Locked out of Globe Life Field, fans gather to watch Rangers’ opener at Texas Live!
The Barbosa family wasn’t going to let the coronavirus pandemic end their two-plus decade streak of attending the Texas Rangers’ opening day.
No, the family couldn’t get inside Globe Life Field but they were on-site at Texas Live! for the Rangers’ 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Friday night to start the 2020 season.
“This is a tradition for us,” said Raul Barbosa, who enjoyed the evening with his son Ricky and brother Jesse.
“It’s always been the three of us ever since Ricky was 6-months-old. Now he’s 22. We thought we’d come out here and at least take a picture since it’s opening day 2020. That’s why we’re here.”
The Barbosas, like several others on hand at Texas Live!, made the best of a dire situation amid the pandemic. They were happy to see the Rangers playing meaningful baseball games again, but disappointed fans are not allowed at games yet.
The Rangers have closed the stadium to the general public for the opening homestand, and it’s unknown when attendance will be allowed. The earliest fans may be able to attend is when the team starts a six-game homestand on Aug. 7 against the Los Angeles Angels.
“It’s bittersweet,” Raul said. “We were ready for the new ballpark. We were ready for the A/C.”
Added Jesse, his brother: “It’s the best time of year. We look forward to this time every year. It’s a holiday for us — opening day, cooking out, grilling. It’s bittersweet. We really want to see the new ballpark inside. We still haven’t gone inside because we want to experience it with a game, not a graduation or on a tour or anything like that. We want to go in there the first time with a game. Hopefully soon. We’ll see.”
The Rangers tried to emulate an opening day as best as possible. They had 2,400 “Doppel Ranger” fans in the stands — a 2D cutout of folks who paid $50 to be at the stadium in a unique fashion. Former President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush were among the notable cutouts.
Longtime public address announcer Chuck Morgan announced the starting lineups as though it were a sold-out crowd with piped-in crowd noise. They had a pump-up video. They had Gov. Greg Abbott throw out the first pitch ... virtually. They had Charley Pride sing the National Anthem. There wasn’t much of a reaction outside the stadium when video panned to Rockies outfielder Matt Kemp taking a knee during the anthem to protest racial injustices.
When the game started, some fans were engaged watching on the Texas Live! big screens, applauding plays such as Rangers starter Lance Lynn striking out Rockies outfielder Sam Hilliard to end the second inning with a runner on base.
But some fans were more focused on getting a Fletcher’s corny dog at a pop up stand. The state fair staple proved to be one of the top draws with tailgating prohibited in parking lots.
As Dallas resident Alex Freeman said, “I came for the corn dog.”
Freeman’s young son, Alex II, added: “It’s the best day of my life.”
All fans who watched the game at Texas Live! followed pandemic protocols with face coverings and adhering to social distancing in lines. Most just wanted to feel a part of the action even though the doors to the actual stadium were closed.
“I’ve been coming to opening day since I could remember, so I had to get out here today,” said Danielle Ramos, who turned 30 this week. “I wasn’t going to let the pandemic stop me.”
Added Ramos’ friend, Katlyn Johnson: “We’re making it as festive as we can.”
As with every opening day, there is a sense of optimism for the Rangers. Fans are hopeful with MLB expanding the playoffs to 16 teams that the Rangers can play their way into the mix.
The Rangers have endured three consecutive losing seasons with the last playoff appearance coming in 2016.
“I think they’re going to have a good year,” said Lexy Martinez, a 23-year-old from Arlington. “I’m excited to see what they do this year.”
This story was originally published July 24, 2020 at 9:55 PM.
