Opening Day excitement

FORT WAYNE, Ind., (WANE) --- - First pitches and F-16 fighter jets. That's some of what fans got to see before the game ever began! The pre-game festivities kicked off at Parkview Field around 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

A little injury couldn't keep Mayor Henry away from Opening Day. Though he was on crutches, he took to the field to begin the pre-game ceremony with a short address.

"What a great day, for a great city," said Henry.

Henry was joined on the field by other city officials, and construction and business leaders who helped make Parkview Stadium a reality.

Once the talking was done, it was time to get down to business and throwing out the first pitch, or pitches.

About 20 people got to throw out ceremonial first pitches including Henry and former Mayor Graham Richard.

"I didn't get much practice this week, the weather was a little tough, but today the sun is shining on Fort Wayne," joked Richard.

"I was with a very prestigious group, there's no question about that. It was a lot of fun and I was very honored to be a part of it," added Henry.

Next, it was City Councilman Tom Didier turn to take the field to sing "God Bless America."

Afterward, he told NewsChannel 15, "It's pretty amazing. I'm awestruck just walking in the facility. It's just so state-of-the art. It just takes your breath away."

Also breathtaking? The Voices of Unity on the field singing their rendition the National Anthem.

"The adrenaline you get when you get out there on the field is just amazing," said Voices of Unity member James Hunt. "I love doing it every time we go out there."

Fellow choir member Stacia Lewis added, "To open the stadium to be the very first choir to sing here is very honoring and exciting."

And while the choir provided the vocals, Fort Wayne's fighter wing provided the jets! That's right, two F-16's flew over at the end of the song for the grand finale.