Holy Toledo! Opening Day crowd sets record!

The Toledo Mud Hens announced today that the crowd on Friday, April 6 established a new single-game record for attendance. Today's game marked the start of the 11th season downtown at Fifth Third Field.

Opening Day game story: "Hens open 2012 season with 5-1 win!"

Two live bands, children's entertainment, the Opening Day Bash, and the launch of the new television pre-game show "Around The Bases" live from behind home plate on the newly renovated Club Level all added to the festivities.

A total of 13,227 fans enjoyed the perfect weather and the first regular season game of the year. This number surpassed the previous record of 13,200 established on May 14, 2010 when American Idol contestant Crystal Bowersox performed the National Anthem.

Toledo Mud Hens President & General Manager Joe Napoli said, "It has been a tremendous week for our community. With the Tigers game on Wednesday and today's home opener, we have welcomed over 25,000 fans into Fifth Third Field. We are grateful for the continued support of the Toledo Mud Hens and this was a great way to start the 11th season downtown."

The sell-out was the 298th at Fifth Third Field.

Below is a list of the top 10 crowds in the history of Fifth Third Field:

1. April 6, 2012 - 13,227
2. May 14, 2010 - 13,200
3. April 16, 2009 - 13,100
4. April 14, 2011 - 12,825
5. April 3, 2008 - 12,750
6. April 8, 2010 - 12,711
7. April 13, 2007 - 12,600
8. April 6, 2006 - 12,500
9. April 15, 2005 - 12,500
10. April 8, 2004 - 12,250