SOUTH BEND — The South Bend Cubs open their 2016 season Thursday against the West Michigan Whitecaps.

Here are the promotions for opening night:

Thursday

West Michigan Whitecaps, 7:05 p.m.

• Gates open at 5 p.m., pre-game concert by Southern Straightaway

• National Anthem sung by Chicago Cubs featured artist Wayne Messmer

• First pitch by Richard Nussbaum, President of MiLB Midwest League

• First 1,000 fans receive a South Bend Cubs Car Flag

• First 2,000 fans receive a South Bend Cubs 2016 Magnet Schedule

• Face painting, balloon artists and other surprises on the concourse

• Post-Game Fireworks Extravaganza

Friday

West Michigan Whitecaps, 7:35 p.m

• First 2,000 fans receive a South Bend Cubs 2016 Magnet Schedule

• Post-Game Fireworks Extravaganza

Fans can get a sneak peek at the ballpark and the team at 6 p.m. Wednesday as the South Bend Cubs host A Night at the Ballpark to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Elkhart County.

General admission tickets are $5 and include free admission to the Kids’ Fun Zone, an autograph session with the team and a chance to run the bases after the team practice. An all-you-can-eat barbeque buffet in the Pepsi Stadium Club is available for $25, with proceeds also benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Elkhart County.

As a reminder, the gates open two hours prior to the first pitch for all Friday, Saturday and Sunday games throughout the season. The South Bend Cubs Performance Center will be open during home games for all ticket holders.

All home games take place at Four Winds Field, 501 W. South Street, South Bend. Tickets can be purchased online at SouthBendCubs.com or by calling the Box Office at (574) 235-9988.