WORCESTER, Mass. - Well before the national anthem and game day festivities, David Clark and Austin Ahern were patiently waiting for the doors to open at Polar Park.

"It tells you that it's spring and it's the start to the baseball season," said Ahern. "Just a great feeling."

It's far from their first opening day, but the local baseball fans are expecting a busy 2024 season in Worcester.

"I think you'll see a two-parter when the young kids from Portland get here later in the season," Clark said. "Right now, it's here for the new season but when their top prospects come from Portland in the summertime, it's going to bring more atmosphere to the city."

Excitement around baseball's future stars was a common theme among fans during Worcester's home opener.

"I'm hoping to see some of the younger talent continue to develop so that way they can get up to the major league roster because they need some help," said WooSox fan Jason Farnsworth.

Farnsworth took the day off from work to watch the WooSox battle the Buffalo Bisons Tuesday. It's his third opening day at Polar Park, something he says has yet to get old in the ballpark's short time in the city.

"There's always new things, new players, new things to see, new rule changes," said Farnsworth. "It's just always an exciting experience here."

Decked out in WooSox gear, Chris Strong took in his first opening day in Worcester. It was his first trip to Polar Park, leaving him with some bold opinions.

"It's a nice park," said Strong. "I think it's actually better than Fenway."

Strong dove in head first, buying season tickets before even seeing a game in person. Now seeing the field for the first time, he says it's an investment already paying off.

"Excited actually. I'm glad to actually be here for opening day," said Strong. "This is my first season here, so I'm hoping we're going to have a good season."