It’s going to be a sticky one this weekend if you’re heading to see the Razorbacks. The opening day baseball schedule at Baum Walker Stadium usually brings cool breezes and tailgates with chili, not an oven-like atmosphere. But meteorologists are tracking temperatures that could set a record for the hottest opening day game in Fayetteville. If the heat index on Saturday hits 103 degrees, it will break the 34-year-old record of 102 set back in 1990, according to the NWA Democrat-Gazette. Currently, the forecast looks to be pushing 100 degrees with high humidity, making standing in the outfield bleachers feel even warmer than the thermometer reads. If you’ve got little ones in tow, you want to make sure everyone stays safe before the first pitch is thrown. **Pack smart** You show up early to field check or hit up the concession stand, and before you know it, the sun is beating down on the west side of the stadium. Practice crayon art or eat a sandwich on paper plates, not plastic, so you have a way to wipe up sweat or drink spills. Bring at least two bottles of water for every person. **Get some shade** Many families set up tents right past the entrance gates. Find a spot in the shade before the sun hits its peak. Those metal bleachers south of the ballpark can get brutal, so keep an eye on your kids and bring some sunscreen even if it’s overcast; you still need protection during those morning games. **Know the signs** If a player stops mid-inning to drag their hat down over their eyes, it’s time to head for the A/C [link to /family-fun/] inside the concourse. Heat exhaustion doesn’t wait for a commercial break. If a family member seems dizzy or is unusually tired, move them to the coolest spot you can find immediately. Enjoy the energy of opening day. Nine innings of spring baseball in Northwest Arkansas is a right of passage, but staying ahead of the heat makes the win taste better. Read the full story about the heat forecast from the NWA Democrat-Gazette.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
