Hank Aaron is scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch to cap pregame activities opening SunTrust Park on Friday night, the Braves said.

Ceremonies before the Braves’ first regular-season game in the new stadium will include “welcoming home” team legends Aaron, Bobby Cox, Tom Glavine, Chipper Jones, Dale Murphy, Phil Niekro and John Smoltz.

The Braves plan to “officially mark” completion of the ballpark by unveiling the team’s retired numbers.

Outside the stadium, “Braves legends” will lead an inaugural Braves Walk through The Battery Atlanta to the plaza for a “chop rally.”

And before the Braves come to bat in the first inning, Cox will “officially start the chop” from the Coors Light Chop House.

Team officials have said they plan to make the “Braves Walk” and “start the chop” regular events at games this season.

Friday’s game against the San Diego Padres is scheduled for 7:35 p.m., but the Braves asked fans to be in their seats by 6:30 p.m. for pregame ceremonies.

The game is sold out.

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Atlanta Braves pitcher Hurston Waldrep #64 throws a pitch during a game against the Houston Astros on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, in Atlanta, at Truist Park. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution/Jason Allen)

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A rendering of the columbarium memorial that is estimated to be completed by next summer or fall in the southeast part of Oakland Cemetery, officials said. (Courtesy of Historic Oakland Foundation)

Credit: Historic Oakland Foundation