Coming off a huge crowd for its kick-off match last year, the Ottawa Titans are preparing for a record-breaking opening on Friday.

The lawns are manicured, the dirt raked, and fans are getting excited for a huge game against the Québec Capitales. The first 5,000 fans will be getting a Titans jersey to celebrate the start of the 2026 season. The club is on track to break the largest attendance record first set in 1997 by the
Johnstown Steal with 10,250 fans.

According to the Titans, the home opener is sold out, with 10,278 people expected at Friday’s game.

“Last year we had 5,000 for the home opener, and it sounded like 10,000. So I expect this crowd to sound like 20 to 30,000, “AJ Wright, infielder with the Titans, said.

The team has seen a 16 per cent increase in attendance compared to the previous season. It’s been a huge boost in morale for the players, who say fans cheering no matter the score brings energy to the ballpark.

“We’re making the fans feel like they’re a part of something; that’s when fans really start to become loyal over the long term, is when they feel like this is their second home in the summer,” Martin Boyce, general manager of the Titans, told media at a press conference.

The first pitch will be thrown at 7:00 p.m. and marks the start of a campaign for the club trying to entice more people to support local baseball. Part of the idea is creating an event atmosphere for the opener, with live entertainment, food trucks and a giveaway for everyone who enters the stadium.

Jackie Urbaez, who is returning for his fifth season in the nation’s capital, said the fans are the reason he stays.

“The fans, the people, the city in general is just amazing,” he said in an interview. “They treat you well, you feel accepted. You hear it every night…The fans are cheering you on, doesn’t matter how good or bad you’re doing.”

People on May 8 are being encouraged to take OC Transpo for a free ride with their ticket.

Post-game fireworks are scheduled on May 8 to finish off the game day. (Ottawa Titans)

The Ottawa Titans are preparing for a huge season opener including a record-breaking attendance. (Ottawa Titans)