WooSox Opening Day 2023: Cara Brindisi, Organ, Fireworks, New Food

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox will begin the team's third season Friday in a home game against the Syracuse Mets — but baseball is just one aspect of the city's new attraction, with the WooSox expanding entertainment and dining options for the 2023 season.

The first 2023 game begins at 4:05 p.m. Friday with the Division 1 basketball champions from North High School throwing out the first pitch. "The Voice" contestant Cara Brindisi — who is from Shrewsbury — will sing the National Anthem.

Worcester students will be featured guests at the first few games of the 2023 season. Construction company Fontaine Brothers has purchased 1,000 tickets for Worcester students to attend the opening day game, plus 4,000 tickets for students at the Saturday and Sunday games.

Festivities for the nearly sold-out game will start around 3 p.m. with honor guard processions from local police, fire and EMS departments. Olivia Pichardo, the first woman ever to play for an NCAA Division I baseball team, and Jesse Burkett Little League players will also be spotlighted before the first pitch.

Friday's game will also be the first for Polar Park's new organ, and Fenway Park keyboardist Josh Kantor play classic ballpark tunes during the game.

Friday's game will conclude with fireworks sponsored by UniBank.

Friday's weather looks mixed for opening day. There's a chance of rain after 3 p.m. — and a 90 percent chance of rain after 8 p.m. — with temperatures in the high 40s, according to the National Weather Service.

Opening day will also see the debut of new seating and eating options. There's a new deck in center field along Plymouth Street, a new fan bullpen in left field and more than a dozen new electric heaters along the concourse.

Polar Park also now boasts the widest selection of food items of any minor league team, according to the WooSox. Local restaurants liked Wonder Bar, Kona Ice and Coney Island Hot Dogs will continue to be available, and the team will also host a "Taste of Worcester" series spotlighting other local restaurants. Here's the lineup for that:

• March 31 to April 2: The Caribbean Press
• April 12 to 16: El Sombrero Taqueria
• April 26 to 30: Russo Italian Restaurant
• May 3 to 7: Unique Café
• June 7 to to 11: Wormtown Kitchen
• June 21 to 25: Pho Sure
• July 26 to 30: Berry’s Sweet Confections
• Aug. 9 to 13: Wan Wang
• Aug. 16 to 20: Atrevete A Probar
• Aug. 30 to Sept. 3: Namaste Woo
• Sept. 13 to 17: Mezcal

For tickets and details about the full season schedule, visit the WooSox website.