Tigers unveil plans for Friday's home opener at Comerica Park

Baseball is almost back in Detroit.

Opening Day at Comerica Park is Friday, and the Tigers will be rolling out their traditional festivities ahead of the game against the Oakland A's.

Lions star offensive tackle Penei Sewell will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and the Tigers are pitching a "special guest" who will kick things off with the "Play ball!" call.

Canton's Grace West, who made the finale of NBC's "The Voice" last year, will perform the national anthem, which will be followed by a flyover from the 107th Fighter Squadron out of Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

Gates will open to Comerica Park at 10:30 a.m., ahead of the 1:10 p.m. first pitch. The traditional pregame introductions, with players lining the base lines, will start after 12:35 p.m.

Fans will see some upgrades throughout the ballpark, which is celebrating its 25th year. The videoboard has been upgraded in size and technology, and now is the second-largest one in baseball, behind only the Mets' videoboard at Citi Field. There also is an upgraded sound system and there are new flat-screen TVs throughout all the concourses.

Tickets for the home opener are sold out.

It's the start of a busy day in Detroit, with the Red Wings, in the thick of a playoff chase, playing the New York Rangers at Little Caesars Arena at 7 p.m. The first 7,500 fans through the gates at LCA will receive a co-branded Red Wings/Tigers hat.

tpaul@detroitnews.com

@tonypaul1984