Lance Layton and Mark Lavere, friends from Landenberg who have been going to the Phillies’ opening day together for almost 40 years, have high hopes for this season, writes Peter Crimmins for WHYY. 

“We’ve been friends forever,” said Lavere. “Who else do you want to spend opening day with?” 

They first went to a game together in 1985, and since then, their opening-day tradition has grown significantly to include their loved ones.

“Now we’ve included all of our families,” said Layton. “It’s now like 20, 25 people coming with us where it was originally just the two of us.” 

This was the first opening day since the pandemic started that all the parking lots in the stadium complex were filled with spectators ready to enjoy a full day of grilling, drinking, playing cornhole, and listening to music.

Read more about the Phillies’ opening day at WHYY.