Fresno Grizzlies Prepare for Home Opener Amid Recent Violence

Downtown businesses and police take steps to ensure fan safety at baseball stadium

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:20am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police evidence marker on the ground, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the investigative nature of recent violent incidents in downtown Fresno.A recent wave of violent attacks in downtown Fresno has raised concerns about public safety ahead of the Grizzlies' home opener.Fresno Today

As the Fresno Grizzlies prepare to host their 25th annual home opener, the city is taking extra security measures in response to a recent uptick in violent attacks in the downtown area. Close to 6,000 fans are expected to attend the game, and police have announced a Violent Crime Suppression Operation to prevent future incidents. Downtown businesses are also on high alert after two stabbings last week, with some fearing the impact on their survival. Police have already made over 100 arrests and recovered 15 crime guns, and say they will focus on protecting busy hotspot areas in the coming weeks.

Why it matters

The Grizzlies home opener is a major event for downtown Fresno, drawing thousands of fans and providing a boost to local businesses. However, the recent violence in the area has created a climate of fear and uncertainty, threatening the success of the event and the overall vitality of the downtown district. The city's response to this challenge will be closely watched as a test of its ability to maintain public safety and support its local economy.

The details

The Fresno Grizzlies, the city's minor league baseball team, are preparing for their 25th annual home opener at Chukchansi Park. With close to 6,000 fans expected to attend, the team and city officials are taking extra security measures in response to a recent uptick in violent attacks in the downtown area. This includes a new security company, a vigilant team ready to protect fans, and a clear bag policy. Downtown businesses, like The Cave Bar & Grill, are also on high alert after two stabbings last week, with some fearing the impact on their survival. In response, Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto has announced a Violent Crime Suppression Operation to prevent future attacks. The increased patrols have already led to over 100 arrests and the recovery of 15 crime guns. Police say they will focus on protecting busy hotspot areas in the coming weeks, and that they have identified suspects in 8 of the 9 murders so far this year.

  • The Fresno Grizzlies are hosting their 25th annual home opener on April 7, 2026.
  • Two stabbings occurred in downtown Fresno just last week.

The players

Tim Slack

A representative for the Fresno Grizzlies who says the team wants to be a beacon in the community and help downtown in any way they can, including packing the stadium for the home opener.

Cynthia Leary

The owner of The Cave Bar & Grill, a downtown Fresno business that is fearful of the impact the recent violence will have on its survival.

Chief Mindy Casto

The Fresno Police Chief who has announced a Violent Crime Suppression Operation to prevent future attacks and says the city will do everything possible to preserve safety.

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What they’re saying

“We just want to be a beacon in the community, and we want to help Downtown anyway we can. One of the best ways to do that is to pack this place as much as we can.”

— Tim Slack, Fresno Grizzlies representative

“It's like a kick to the stomach. It's like, wow, we just were trying so hard just to keep it going and some violence happens like this.”

— Cynthia Leary, Owner, The Cave Bar & Grill

“It should serve as a lesson for anybody who wants to come into Fresno, especially our most prominent public spaces and commit crimes. You will be held accountable. We would put every resource to bear in order to keep that crime from happening and placing fear in our community that is unwarranted.”

— Chief Mindy Casto, Fresno Police Chief

What’s next

Police say they do plan to add extra patrols for the Grizzlies home opener in downtown Fresno to ensure fan safety.

The takeaway

The Fresno Grizzlies home opener is a major event for the city's downtown, but the recent spike in violent crime has created a challenging environment that requires a coordinated response from the team, local businesses, and law enforcement. The success of this event and the overall vitality of downtown Fresno will depend on the community's ability to maintain public safety and support local enterprises during this difficult period.