Granderson Stadium to open April 17

Opening weekend for Curtis Granderson Stadium has been set for April 17-19, when the Flames host Wright State in a three-game series.

Granderson, a UIC Hall-of-Famer and three-time MLB All-Star, will cut the ribbon and throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the new multimillion dollar stadium.  The weekend celebration continues after play April 17 with the second annual Diamond Dinner.

The April 18 game, which starts at 6:05 p.m., will be “Student Day” at the ball park.  All UIC and Chicago high school students are invited to spend the evening with UIC baseball and take in the game from the grassy berms in the outfield.

April 19 is slated as “Kid’s Day,” with first pitch set for 12:05 p.m.  All children 13 and younger will be admitted for free.

Construction of Curtis Granderson Stadium began with a ground-breaking ceremony Sept. 17.  Granderson announced his pledge to fund the state-of-the-art venue during the Diamond Dinner last February.  The U of I Board of Trustees approved plan for the stadium May 30.