Chukchansi Park lights up for Grizzlies baseball

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- What more could you ask for?

The champs are back at Chukchansi Park and the fans flooded the stands for opening day.

We've been here before, it's opening day at Chukchansi Park, but this time the Fresno Grizzlies are back with a national championship title and a trophy to go with it.

At the gate, there was pre-game excitement that was mixed with nostalgia, especially for Luke Williams and his little league team.

"It's the start of the season," he said. "It's every little kid's dream come true and you as an adult, get to relive that and to see the smiles on their faces, it's phenomenal."

The kids weren't the only ones smiling. Branch Rickey, who is the president of the league, stopped by Fresno for the first time to celebrate with the fans.

"I'm a big fan of Fresno," Rickey said. I'm a fan of the future of Fresno."

Downtown Fresno is on its way up. Along with the team, the Fulton Mall is opening up and the 8-story T.W. Patterson building overlooking the park has new a new tenant ready to cash in on the season.

"The Grizzlies deserve it,"building owner Rick Roush said. "They've endured a long, long time. I've owned this building for 22 years and I've waited a long time for this and I'm proud that it's finally taking it's course."

Back at the park where the old familiar sights, sounds and lines for food.

"After waiting in line for 45 minutes, you got to load it up or not at all," fan Rafaela Padilla said.

There are dedicated fans, young and old, and some who will join the ranks soon.

"Will you come back?" An Action News reporter asked fan Brittany Holmes. "I will be back, you're going to make a Grizzlies fan out of me," she replied.