DURHAM -- Just in time for the warm spring weather, last year's defending Triple A National Champions, the Durham Bulls, are returning to the field this week for 2018 Opening Day. And they’re offering no shortage of fun for new and longtime fans of the franchise.

Featuring a number of return players to the diamond, along with some new faces, the team's celebrating their success. This year, they return 13 players from a year ago, a team comprised of three “Top-100” prospects. Franchise leaders hope that veteran mentality will help the team go far again this season.

In addition to the play on the field, the Bulls are offering a number of family friendly themed days for fans. The team expects Foodtruck Fridays to become a tradition along with Taco Tuesday and animal friendly Bark in Park days. Then on April 7 and 8, they’ll celebrate LEGO Weekend, with interactive stations set up throughout the stadium for kids of all ages to enjoy.

Then on May 4, it’s Star Wars Night presented by Duke Children’s Hospital, where the DBAP will have intergalactic characters and special jerseys as the team celebrates. “May the fourth be with you!” 

There are also education days, days where kids can run the bases, teacher appreciation night, military appreciation night, Wool E. Bulls Birthday Party, Hispanic heritage night, camp out night, touch a truck, first responders appreciation night and the list goes on.

But a very special evening on Friday, July 13, the game will be themed around the wildly popular Netflix series Stranger Things, as the team wears specially-designed uniforms, surrounded by referenced and promotions throughout the ball park. The show was created by Durham natives and Jordan High School alumni, The Duffer Brothers. If you watch carefully, the show is filled with a number of references to Durham locations like the Eno River and Jordan Lake. Some come wearing your favorite 80’s gear, and be prepared to walk in the Upside Down.

If you want to come enjoy any of the Durham Bulls games this season, a schedule and tickets can be found on their website.  Opening Day is Thursday, April 5 at 6:05 p.m. at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park against in state rival the Charlotte Knights.