Kitchener Panthers hit the diamond for first home opener under KW Titans' ownership
The Kitchener Panthers had their home opener of the 2025 season on Sunday in Jack Couch Ball Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Kitchener Panthers stayed home for the first time this season, winning 11-10 against the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers.
The third game of the season kicked off at 2 p.m. Saturday at Jack Couch Ball Park.
Kitchener Panthers homeopener
Fans get ready for the Kitchener Panthers homeopener game, May 18, 2025 (Sidra Jafri/CTV News).
'Very excited that the Panthers get a chance to show our home crowd what we can do,' Kitchener Panthers Pitching Coach, Pete Kiefer, said. 'We've been on the road quite a bit, so we're looking to get some home support and really have some fun today.'
The team faced off against the Barnstormers for the second time this season and had hoped to get revenge after losing to them on Friday.
Shanif Hirani, the Panthers' new general manager, spoke with CTV News ahead of the game and said the spirit of home-game fans was electric.
'I think our park is very unique where we can take advantage of it and the other team hasn't played here yet, I think we also have great fans. So, we have sort of a home field advantage,' said Hirani.
Hirani was brought on as general manager in December, following the team's acquisition by the owner of the KW Titans.
Kitchener Panthers and Junior Panthers stand together for the National Anthem
Kitchener Panthers and Junior Panthers stand together for the National Anthem on the Jack Couch Ball Park field, May 18, 2025 (Sidra Jafri/CTV News).
Hirani said his time so far has been 'great.'
'I'm surrounded by a lot of good people, which is helpful and everyone that we've brought in is buying into what we're trying to do,' Hirani said. 'So, it's been a good experience so far. There's lots of continuity that we've brought over from the Titans to the Panthers, which has made the transition a lot more seamless than it would have been without them.'
Fan reaction
Fans get ready for the Kitchener Panthers home opener game
Fans get ready for the Kitchener Panthers homeopener game, May 18, 2025 (Sidra Jafri/CTV News).
Panthers' fans began filling the stands an hour before the first pitch, looking to score some good seats to watch the local team.
Nicole Boss brought her two young sons over early to watch the game and grab one of the free Panthers branded t-shirts the team was giving away to the first 500 fans.
'We're excited to be at the Panthers home opener. We live in the neighborhood so it's really great that we can just walk down here and catch a game,' Boss said. 'It's great to have a local option to bring them to.'
Fans get ready for the Kitchener Panthers home opener game
Fans get ready for the Kitchener Panthers homeopener game, May 18, 2025 (Sidra Jafri/CTV News).
Evelyn Ball has lived in Kitchener since 1992, when she moved to the city with her son and husband. Saturday's game was her first.
'I'm just trying to come out and support more local events,' Ball said. 'I'm retired and I have more time to take part in community events.'
The Junior Kitchener Panthers team, part of the Kitchener Minor Baseball Association, came out to the game to support the Panthers and stand with them for the national anthem.
Some of the young players spoke with CTV News before the game, sharing their excitement for the game and said they planned to hold their gloves high in hopes to catch a foul ball.
The players said in unison that they hope to see themselves on the same field for the same team in the future.
The Kitchener Panthers will be facing the Brantford Red Sox here at home for Game 4 on May 22.
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