NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans & Company and the University of New Orleans will kick off Maestri Classic weekend on Thursday, Feb. 19, with a free, family-friendly Opening Night Celebration at UNO Maestri Field at Privateer Park. The event, held in partnership with the retro video game Backyard Baseball, will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m., with free admission and parking for all attendees.
The evening will feature music, fan experiences and commemorative giveaways, highlighted by the Miracle League of Greater New Orleans All-Stars Game. The Backyard Baseball video game arcade will open at 7 p.m., followed by the Miracle League All-Stars Game at 7:30 p.m., featuring The Melonheads vs. The Wombats. Prizes, giveaways and music are planned throughout the celebration.
More than a game, the event honors legendary Coach Ron Maestri, the tournament’s namesake, while welcoming visiting teams and fans to New Orleans. College players from the University of New Orleans, UL Monroe, Northern Kentucky and Alabama A&M will participate in a special exhibition-style All-Star Game, serving as “buddies” alongside local Miracle League youth athletes.
“The Maestri Classic Opening Night Celebration reflects exactly how New Orleans & Company approaches events of all sizes as opportunities to drive economic impact while strengthening community connection,” said Sam Joffray, New Orleans & Company Event Development and Production Executive. “By launching the weekend with a free, family-friendly celebration, we’re aligning tourism growth with local access and ensuring residents feel just as much a part of this event as our visitors.”
The Miracle League of Greater New Orleans supports children with disabilities by providing inclusive opportunities to play organized sports. Thursday’s exhibition is designed to mirror a professional baseball experience, complete with announcers, mascots, a broadcast and a lively crowd atmosphere.
“Partnering with the Miracle League of Greater New Orleans is what truly elevates this event. At New Orleans & Company, we believe tourism should benefit and reflect the entire community. Featuring Miracle League athletes in a professional-style exhibition alongside college student-athletes sends a powerful message about inclusion and opportunity, as witnessed by the partners that have come on board to help elevate the opening night ceremonies,” Joffray said.
In partnership with Backyard Baseball, the event will also stream online in the game’s signature style, featuring themed uniforms, mascots, a gaming arcade area and prizes. Young participants who hit a home run in the arcade will have the opportunity to win collectible Backyard Sports merchandise, prizes or VIP trips to the concession stand.
“As we grow the Maestri Classic into a premier annual event with nationally recognized programs, we are building more than a weekend of baseball. We are building a tradition that showcases New Orleans on a national stage,” Joffray added. “With conversations already underway with institutions such as Yale, Villanova and Arkansas State, this event is poised to become a signature part of our city’s sports calendar, driving sustained economic impact, elevating our brand as a dynamic host city and creating meaningful opportunities for our community year after year.”