MLB has changed Opening Day (OD) moving the schedule ahead with the first pitch of the season being thrown on Thursday and many teams playing for the first time on Friday. The schedule change is a departure from the Monday OD tradition and is not a big improvement. The only advantage is that they are not sharing the day with the final NCAA bball game.
First off, MLB should not have opening days. By having multiple opening days, it dilutes the brand and makes it tougher for casual fans to know the schedule. MLB should have all teams run out on a sunny field to the cheers of a sold out stadium on the day most have off – Sunday.
Without the NFL and no Tourney games, then MLB would only compete with two NBA games on the upcoming third day of April. MLB could sandwich OD between the Final Four games. TBS and FOX could broadcast games all afternoon and ESPN would have the night game. Even though the two college fan bases and the two remaining in each office pool would still be focused on the Tourney, MLB would essentially rule the TV on Sunday. Dicky V might even be at the Rays OD. MLB owning Sunday TV would give the game better exposure to more casual fans, including a younger demographic, rather than having OD during the week.
Just as important as the day OD is played on, is the location. MLB should stop scheduling OD in the Northeast and around the Great Lakes. We should not see the players breath. OD should bring forth thoughts of spring and the hope of a new season. Cloudy, cold weather conditions is anti-spring. OD in mild weather also gives MLB the opportunity to have fan/kid friendly outdoor activities on Saturday and Sunday like during the All-Star Game. The game has to target a younger people outside of the Northeast. OD should be played on the West Coast and in the South since it makes for better TV and a better opportunity to engage their target demographic.
MLB had an opportunity to make OD better and they failed. A great product is not worth too much if few know about it.