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Jacksonville Suns Open Season Tonight

Jacksonville Suns

It's opening night for the Jacksonville Suns.

The season begins against the Birmingham Barons at 7:05 p.m. at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. The game kicks off a five-game homestand.

Mayor Lenny Curry and his son Boyd Curry will each throw ceremonial first pitches.

The first 5,000 fans will receive a free Suns magnet schedule at the front gates. Promotions include $1 beers at the new Tiki Terrace and at the right-field bleachers. Tickets start at $5 and hot dogs are $2 for every game. For more information, visit the team's website.

The Suns are under new ownership this season. Ken Babby, 36, of Potomac, Maryland, purchased the franchise in September for an undisclosed amount. Babby is the founder of fitness company Fast Forward Sports Group. Babby also owns the the Double-A minor league baseball franchise Akron RubberDucks, a team he has owned since October 2012.

The Suns will play 70 home games and with season runs through Sept. 5.

Opening weekend events feature firework displays tonight and Friday, acrobats from the Red Trouser Show on Saturday and gates open at 2 p.m. Sunday for Kids Opening Day, which includes a pre-game catch on the field, reading with the Suns and kids get to run the bases after the game.

The Suns are a Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. Here's the team's broadcaster Roger Hoover interviewing reporter Joe Frisaro from spring training March 19.