RubberDucks adjust game times for weekend games to comply with Akron's dowtown curfew
The Akron RubberDucks have moved up the start times of two weekend games to ensure fans will not run afoul of a downtown curfew.
The city has imposed a 10 p.m. curfew for its downtown and University of Akron campus area after a series of nighttime protests over the police-involved shooting of Jayland Walker.
More: Akron implements new 10 p.m. downtown curfew after renewed Jayland Walker protests
The minor league ballclub's Friday doubleheader against the Altoona Curve will have a 3:30 p.m. start for the new game.
The gates to Canal Park will open at 3 p.m.
There will be a 30-minute break between the pair of seven inning games.
The planned ZOOperstars! promotion will be held during the second game.
“The safety of our fans is our top priority and we are working closely with the city of Akron to proactively move our game times up to be completed prior to the curfew,” said Akron RubberDucks General Manager and COO Jim Pfander in a statement. “We look forward to seeing our fans at the ballpark this weekend and thank everyone for their patience and understanding.”
The start of Saturday's game against the Curve has been moved up to 6:05 p.m. with gates opening at 5 p.m.
Planned fireworks displays after the Friday and Saturday games have been canceled at Canal Park.
More: Who was Jayland Walker? 'He was the most sincere, most kindhearted person,' friend says
The protests and unrest downtown forced the cancelation of the RubberDucks Fourth of July game.
For more information, visit https://www.milb.com/akron.
Craig Webb can be reached at cwebb@thebeaconjournal.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: RubberDucks change game times to ensure fans comply with Akron curfew
