Alex Parker
The Carroll Dragon Band had a big weekend. Not only did the group perform at their first district home game of the season on Friday and participate in a competition on Saturday but also they headed out to Globe Life Park to be a part of the last game in the Ranger's current stadium.
The band participated in a post-game, farewell parade through Globe Life Park after the Rangers vs. Yankees game Sunday. CISD Band Director Ken Johnson says the group could feel the energy after the game as soon as they walked out on the field.
“I tried to prepare the students the best I could but even when I entered the field it kind of took my breath away,” Ken says. “We were incredibly honored. It was really amazing to see that kind of energy.”
Southlake Carroll was the only full marching band that participated in the parade and they had 225 members take part in the day’s activities.
Ken says that it was a full-circle moment for him. He was present and taking in the energy, but the day also brought him back to when he went to Rangers games in the original Arlington stadium while growing up. He saw the organization build out Globe Life Park and stood on the field before it opened.
“I went out with my high school friends, and they invited fans out on the [Globe Life Park] field when it was under construction,” Ken says. “This will be the third baseball field I see, which is both amazing and hard to believe. Time flies.”
The Carroll Dragon Band has kicked off its competition season, and the group is currently preparing for its super-regional competition in St. Louis, MO, which will feature more than 60 bands.
As far as what's next for the Rangers' home field, locals have a lot to look forward to after its new stadium opens prior to next season.