El Paso Chihuahuas mark fourth season with home opener

The El Paso Chihuahuas begin their fourth season Thursday night in front of a home crowd. It is also the start of five-day homestand against the Las Vegas 51’s.

As of Thursday morning, standing room-only tickets were available for the season opener.

Fans can expect all the pageantry of opening day including a rally towel giveaway to the first 4,000 guests.

The National Anthem will be performed by El Paso native Elia Esparza, former contestant on the singing competition show The Voice. The Falcon Warbirds from Mesa, Arizona will fly over Southwest University Park.

The first pitch will be thrown at 7:05 p.m. and the gates open at 5:45 p.m.

For the first hour after gates open, the Chihuahuas will host “Yappy Hour” where guests may purchase a burger, fries and 8-ounce Budweiser, Bud Light or water for $5 at Monchi’s, or a slice of pizza and 8-ounce Budweiser, Bud Light, or water for $5 at Hua.

Thursday’s game is part of ‘Championship Weekend,’ a celebration of the Chihuahuas’ Pacific Coast League title earned last year.

Every Friday, the ball club will give away four flat screen televisions. The winners will be chosen at random and they must be present to win.

Fans can expect a fireworks show at the end of Saturday’s game. The first 4,000 guests through the gates with paid admission and in attendance will receive a magnet schedule.

On Sunday, the first 2,000 guests will get their very own replica Championship ring.

Monday’s game starts at 11:05 a.m.

The Chihuahuas have added new amenities to the park like the Patio Suite 206, cabana-style area on the second level that can be rented out to guests.

New drink rails in sections 105 to 111 were added, one of the most popular standing room views of the ballgame.