Show on the Road

* For starters: The Rangers already have played one game, losing to the Toronto Blue Jays, 8-1, in Puerto Rico on Sunday.

* Past performance: The Angels open their 41st season on the road for the first time since 1994 and are 21-19 in openers in their history. On the road, the Angels have an 8-7 record in openers. Texas is 15-14 in home openers, including 3-4 at the Ballpark in Arlington. This is the first time the Rangers have opened at home against the Angels.

* Ceremonial first pitch: Troy Aikman. The former Dallas Cowboy and UCLA quarterback, who has been prone to concussions during his 12-year NFL career, is deciding whether to sign with another team, become a broadcaster or take time off. Aikman is being honored as a “Texas Hero� for his athletic accomplishments as well as his work for disadvantaged children in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

* National anthem: Jessica Simpson, a Dallas native.

* Other ceremonies: At the end of the national anthem, Challenger, a 13-year-old bald eagle, will fly from the offices beyond center field to home plate. There also will be a flyover by two B-1 bombers from Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas.

* Opening-day memories: In their inaugural game April 11, 1961, the Angels defeated the Orioles at Baltimore, 7-2. . . . In 1986, Bobby Grich homered on the first pitch of the season at Seattle and the Angels went on to win the American League West title. . . . In the first game at renovated Edison Field in 1998, the Angels defeated the New York Yankees, 4-1. . . . In 1970, the Angels set a club record for runs in a season opener in a 12-0 victory against the Brewers at Milwaukee.