The rhythmic sounds of salsa music mixed with American hits from the 1970s, '80s and '90s pulsed throughout the park, and it was apparent this would be no ordinary spring game.
Watch a historic live look-in on MLB.com beginning shortly before 2 p.m. ET of ESPN's coverage of the ceremonies, first pitches, anthems and more, including the start of the game. The remainder of the broadcast will be available on MLB.TV.
The locals referred to this week's visitors in Havana as "OPR," short for Obama, Pelota, and the Rolling Stones, and the scene pregame before the Rays and the Cuban national team took the field lived up to the hype.