Rockies' Top 10 Home Openers: From Freeland's Gems to Bichette's Walk-Off

The Rockies' home opener is a Denver tradition, filled with memorable baseball moments over the years.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:42pm

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A visually striking, cubist-style painting depicting a Rockies baseball game in progress, with the field, players, and stadium rendered in a fragmented, multi-perspective style using bold, contrasting colors.A cubist interpretation of the energy and excitement of a Rockies home opener at Coors Field, capturing the game's action through a fractured, geometric lens.Denver Today

The Denver Post takes a look back at the top 10 most memorable Rockies home openers, from Kyle Freeland's dominant pitching performances to Dante Bichette's iconic walk-off home run in the first game at Coors Field.

Why it matters

The Rockies' home opener is a beloved annual tradition in Denver, kicking off the baseball season with a festive atmosphere and showcasing some of the team's most iconic moments over the past 34 years. These memorable home openers highlight the Rockies' history, their connection to the local community, and the unique challenges of playing at high-altitude Coors Field.

The details

The article recounts 10 of the most memorable Rockies home openers, from Kyle Freeland's dominant debut in 2017 to Dante Bichette's walk-off homer in the first game at Coors Field in 1995. Other highlights include Jorge De La Rosa's shutout in 2010, Brad Hawpe's walk-off in 2006, and Chuck Nazty Blackmon's 6-for-6 performance in 2014. The home opener is described as a Denver "Mardi Gras" with fans, office workers, and party-goers filling the streets around the ballpark.

  • The Rockies' 34th home opener will be held on Friday, April 2, 2026.
  • The 2020 home opener was played without fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The Rockies own a 17-16 record in home openers over their 34-year history.

The players

Kyle Freeland

A Denver native who has delivered several dominant home opener performances for the Rockies, including a 6 2/3 scoreless innings in a 1-0 win over the Nationals in 2023.

Jorge De La Rosa

A Rockies pitcher known for his ability to succeed at Coors Field, including a 7-0 shutout of the Padres in the 2010 home opener.

Brad Hawpe

The Rockies outfielder who delivered a walk-off RBI single in the 11th inning to beat the Diamondbacks 3-2 in the 2006 home opener.

Matt Holliday

The Rockies outfielder who scored the winning run on Hawpe's walk-off hit in the 2006 home opener.

Dante Bichette

The Rockies slugger who hit a dramatic 3-run walk-off homer in the 14th inning of the first game at Coors Field in 1995, setting the tone for the "Blake Street Bombers" era.

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What they’re saying

“The butterflies were going for sure, and we've talked about how much this means to me, to be able to pitch in front of my home state and get a win. It means the world to me.”

— Kyle Freeland

“I guess I just feel more comfortable at home. I just feel like I have control there, especially with my changeup. I feel like I can throw it in any count.”

— Jorge De La Rosa

“What an outing for Kyle. I think the people of Denver should be very proud of their native son.”

— Bud Black, Rockies Manager

“I remember running the bases thinking this can't be real. The next game, I was still on cloud nine, but the game slowed down for me after the home run.”

— Clint Barmes

“That one game, you could almost say, single-handedly turned my career around.”

— Charlie Blackmon

What’s next

The Rockies will host the Philadelphia Phillies and star outfielder Bryce Harper in the 2026 home opener at Coors Field on Friday, April 2nd.

The takeaway

The Rockies' home opener is a beloved annual tradition in Denver, filled with memorable moments that capture the team's unique history, connection to the local community, and the challenges of playing at high-altitude Coors Field. From dominant pitching performances to dramatic walk-off wins, these top 10 home openers showcase the Rockies' most iconic players and the enduring passion of their fans.