JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Baseball season is officially back!
Excited fans came to celebrate the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s opening game to kick off the season at Financial Ballpark. Friday was the first of the three-game series event.
Several fans said this is a tradition they look forward to each year.
Terri Younger has been a Jumbo Shrimp fan since 2017.
“I am so excited for Opening Day, finally something I can be excited about after football season. I didn’t have anything to do. It’s Opening Day,” Younger said.
For Jabulani Mason, it’s a family affair. He grew up playing baseball and now his son, who’s in high school, is following in his footsteps.
“We’re looking forward to a long season,” Mason said.
Mason’s son has already scheduled all the days they will be sitting at the stadium, watching the team play.
News4JAX Sports Reporter Alessandra Pontbriand covered the opening festivities and shared her anticipation for the season.
“Opening Day no matter what sport it is, is the best time of the year. Some people have Christmas, some people really enjoy their birthdays. For me, it’s Opening Day for college football and for baseball,” she said.
Jodi Kelley and her husband Seth are Jumbo Shrimp season ticket holders.
“So we have a rule: If you talk about work or you look at your phone you have to get up and get the other one a snack or a beer. It just makes us unplug,” Jodi said.
But you can’t forget about the concession stand grub.
Younger’s favorite ballpark treats include nachos, chicken and jalapeños with the seasoning. Alessandra, however, goes for a baseball classic...Crackerjacks.
As for Mason, he loves “an old-fashioned pretzel” as his snack choice.
To learn more about the season, ticket prices and promotions, this story has you covered.