excited!
3.)
Expectations are low, but that might actually be a good thing
For the first time in the last few years, there’s less pressure and more curiosity surrounding this team heading into the season. The Rockies are essentially a blank slate right now without any expectations, good or bad, weighing them down.
While they certainly aren’t entering the season as contenders, that doesn’t mean Opening Day lacks meaning. In fact, it might make it more enjoyable.
With a mix of young talent, organizational change and a fanbase that just loves going to the ballpark, this year feels more about watching something develop than demanding immediate results or reform.
And honestly, that’s kind of refreshing. The Rockies are playing with house money and it’ll be interesting to see how far they can make it stretch.
4.)
Check out some of the new food at Coors Field
Let’s be honest: for a lot of fans, Opening Day is just as much about what you’re eating (and drinking) as what’s happening on the field, especially at Coors Field.
While ballpark classics like hotdogs, brats and hamburgers are always on the menu and appreciated, the Rockies are rolling out a handful of creative new concession options.
One of the new options I’m most excited about are the wild fries, which are thinly cut crispy fries served with a trio of dipping sauces. If something sweet is more up your alley, check out the dessert nachos: fried flour tortillas seasoned in cinnamon sugar and fresh berries, topped with powdered sugar, a caramel drizzle and whipped cream. Sign me up!
5.)
Have fun, but stay safe (and hydrate)
Opening Day in Denver has a reputation, and it’s not just about baseball. The combo of high altitude, intense sun and all-day drinking can sneak up on you fast, especially around Coors Field.
Have fun, but stay safe and smart out there. Don’t overdo it, and make sure to hydrate. With how warm it’s been the last month, that hydration element is especially important. Drink water early and often, eat something substantial, and pace yourself like you’ve got plans after the game, because you probably do. Opening Day is supposed to be a lively full-day experience, so make sure you do it right.
Here in Denver, Opening Day isn’t just the start of a season. It’s something bigger.
It’s the first warm afternoon that actually means something. The sound of the bat cracking and crowd roaring signals that spring has finally sprung. There’s the shared but quiet belief, no matter how unrealistic, that this year could be different for the Colorado Rockies.
Maybe it will be. Maybe it won’t. But that’s not really the point.
At its roots, Opening Day is a simple celebration of one thing above all else: baseball is finally back! Go Rockies!
Do you have a listicle in mind? Any ideas can be sent to ryland.c.scholes@gmail.com. And don’t forget to check out our events calendar on our website to see what else is happening in our area.
See you next Tuesday with another Bucket Listicle.
Ryland Scholes
Production Manager & Senior Reporter/ Bucket List Community News
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