Fireworks, food, fun: Spring temps on tap as Durham Bulls kick off season Friday

The Durham Bulls return Friday, March 31, starting their season with a game against the Norfolk Tides.

Posted 9:18 a.m. Mar 30, 2023 — Updated 2:00 p.m. Mar 31, 2023

DURHAM, N.C. — Baseball season is here and the back-to-back reigning Triple-A National Champion Durham Bulls are ready to take the field!

The Bulls return Friday, March 31, starting their season with fireworks and a game against the Norfolk Tides.

WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said there is about a 20% chance of rain during the game, but it won't be a washout. When the game begins, temperatures will be mild, in the upper 60s. Bringing a jacket is a good idea, especially if you're staying for post-game fireworks.

The game gets underway at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park at 6:35 p.m. after a championship celebration for the 2022 team. There will be a championship pennant giveaway for the first 4,000 fans to arrive. Tickets are still available.

Friday Night Fireworks presented by bioMerieux will follow Friday's game and each Friday home game this season.

The Bulls will play the Norfolk Tides all weekend.

The DBAP opens early on Saturday for a 1:05 p.m. game and celebration of 110 years of the Durham Bulls, which began playing in 1913. Ripken the Bat Dog will return to the DBAP on Saturday, fetching bats for the Bulls on most Saturday home games.

After Sunday's game at 5:05 p.m., kids 12 and under will be able to run the bases, a tradition that will also repeat at Sunday home games at the DBAP this season.

DBAP is unveiling some new food and snack options this season at concession stands.

Sources told WRAL News there will be an added emphasis on food quality, including 100% all-beef hot dogs this year, salted pretzels and bone-in chicken wings. A new menu item will be the twister fries with sausage, queso and peppers.

Remodeling at the DBAP brings new experiences

You'll see a lot of changes at the DBAP this season when you take in a game.

A 4,000 square foot battling tunnel is being constructed, and the locker rooms are being renovated.

New features will include details honoring the organization's past and history, honoring retired numbers. Fans feeling nostalgic will be able to visit the History Hallway, complete with tributes to Bulls legends and the City of Durham.

Promotions: Dollar Dogs, Tallboys and Cocktails

A look at some of this season's promotional nights that will be held all summer!

Dollar Dog Nights: Dollar Dog Nights are back at the DBAP, with new Sahlen’s All Beef Hot Dogs available for just a buck during every Thursday evening home game.

Kids Eat Free Wednesday: Kids 12 and under can get a voucher at Lowes Foods Fan Assistance good for a free hot dog, chips and Pepsi soda.

Tacos and Tallboy Tuesday (starting May 15): Tacos and Tallboy Tuesdays will also debut starting on Tuesday, May 16, with $2 tacos and $5 select tall boy beers available for Tuesday night home games.

Bottomless Fountain Soda: Durham Bulls Athletic Park will now feature free refills on souvenir cups. Self-service machines will be located throughout the ballpark for fans, giving fans the ability to skip the line and enjoy more of the action.

Weldon Mills Cocktails at The 42 Bar: The 42 Bar at Jackie’s Landing will feature premium offerings from Weldon Mills Bourbon, including Rockfish Bourbon served in a souvenir rocks glass, plus other premium offerings including vodka, gin and tequila from Weldon Mills.

New Food Court Grab & Go: A new Grab & Go location has been added in the main concourse, offering fans a quick and easy way to get their favorite beverages, plus freshly grilled sausages, hot dogs and butter-topped popcorn.

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