Mississippi Braves welcome new menu items, fireworks and hopes for a winning season

With last season's 62-74 record in the past, optimism always reigns on opening day. That's certainly the case for the Mississippi Braves as they open their season against the Biloxi Shuckers at 6:35 p.m. at Trustmark Park on Friday.

The Braves will try to improve their product on the field. Off it, there are several new offerings as well.

Braves General Manager Pete Laven said he is excited about the new food items and other entertainment that will help bring in new fans.

"We are excited about opening night," Laven said. "We're going to have a couple of representatives from Rolling Fork to honor them with our opening night pregame ceremonies after the tragic EF-4 tornado tore through the city. Also, we will be donating $1 for every ticket sold to Rolling Fork all weekend."

Laven said a new food item he believes would be a fan favorite is ice cream infused with alcoholic and non-alcoholic flavors called Sweet and Boozy ice cream.

"It's a unique treat that a lot of teams are serving across the nation, even the Las Vegas Raiders, and we wanted to add that same uniqueness to our menu," Laven said.

As part of the season opener, the Braves will display postgame fireworks shows on Friday and every Saturday night at Trustmark Park.

Fans will also have the opportunity to receive premium giveaways from the National League Rookie of the Year, Michael Harris, who played for the Braves last year. The first 1,000 fans will receive a replica of Michael Harris's jersey on Friday, May 12 and signed bottle heads.

In addition, The Dixieland jazz band will be playing in front of the stadium to create an opening-day atmosphere.

"This year, we are bringing back our grilled and smoked sausage, giving our fans that local flavor, with five new types of smoked sausage to be revealed at the season opener," Laven said. "We also will be serving our own personally made pizza this year, which can be found at the Foul Ball pizza stand on the west wing of the stadium. One of those options is mac and cheese pizza."

If you go:

When/Time: 6:35 p.m. on Friday

Where: Trustmark Park, 1 Braves Blvd, Pearl

Admission: Ticket prices start at $7, but prices may vary depending on seating. Click here to purchase

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi Braves home opener features new food, entertainment