Pensacola Blue Wahoos draw thousands as opening day features new Friday tradition

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Baseball is back for the Blue Wahoos. The team hosting the Biloxi Shuckers on Friday night. The stadium was full as opening day ushered in the beginning of season.

Opening day for the Pensacola Wahoos brought out thousands of fans, welcoming both new and familiar faces to the Double-A team. The Miami Marlins-affiliate has called Blue Wahoos Stadium home since 2013.

Friday, the team's new manager made his debut on the diamond. Nelson Prada joins the Wahoos from the Single-A team, the Jupiter Hammerheads. He says the fans in Pensacola make the game.

"The guys pump it up more when they have people in the stands," said Prada. "So I think having people in the stands every time is pretty much a good factor. It's something that we're going to have on our side. So it's going to be great."

Outfielder Kemp Alderman is playing close to home, Mississippi. He says he's excited to perform for his family and the fans this season.

"In Minor League Baseball, when you make it to the majors, of course, there's a lot of fans. But, of course, lower levels not a lot of fans," Alderman said. "Being a college guy feeding off the fans, playing off the energy, it's great to have a good fan base. And you know here in Pensacola, we got great fans. They show up every single day and root us on, so it's a great time."

The stadium seats about 5,000 people. Nearly half of that is already taken up by season ticket holders -- 1,700 with full season tickets, 300 with mini plans.

"We rank 95th or so out of 120 markets," VP and general manager Steve Brice said. "If you take a 30-mile radius from the ball park we're 95 out of 120. Yet, for season tickets, we're 21. So we're better than several Triple-A teams and most Double-A teams throughout the entire country."

But it's not just a love for the game that brings fans out.

"They come for the food," Brice said.

"Yes, it's very easy to get to and out of, so we like it a lot," attendee Pam Collins said.

Couple Kerry and Barbara Steen even chose to spend opening day with their hometown team over the Braves. They've been traveling back home to support the Wahoos from Atlanta for the past five years. They travel on an empty stomach.

They were excited to hear about Chef Travis' culinary curveball. A Friday home game tradition starting now is paying homage to the visiting team.

Friday's dish was crawfish and smoked gouda croquette, served with an oyster étouffée sauce for the Biloxi Shuckers.

"Rotating menus are good, the food is pretty good as well," Kerry said. "Prices are even better."

Games continue this weekend for the Wahoos, playing against the Biloxi shuckers Saturday and Sunday.