Tailgaters get early start for Hens home opener - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Tailgaters get early start for Hens home opener

Tailgaters got an early start on Mud Hens opening day.

"Go Hens!" yelled a group tailgating in the parking lot across the street from the main entrance of Fifth Third Field.

"We wait for the Hens opener every year," says Ashley Franks of Toledo.  "It's a blast.  My family, my friends, everybody gets down here downtown tailgates right here.  We play corn hole, we cook out.  We have a good time all day."

Once inside Fifth Third Field, the Mud Hens have a few new surprises for the fans.

If you have a suite or club seat ticket you can get into a new area with an amazing view of the field.

13 ABC's Christine Long says, "We are on the new fancy set for your pre-game broadcast.  Can you tell me about this?  I think it's called the birdcage."

Jason Griffin, the head of Mud Hens PR says, "The Bird Cage is the entire area up here.  The press box.  Where we're at now is the set for our pre-game show 'Around the Bases'.  Which will be a half hour pre-game show every home game broadcast.  All 72 broadcasts of the year.  Behind me is an area where the fans can watch, not only watch the pre-game show live in action, they'll also be able to watch the game from behind home plate. Brand new this year."

Griffin says a portion of the Bird Cage will eventually be turned into a restaurant.

"They never really had an opportunity to see the game from right behind home plate," says Griffin.  "It's a wonderful vantage point to watch the game and now they have that chance.")

Taking a walk down the concourse with the Head of Concessions for the Hens you notice smaller signs for seat sections which create a more open feel.

Plus, new dining stations are up and running, like the Hen & Hound Eatery & Pub.

There's plenty of new food on the menu this season, including a hot dog cooked up by 13 ABC meteorologist Jay Berschback called the Mexican Hen Dog.

"It's already been well received on the Tiger game just a couple days ago.  So it's going to take off for sure.  We've added new hot dogs before and everybody wants to try it," says Craig Nelson, President of Concessions for the Toledo Mud Hens.

No matter the food, Hens fans are hoping this year the team has the recipe for success. 

"Hopefully it's a good season.  Hopefully we get some wins this year," says Franks.