On April 9, the Las Vegas Ballpark opened its doors to the public for the first time, ushering in a new era of baseball to the Las Vegas Valley. Desert Companion Art Director Christopher Smith captured the Las Vegas Aviators' first game, a 10-2 victory over visiting Sacramento River Cats.
Christopher's take: The Strip-style amenities — gourmet food, posh suites, a pool with cabana suites and in-seat wait service — give the Las Vegas Ballpark a definite Vegas touch. But the size, scale, and design give the ballpark a legitimate "big league stadium" feel that suggest we've made it to the majors.
Signage on the front of Las Vegas Ballpark. Crews were still finishing up small details as excited guests were arriving.
A plaque on the outside of the stadium detailing the team's major league affiliation with the Oakland Athletics.
Fans enter Las Vegas Ballpark for the first time. On their way in, fans received Las Vegas Aviators souvenir baseball caps.
Opening week program book, given to fans as they made their way to the seats.
The Las Vegas Aviators take batting practice as the volunteers in the stands get their final assigments for opening night.
Fans arrive at their seats during batting practice to take in the ballpark's new views.
Flydog, one of several new gourmet food concepts at Las Vegas Ballpark, offers fans several hot dog and sausage options created by Chef Brian Howard of Sparrow + Wolf. Other local restaurants are represented at the ballpark as well: Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, Ferraro's, Me Gusta Tacos, Goodwich, and more.
Fans not only flocked to the food vendors, they also flooded the team store for the new team apparel.
The grounds crew touches up the field before the big game gets under way.
Aviators first baseman Seth Brown sneaks out to the dugout before the rest of the team to take in the atmoshere of their new stadium.
Players stretch and warm up during pregame before the teams first-ever game at Las Vegas Ballpark.
From left to right: Dustin Fowler, OF (10), Eric Capbell 1B (22), Tyler Ramirez, OF (23), Skye Bold, OF (8).
Players stretch and warm up during pregame at Las Vegas Ballpark.
From left to right: Outfielders Mark Payton (16), Tyler Ramirez (54), Skye Bold (8), Dustin Fowler (10)
Young fans cheer on their newest team as they take the field for pregame warmups.
The Las Vegas Aviators introduced two new mascots to the valley. Here, 'Spruce' gets the fans in a frenzy before the start of the game.
Fans get into a frenzy as 'Spruce' gets them pumped up.
The Las Vegas Aviators' second mascot, 'Aviator,' makes a grand entrance via jet pack.
'Aviator' points to the fans as the second new Aviators mascot is introduced.
Hailey Dawson, 9, of Henderson, prepares to throw out the first pitch using a 3D-printed robotic hand developed and printed by UNLV's College of Engineering. (Dawson is the first person to ever throw out the first pitch at all 30 Major League baseball stadiums, a dream she completed at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, Calif. on September 16, 2018).
Hailey Dawson throws out the ceremonial first pitch to Las Vegas hitting coach Eric Martins during the Aviators' inaugural game at Las Vegas Ballpark. Asked if she was nervous throwing out the first pitch at her home stadium, Hailey replied, "Never!"
Howard Hughes CEO David R. Weinreb, Gov. Steve Sisolak, and LVCVA CEO Steve Hill commemorate Las Vegas Ballpark's first game.
Flags fly in the high winds at Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin. Winds were forecasted during the game to reach upwards of 35 mph.
The Las Vegas Aviators stand ready for the opening day festivities at Las Vegas Ballpark.
Fans settle into their seats at the Las Vegas Ballpark.
A young fan holds up a sign to welcome the Las Vegas Aviators to Summerlin.
Fans filled the concourse throughout the opening innings to get food — and get out of the cold winds that started to creep into the stadium by the second inning.
A view from right field; Red Rock Resort Spa and Casino is seen over the third base stands.
Shortstop Jorge Mateo breaks his bat as he hits a single to center field in the bottom of the first inning.
Unlike Cashman Field, the old home to the Las Vegas 51s, Las Vegas Ballpark has seating above the left field fence and a wrap-around walkway, offering new vantage points for the fans.
A popular feature at Cashman Field, the grass lawn, is a feature of the Las Vegas Ballpark, too.
Jorge Mateo brings in a run with a line drive single in the bottom of the second inning.
Sheldon Neuse walks to home after a throwing error by Sacramento's shortstop Abiatal Avelino.
Fans pack Las Vegas Ballpark for the Aviators' first home game. Las Vegas Ballpark has a seating capacity of 10,000, which doesn't include standing room. Attendance at this inaugural game was reported to be 11,036.
Daniel Mengden pitches in the top of the fifth inning. Mengden had a strong outing, coming into play during the third inning to win the game. He pitched six innings, allowing one run with nine strikeouts. (Although The Aviators were winning by a score of 6-1, the stands appear empty because fans flocked to the concourse to escape the high winds and dust.)