As Major League Baseball kicks off its 2025 season, all eyes are on Dodger Stadium where the Los Angeles Dodgers are set to host the Detroit Tigers for their home opener on Thursday, March 27, 2025. This marks the beginning of the Dodgers' 68th season in Los Angeles and the first time they will face an American League opponent in their home opener.
The game is scheduled to start at 4:10 p.m. PT, but pre-game festivities will commence at 3:30 p.m. Fans can expect a grand celebration as the Dodgers have dubbed the event "a Hollywood show for the ages." Grammy-nominated artist Josh Groban will once again perform the national anthem, and attendees can look forward to a spectacular flyover featuring F-15C and F-35A fighter jets.
In a touching tribute, firefighters from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, and Pasadena Fire Department will salute the American flag, which will be displayed from firetrucks in Lot 1. LAFD Captain Jerry Puga and Pasadena Fire Department Captain Jodi Slicker will unveil the 2024 World Series emblem before the first pitch, adding to the day's significance.
This year, the Dodgers will send new starting pitcher Blake Snell to the mound for his Dodger debut. Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, signed a five-year, $182 million contract with the Dodgers, making it the third-largest deal for a left-handed pitcher in MLB history. He will be facing fellow left-hander Tarik Skubal, the unanimous selection for the 2024 American League Cy Young Award.
Snell's impressive resume includes a 14-9 record with a league-best 2.23 ERA last season while pitching for the San Diego Padres. In 2018, he won the American League Cy Young Award, leading the league with a 1.89 ERA and 21 victories. Meanwhile, Skubal had a stellar 2024 season, leading MLB with 228 strikeouts and tying for the most wins with 18. He has previously faced the Dodgers once, earning a no-decision after allowing two runs on two hits over six innings.
As the Dodgers prepare for their home opener, fans are encouraged to arrive early. Car and stadium gates will open at 1:10 p.m. to accommodate the expected crowd, and rideshare services have adjusted their drop-off and pick-up locations to improve access. The Dodgers have also implemented a new facial recognition entry system through the MLB Ballpark app, allowing fans to speed up their entry into the stadium.
In addition to the festivities, fans attending the game will have the opportunity to participate in a 50/50 raffle, with proceeds supporting wildfire recovery efforts. The funds raised will go towards the reconstruction of two Dodgers Dreamfields at Altadena's Loma Alta Park and the rebuilding of the Palisades-Malibu YMCA, which was lost in the devastating Palisades Fire.
The Dodgers are coming off a successful start to their season, having played two games in Japan against the Chicago Cubs, where they achieved a 2-0 sweep. Shohei Ohtani, the designated hitter for the Dodgers, has already made an impact this season, recording three runs and a home run in the Tokyo Series.
As the excitement builds for the home opener, the Dodgers will also present their World Series rings to the team before Friday night's game against the Tigers, further heightening the anticipation for fans and players alike.
The Dodgers' 26-man roster features a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, with players like Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Shohei Ohtani expected to play pivotal roles this season. However, the team will also be without several key players currently on the injured list, including Clayton Kershaw and Tony Gonsolin.
As the game approaches, the Dodgers are eager to defend their title and embark on a new quest for back-to-back championships. With a strong roster and a passionate fan base, the atmosphere at Dodger Stadium is sure to be electric as the team takes the field for the first time in 2025.
In summary, the Dodgers' home opener against the Tigers promises to be an unforgettable event filled with excitement, celebration, and the hope of another successful season. Fans are encouraged to join in the festivities and support their team as they aim for greatness once again.
