Altoona Curve fans eager for opening day after Curvefest event

Hundreds of fans gathered to meet players and coaches ahead of the team's season opener.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:10pm

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Altoona Curve fans are gearing up for the team's opening day by attending Curvefest, an annual event where fans get a first glimpse of the players and coaches. Held at the Altoona Grand Hotel, the event featured a meet-and-greet, dinner, and prize giveaways as the team was introduced one by one to the hundreds of fans in attendance. Fans expressed their excitement for the upcoming season and the chance to interact with the players off the field.

Why it matters

The Altoona Curve is a minor league baseball team that has a loyal fan base in the Altoona, Pennsylvania area. Events like Curvefest help build anticipation and community around the team's season, which is important for a smaller market club to maintain fan engagement and support.

The details

At Curvefest, the Altoona Curve players and coaches were brought up on stage individually and introduced to the hundreds of fans in attendance at the Altoona Grand Hotel. In addition to the meet-and-greet, fans were able to enjoy a dinner and have a chance to win various prizes and baskets. After the introductions, fans gathered to get autographs from the players and coaches.

  • The Altoona Curve will kick off the 2026 season on Thursday, April 2 at PNG Field.
  • Curvefest took place just days before the team's opening day.

The players

Kevin Burns

A season ticket holder for the Altoona Curve.

Bennett Denis

An Altoona Curve fan.

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What they’re saying

“You get to see a lot, and you get to hear what kind of people they are off the field.”

— Kevin Burns, Altoona Curve season ticket holder

“I'm really excited to just getting a groove. Just done with school. And then after some chill time, then when 6 or 4 rolls around, I'm always excited to be there and then do my homework, and then go to bed.”

— Bennett Denis, Altoona Curve fan

What’s next

The Altoona Curve will kick off the 2026 season at PNG Field on Thursday, April 2 against the Harrisburg Senators. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

The takeaway

Events like Curvefest help build excitement and community around minor league baseball teams like the Altoona Curve, which is important for maintaining a loyal fan base in smaller markets. The chance for fans to interact with players and coaches off the field helps foster a connection that translates to greater support on game days.