ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - If you were to walk around Rangers Ballpark in Arlington Friday afternoon, you would swear time had reversed 6 months.

The tailgaters are out in force, the ushers are electrified and the stadium has a buzz about it unseen since April.

It's opening day all over again, but this time it's the American League Division Series, and the Rangers find themselves against a familiar opponent.

The Tampa Bay Rays came to town Thursday after a storybook ending to their regular season to claim the American League Wild Card.  Many writers and talk show hosts say the Rays have momentum on their side, but not Rangers fans.

Watauga resident Garrett Apa spent the afternoon tailgaiting at Lot N across from the youth ballpark.  Apa's grill was sizzling with jalapeno sausages while he thought about how the ALDS would go.  "We'll get them in 4," he said confidently, while closely watching the fire.

Ballpark ambassador Jimmie Patterson had a very similar prediction for the series.  "They forgot how well the Rangers played during September," he said, between ushering fans into the Home Plate gate. "We're going to win this one in four games!" he added, confidently.

As fans poured in, they were each given a white rally towel with the Rangers 'T' logo.  "This towel won't be for crying!" fan Diane Bernhardt told the attendant as she got her towel.  "We're going to be celebrating with these."

A sentiment felt by thousands around her as the seats began to fill up.

Play Ball!