ARLINGTON, Texas — It's hard to beat Opening Day, even if the Rangers' 2019 prospects aren't exactly glowing.
But it's the final year of Globe Life Park – a.k.a. The Ballpark in Arlington – before the club moves across the street to the new, retractable-roofed, air-conditioned Globe Life Field.
So at least 2019 will be memorable in one way.
If you're making Opening Day plans, here's what you need to know:
The Matchup
Opponent: Chicago Cubs
Time: 3:05 p.m.
Pitchers: LHP Jon Lester (CHI) vs. LHP Mike Minor (TEX)
Yes, the Rangers finished a paltry 67-95 in 2018 and 36 games back of the rival Astros. But Fangraphs, which knows a thing or two about statistical projections, projects the club to finish at 71-91. So things are on the upswing, right?
What we do know is that it could be worse, and there's no better place to look than the Rangers' Opening Day opponent, the lovable (former) losers, the Chicago Cubs.
The Cubs not only went 71-91 in 2011. They followed up with a 61-101 season in 2012 and a 66-96 season in 2013. Things got slightly better in 2014, at 73-89.
Then it was a National League Championship Series in 2015, a World Series win (breaking a 108-year drought) in 2016, and playoff appearances that last two years.
The Astros, by the way, took an even more circuitous route to becoming a contender, with win totals only reaching the 50s from 2011-2013.
So there's hope. Eventually.
(P.S. Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish is slated to face his former team Saturday night at 7:05)
The parking
Now for what really matters: Where are you parking?
General parking costs $20 on site, $18 if you buy in advance. Your best bet will be as soon as you get off Interstate 30, along AT&T Way and Convention Center Drive. (Check out the map below, or here)
On the south side of the ballpark, just beyond the under-construction Globe Life Field, there's a large lot – the "Tacoma Lot R" (yes, the parking lots are sponsored by Toyota) – at the corner of Cowboys Way and Stadium Drive.
Season parking lots are along Randol Mill Road on the south side of the stadium, and off the Road to Six Flags, west of the stadium.
Go here for more information about shuttles and other reserved parking areas.
The food
The Rangers typically roll out a bevy of, um, unique ballpark food ahead of the season. This year was no different. On Monday, they unveiled the following:
Some highlights, with descriptions from the Rangers:
The Fowl Pole – A two-pound chicken strip, hand battered and fried to crispy perfection. Served on a bed of waffle fries with honey mustard and ranch dressing.
Located in the Budweiser Bowtie Plaza Flew the coop stand at section 50, $27.50
The RWB (Red, white and blue) Dog – A combination of Savory, Sweet and Spicy Glorious Gherkins relish in Texas Rangers Red, and blue colors on a plump Texas Chili All Beef Hot Dog. Served with Lays Chips.
Located at the American Dog Stands at section 22 and 48 and Eat More Dawgs Stand at section 36, $11.00
Bacon Wrapped Wings – Everything is better when you add bacon. Chicken wings hand wrapped in bacon and deep-fried until crisp. Served with fries.
Available at the Fry Depot at Section 9, $10.75
The tailgate
Don't actually have a ticket to the game? The Opening Day tailgate scene should do, and even more so this year, with the Texas Live! bar and restaurant complex open for the start of the season.
Texas Live! which sits just southwest of Globe Life Field and connects to the new ballpark, will kick off a tailgate on the plaza at 10 a.m.
Sports and Social, one of the restaurants at Texas Live! is offering an Opening Day buffet for $18-$25. There will also be live music and the game will be shown on the Texas Live! arena's big screen.