Marlins-Reds opener moved to April 5, day earlier

[November 16, 2011]  CINCINNATI (AP) -- The Cincinnati Reds say their 2012 opening game has been moved to Thursday, April 5, avoiding conflicts with downtown vendors who sponsor the annual downtown parade and Good Friday observances.

The Reds will play the Miami Marlins at 4:10 p.m. Thursday, with Friday now an open date for them. The Marlins will open their new ballpark against St. Louis with a game the night before.

The Findlay Market Association sponsors a parade with marching bands and floats. Vendors were unhappy about the Friday date because they said Fridays, and particularly Good Fridays, are big sales days. Also, many in the heavily Roman Catholic city attend Mass and fast.

The Reds say Major League Baseball, its players association and both teams' players agreed to the change.

[Associated Press]

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