Local

Helpful hints for Opening Day

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — The Atlanta Braves played the San Diego Padres in a sold out game at the SunTrust Park opener Friday 7:35 p.m.

Braves officials are asking fans to be in their seats by 6:30 p.m.

All Braves-controlled parking lots are permit only lots, which require pre-purchase of parking in advanced.

Parking permits can be pre-purchased online here.

Stay with WSBTV.com and watch Channel 2 Actions News throughout the day for complete coverage of the Atlanta Braves first home opener at SunTrust Park.

It is suggested that commuters explore driving aids to route them in the right direction with apps like Waze.

After purchasing parking online, fans can confirm the opening time for their respective parking lots here.

SunTrust Park gates open three hours early on opening weekend (Fri-Sun).

Friday, April 14 at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, April 15 at 4 p.m. and Sunday, April 16 at 10:30 a.m.

Fans can pick up pre-purchased tickets at the SunTrust Park ticket windows starting at 9:30 a.m. Ticketing windows will remain open until the end of the sixth inning.

Friday schedule for Braves opening day ticket holders

·Braves Walk: Braves legends will lead the inaugural Braves Walk through The Battery Atlanta to the Braves baseball sphere hanging in the Plaza for a Chop Rally.

·Commemorative Ticket Gate Giveaway: Fans will receive a commemorative ticket in celebration of Opening Day in the Inaugural Season at SunTrust Park.

·Pregame ceremony: The Atlanta Braves will celebrate the opening of SunTrust Park by welcoming home Braves legends Hank Aaron, Bobby Cox, Tom Glavine, Chipper Jones, Dale Murphy, Phil Niekro and John Smoltz as part of a pregame ceremony.

The Braves will officially mark the completion of SunTrust Park with the unveiling of the retired numbers.

·National anthem: Georgia native Phillip Phillips will perform the national anthem on Opening Day. Phillips is known for his pop hit “Home,” which also serves as the signature song for the Braves’ marketing campaign this year, “Welcome Home.”

·Ceremonial Flyover: The United States Navy will perform a flyover in four F/A-18A+ Hornets from VFC-12, out of Oceana, Virginia, at the conclusion of the national anthem.

·First Pitch: Braves legend Hank Aaron will throw out the first pitch at SunTrust Park.

·Leader of the Chop: Before the Braves come to bat in the first inning, former Braves manager Bobby Cox will officially start the chop from the Coors Light Chop House.

·Seventh inning stretch: Performance of "God Bless America" by Timothy Miller, of the Atlanta Opera.

·Friday Night Fireworks: Fans will be treated to a dazzling display of fireworks over SunTrust Park following every Friday home game throughout the season.

SHREVEPORT, LA - SEPTEMBER 17: The American Flag waves before a game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Tulane Green Wave on September 17, 2005 at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)