The break of the bat, the thunder of the crowd, the smell of beer and popcorn drifting through the air - it’s baseball season, and there's nothing like the energy of opening night at the ballpark. Furthermore, for the dedicated fans of Fayetteville, it was a memorable night as everyone gathered at Segra Stadium to support their amazing Fayetteville Woodpeckers in their season opener game.
Photography by FAYNC Magazine Staff Photographer JaLantai McClendon
From the second fans showed up at the arena, an electric feeling was in the air. Families, business owners, and supporters of all ages and backgrounds gathered to spill through the doors anxiously anticipating the first throw of the game. The arena hummed with expectation as fans sat on the edge of their seats, prepared to witness history right before their eyes. As the sun set and the arena lights beamed with life, the energy simply kept on building.
The break of the bat flagged the beginning of an exhilarating match-up between the Woodpeckers and the Charleston River Dogs. The tension was overwhelming with each pitch and each swing of the bat, as fans paused their breathing fully expecting what might come. By the 2nd inning, The Woodpeckers already had a 4-0 lead over the River Dogs.
In any case, it wasn't simply the activity on the field that dazzled the crowd - it was the feeling of community and fellowship that filled the entire arena. Whether the high-fiving of fans after a strike-out, sharing a giggle over a spilled drink, or just enjoying being surrounded by die-hard supporters, there was a feeling of unity that connected everyone.
As the Woodpeckers ended the night with a 9-3 win over the River Dogs, what genuinely made the opening night at Segra Stadium extraordinary was the feeling of American tradition and history that saturated each part of the night. From the 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus singing the National Anthem with a flyover from AH-64 Apache helicopters, to the last explosion of fireworks, it was truly a night that reflected the soul of Fayetteville and its love for the sport of baseball and our military community. Furthermore, as fans anticipated the remainder of the season, one thing was sure - there would be a lot more memories to be made and a lot more wins to celebrate.
Check out this recap video of the night created by FAYNC Magazine Editor In Chief, Zairis T. Miles
Zae
FAYNC Magazine Staff Writer/Editor