Winning back-to-back World Series titles changes how a city breathes. In Los Angeles, it means the 2026 season isn't just about baseball; it's about a potential three-peat that hasn't been seen since the Yankees' turn-of-the-century dynasty. Everyone wants a piece of the champs. If you're looking at the los angeles dodgers schedule, you'll notice things feel a bit more "global" and high-stakes than usual.
Basically, the grind starts in the desert. Spring Training officially kicks off at Camelback Ranch on February 21 against the Angels. But the real date everyone has circled—the one where the rings come out and the banners go up—is March 26.
The Opening Day Chaos and Early Homestands
Dodger Stadium is hosting its 65th home opener this year. It's a three-game set against the Arizona Diamondbacks starting Thursday, March 26. Honestly, getting tickets for this is going to be a nightmare, but that's the price of success.
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After Arizona leaves town, the Dodgers jump straight into Interleague play. The Cleveland Guardians come to Chavez Ravine from March 30 to April 1. It’s a weird way to start the year, honestly, but the "balanced schedule" MLB introduced a few years back means we see everyone now.
- Opening Day: March 26 vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (8:30 PM local time).
- Interleague Kickoff: March 30-April 1 vs. Cleveland Guardians.
- First Road Trip: A flight to D.C. to face the Nationals starting April 3, followed by a quick trip to Toronto.
You've gotta love the April 15 matchup. The Dodgers will host the New York Mets for Jackie Robinson Day. It’s the 79th anniversary of Jackie breaking the color barrier, and as always, every single person on the field will be wearing number 42. There’s a specific kind of energy in the ravine that night that you just can’t replicate.
Rivalry Week and the Summer Slog
The schedule makers kept "Rivalry Weekend" for 2026. This is where the geographic "natural" rivals face off. For LA, that means a short trip down the 5 Freeway. The Dodgers head to Anaheim to face the Angels from May 15-17. Later in June, the Halos come to Dodger Stadium (June 5-7) to finish the "Freeway Series."
Things get heavy in July. There is a massive 10-game homestand right before the All-Star break.
From July 2 to July 12, the Dodgers don't leave Los Angeles. They host the San Diego Padres for a four-game set that includes the Fourth of July. If you want fireworks—both literally and from the bats—that’s the series to hit. Immediately after the Padres, the Rockies and Diamondbacks come to town to close out the first half of the season.
Key Summer Matchups to Watch
- The Boston Red Sox: Coming to Chavez Ravine July 31–August 2.
- Yankee Stadium Trip: The Dodgers travel to the Bronx July 17-19 to open the second half. It's a World Series rematch on the biggest stage.
- Labor Day: September 7 vs. the Cincinnati Reds at home.
The All-Star Game itself is on July 14, but it won't be in LA. The stars are heading to Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. Expect a heavy Dodger presence on that roster; Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman are basically locks if they're healthy.
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The September Gauntlet
If the NL West race is tight, September is going to be stressful. The final stretch of the los angeles dodgers schedule is loaded with division rivals. It feels like the league did this on purpose.
The Dodgers host the San Francisco Giants from September 18-20. Then, they immediately welcome the San Diego Padres for a three-game series from September 22-24. Those six games at home will likely decide who wins the division and who has to deal with the Wild Card mess.
The regular season actually ends on the road this year. The final game is Sunday, September 27, up north at Oracle Park. Ending the season in San Francisco is always a bit poetic, especially if there's a trophy presentation involved on the Giants' turf.
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Planning Your Trip to Chavez Ravine
Tickets are already looking pricey. Opening Day is reportedly starting in the $300-$400 range on the secondary market. If you’re looking for a bargain, your best bet is usually the mid-week afternoon games against teams like the Marlins (April 27-29) or the Rays (June 15-17).
Don't forget about the promotional calendar. While the full list of bobblehead nights hasn't dropped, the Dodgers usually tie the big ones to Saturday night games or special dates like Jackie Robinson Day.
Actionable Steps for Fans
- Sync the Calendar: Use the official MLB app to sync the Dodgers schedule directly to your phone. It updates for time changes, which happen more than you’d think due to national TV picks.
- Verify Times: Double-check the "getaway day" games. Mid-week series finales often start at 1:10 PM or 3:10 PM to allow for travel, which can catch you off guard if you're expecting a night game.
- Monitor the Secondary Market: For high-demand games like the Padres in July or the Giants in September, use trackers to buy tickets when the "inventory dump" happens about 48 hours before first pitch.
- Check the Weather: April and May nights in the ravine get surprisingly chilly. Even if it's 85 degrees during the day, bring a jacket for those 7:10 PM starts.
The quest for a third straight title is officially on. Whether you're watching from the Pavilion or catching the broadcast on SportsNet LA, this 162-game trek is going to be a wild ride.