Orioles announce 2015 spring training opening day plans for this Wednesday

The Orioles have announced plans for the first home game of their 2015 Spring Training season and their sixth season in Sarasota. The team will face the Detroit Tigers at Ed Smith Stadium this Wednesday, March 4, at 1:05 p.m.

All fans in attendance will receive a 2015 Spring Training schedule magnet, courtesy of Visit Sarasota County, as well as a rally towel provided by the Orioles. The first 1,000 female fans in attendance will also receive a bird of paradise flower, courtesy of Beneva Flowers.

The Sarasota Military Cadet Color Guard will perform prior to the National Anthem, while WWSB ABC7's Stephanie Roberts will sing the Star-Spangled Banner followed by co-anchor Don Brennan's ceremonial first pitch.

During a special pre-game ceremony, each club's on-field personnel will be introduced and recognized along the first and third base foul lines.

International film and opera star, and Maryland native, Richard Troxell will perform God Bless America prior to the seventh inning stretch.

On Wednesday and throughout the season, ballpark gates will open two hours prior to the scheduled first pitch. Season plan holders will be able to access the ballpark 15 minutes early through a dedicated entrance at the Home Plate Gate for all 16 home games, including Opening Day.

OPENING DAY TIMING (GATES OPEN AT 11:05 a.m.; 10:50 a.m. for season plan holders)

10:15-11:30 Orioles Batting Practice

11:30-12:30 Tigers Batting Practice

1:05 Play Ball!

BALLPARK POLICIES

The Orioles have one of the most liberal food policies in professional sports. Outside food and beverages may be brought into Ed Smith Stadium, subject to the following guidelines:

* Soft-sided and paper bags are permitted at Ed Smith Stadium, as long as they fit into a 16" x 16" x 8" container. Hard-sided coolers, thermoses, glass bottles, cans, or alcoholic beverages are not permitted into the ballpark.

* Non-alcoholic beverages in plastic bottles are permitted into the park. All items will be checked at the gates and any beverage which has been opened or partially consumed prior to entry is subject to confiscation if it is thought to contain alcohol. In addition, no plastic or paper cups of beverages are permitted into the park at the entry gates.

* All items permitted into the ballpark will be inspected. No bags or items exceeding the maximum size of 16" x 16" x 8" are allowed into the ballpark.

* No containers or unauthorized items can be left at any park entrance.

No re-entry will be permitted once a fan has entered the ballpark gates. Vehicles transporting guests with special needs or disabilities are permitted to utilize the East Lot for this purpose. No vehicles are permitted to park curbside, nor are people able to stand and wait with vehicles.