Colon

PAWTUCKET — All the pomp and circumstance that goes hand in hand with Opening Day will be on display as the Pawtucket Red Sox open the 2008 season tonight at 7 o’clock at McCoy Stadium against the Indianapolis Indians.

The PawSox will begin their eight-game home stand in fine fashion with Opening Night ceremonies that never disappoint. Plus, Red Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon will start for Pawtucket, while the first 3,000 fans 14-and-under will receive a Red Sox World Series mini bat.

Red Sox management has been impressed with Colon this spring and tonight could be the right-hander’s final tune-up before joining Boston. It’s becoming a habit for major-league veterans to start the season in Pawtucket as Curt Schilling made a rehab start for the PawSox during their season-opener at Indy in 2005.

Colon, who signed a minor-league deal with Boston prior to the start of spring training, has shown solid arm strength and velocity during his brief time in the organization. His last outing came in an exhibition game against the Dodgers last week as he worked four innings and allowed one run on three hits with four strikeouts and one walk.

Joining Colon will be outfielder Bobby Kielty, who accepted his minor-league assignment to Pawtucket and should be in the lineup tonight.

World Series aura

It’s going to be a fun weekend at McCoy Stadium as the 2004 and 2007 Red Sox World Series trophies will be on hand prior and during the PawSox game on Sunday. Gates open at 11 a.m. and ticket holders will be able to have their pictures taken. The photos will be available for a free download at www.pawsox.com. The first 4,000 fans 14-and-under will also receive a commemorative Red Sox World Series pennant.

Extra bases

Tonight’s game will be broadcast live on Cox Sports 3. … After the Indians leave town on Sunday, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs — the new Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies — make their debut at McCoy Stadium for a four-game set. … After Colon starts tonight, the PawSox rotation will feature — in order — David Pauley, Devern Hansack and Charlie Zink. … International League president Randy Mobley was the keynote speaker at the PawSox’ annual Welcome Home Luncheon yesterday.

jmcdonal@projo.com