Grizzlies win opening day

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Thousands crowded into Chukchansi Park for Thursday night's opener. "Coming off the championship season, you're excited to see what they got," said Michael Cruz.

The team told Action News early season ticket sales are up about 20 percent, thanks in part to the San Francisco Giants World Series win last season.

But the highly anticipated opening game was nearly a no go as a thunderstorm seemed to target the field, pelting it with hail and heavy rain. A crew had to pull a tarp over the infield until the storm passed.

Soon after, the quick changing weather pattern mellowed out. And fans showed up, with blankets, sweaters and jackets in hand, prepared for a cold night at the ball park.

"We were unsure with the weather, but we're glad it worked out, that we were able to come," Mari Jordan said. "We were gonna come no matter what. But we're excited that it worked out pretty good."

"I'm a true fan, I love the sport," Cruz said. Opening night is one of his favorite nights, he's been coming to Grizzlies games for the past 10 years.

This season, he said, will be different. "We almost got it last year, I think this year could be the Grizzlies year," Cruz said.