ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Red Wings will welcome two familiar faces to Innovative Field for its ceremonies ahead of its home opener on Tuesday, April 1.

Ryan Corbett, the Dansville man who was held captive by the Taliban for nearly two and a half years, will take the mound to throw the first pitch of the season. The Taliban set Corbett free in January after a prisoner exchange. 

In addition, a Fairport native who sang the national anthem during a Buffalo Bills playoff game will also sing the national anthem at Innovative Field. Lucas West has sung the national anthem twice at the Bills’ stadium, most recently before the kickoff of the playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens in January. Here’s what else to know ahead of the Red Wings’ home opener:

What’s the schedule for the Red Wings’ home opener?

Gates at Innovative Field will open at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, for the home opener against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. The first 1,500 fans will get a free knit hat and the first 5,000 fans will get a magnet schedule of the 2025 season. The first pitch will be at 4:05 p.m.

You can see the complete schedule and get tickets here. The Red Wings season opener will take place on Friday, March 28, in Buffalo against the Bisons.

Is there still a 50-degree guarantee?

Yes. Once again, the Red Wings have guaranteed that, if temperatures don’t hit at least 50 °F on the ballpark thermometer during the game, all fans in attendance will get a free ticket for any other home game in April or May of the season.

What are the new food options?

Some new food options at Innovative Field include beef on weck, a footlong Zweigles hot dog topped with meat sauce and onions, and a braised beef sandwich. Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason spoke with News10NBC about the new food options.

“The variety here, the quality of the food is something we take a lot of pride in,” Mason said. “We realize that a lot of people, you know, that’s a big reason why they come to Rochester’s largest restaurant is to, to get some great food. And also check out a baseball game while they’re eating dinner.”