Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES — Baseball is back in Los Angeles—and the Dodgers are returning home as kings of the diamond. Following a thrilling sweep of the Cubs in Tokyo, the defending World Series champions open their domestic schedule with a six-game homestand that kicks off Thursday, March 27, against the Detroit Tigers. It’s Opening Week presented by Bank of America, and this year’s festivities promise to be one for the ages.
For the first time ever, the Dodgers will face an American League team in their home opener, and fans are in for a Hollywood-style show from the first pitch to the final out. Tickets are still available at Dodgers.com/Tickets.
Thursday: Opening Day Goes Hollywood
First pitch is at 4:10 p.m., but fans will want to arrive early—really early. Gates open at 1:10 p.m., and pregame ceremonies begin at 3:30 p.m. Grammy-nominated singer Josh Groban will perform the national anthem as F-15C and F-35A fighter jets roar overhead. Firefighters from across L.A. County will salute the flag, and Fire Captains Jerry Puga and Jodi Slicker will unveil the 2024 World Series emblem on the field.
And that’s just the beginning.
Friday: Ring Ceremony for the Champs
Friday night at 7:10 p.m., the Dodgers will celebrate their eighth World Series title with a Ring Ceremony that’s sure to sparkle. Hosted by actor and comedian Anthony Anderson, with narration from legendary Oscars voice Randy Thomas, this will be a moment to remember.
Dodger greats Steve Garvey, Orel Hershiser, and Manny Mota will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and Hall of Famer Jaime Jarrín will say what fans love to hear: “It’s Time for Dodger Baseball.” After the final out, the first drone show of the season will light up the sky with highlights from the team’s 2024 title run.
Saturday: Hershiser Night + Silver Sluggers
The celebration rolls into the weekend with a 6:10 p.m. game Saturday featuring a giveaway Orel Hershiser jersey, presented by Bank of America. Pregame ceremonies will honor the Dodgers’ 2024 Silver Slugger Award winners—Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernández, and Shohei Ohtani.
In a touching tribute, Jordan Hershiser will throw the first pitch to his dad, and Dana Hershiser will deliver the “It’s Time” call. Stick around postgame for a live DJ set in Centerfield Plaza.
Monday–Wednesday: Braves Visit and More Giveaways
After the Tigers leave town, the Atlanta Braves arrive for a three-game set, starting Monday, March 31 at 7:10 p.m. Fans will receive a blue Dodgers hoodie, and Tuesday brings back the ever-popular Taco Tuesday, complete with themed food and drinks. It’s also Healthcare Appreciation Night, and those with a special ticket pack get a sleek insulated Dodger water bottle.
Wednesday’s early game at 5:38 p.m. features the season’s first bobblehead: a Shohei Ohtani MVP bobblehead, celebrating the global superstar’s dominant 2024 campaign. Even better? All 50/50 raffle proceeds from the night will benefit families affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires, thanks to a donation from Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF).
Giving Back with LADF
The Dodgers are making sure their return home benefits the whole community. The LADF is dedicating net proceeds from Thursday and Friday’s games to rebuild fire-damaged communities, including two Dodgers Dreamfields in Altadena and the Palisades-Malibu YMCA. Fans can support these efforts through the 50/50 raffle, bidding on signed memorabilia at Dodgers.com/Auctions, or by creating a custom Dodgers baseball card in Centerfield Plaza.
And don’t forget to register early for the LADF Sunset Run at Dodgers.com/Run—a fan favorite event returning in 2025.
Honoring Local Heroes
New this year is the “Frontline Hero of the Game” program, in partnership with Fanatics. Once per series, the Dodgers will honor firefighters who helped battle the recent wildfires, bringing well-deserved recognition to those who serve the city with courage and heart.
Plan Ahead for Parking and Transportation
Auto and stadium gates will open at 1:10 p.m. on Opening Day and 4:10 p.m. on Friday for the Ring Ceremony. For other games, gates open 2.5 hours before first pitch for parking and 2 hours for stadium entry. The Dodger Stadium Express will be available from Union Station and Harbor Gateway Transit Center, and Uber drop-off/pick-up has moved to Lot 1 via Gate B for improved flow.
Opening Week is more than baseball—it’s a citywide celebration of champions. Whether you’re going for the giveaways, the fireworks, the rings, or just to cheer on your boys in blue, Dodger Stadium is the place to be. Let the title defense begin.
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