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The Chicago Cubs will open the 2015 season on Sunday night, April 5 against the St. Louis Cardinals. It will be the first night home opener in franchise history. Theo Epstein has been saying he believes the Cubs can compete for the Central division next year, they’ll get a chance to prove it early for a national telecast.
The game was picked up by ESPN 2, after originally being scheduled for April 6. It will be the perfect opportunity for fans to see the changes to the 101 year-old ballpark. The new bleachers will be completed, with additional seating as well as video boards, a first for Wrigley Field. Outfielders will be ecstatic to not have to maneuver around the bullpens, which will be removed from the field of play and be placed underneath the bleachers.
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The game will also serve as the debut for Joe Maddon as the Cubs manager. Maddon has talked playoffs and World Series since his arrival, and warranted or not, fans have started buying in to his talk. It’s likely the Cubs will also have a few new faces on the field, possibly one on the mound that night. The team is reported to be meeting with Jon Lester sometime next week. The rumors surrounding the Cubs continue to swirl, as they have been linked to nearly every big-name free agent available. Lester seems to be the name that continues to move to the forefront.
The Cubs vs Cardinals on Opening Night will be a thrilling way for this team to open its new season. The perennial playoff Cardinals will need to have their adjustment made to the new Cubs early. So hopefully the new manager, surroundings, and possibly players will all meet Cubs’ fans expectations for the 2015 season. People may be sensing the importance surrounding this game for the Cubs, and Major League Baseball and ESPN are giving the team the opportunity to shine on Opening Night.