The energy in Los Angeles right now is honestly electric. If you've been anywhere near Echo Park or checked your feed lately, you know the vibe. We’re coming off a massive 2025 World Series win, and everyone—literally everyone—wants to know when the Boys in Blue are back on the dirt.
So, when do the Dodgers play next?
The short answer is: Saturday, January 31, 2026.
But wait. That’s not a "game" game. That’s DodgerFest. It’s the official kickoff at Chavez Ravine where you can see Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman basically just hanging out, doing interviews, and signing stuff. If you’re looking for actual competition, you’ve got to wait until February.
The 2026 Spring Training Kickoff
Baseball in February? Yeah, it’s a thing. The Dodgers head to Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, for Spring Training. It’s where the magic starts, honestly. You get that smell of fresh grass and the sound of the ball hitting the mitt without the 56,000-person roar.
The first time they actually take the field against another team is Saturday, February 21, 2026.
They aren't at home for that one, though. They’re technically the road team against the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. It’s a 1:10 PM PT start. If you want to see them at their Arizona home (Camelback Ranch), mark Monday, February 23 on your calendar. They'll be hosting the Seattle Mariners.
Key Spring Training Dates (Cactus League)
- Feb 13: Pitchers and catchers report. It’s the official "it’s happening" day.
- Feb 21: First Cactus League game vs. Angels (Away).
- Feb 23: First home Spring Training game vs. Mariners.
- March 4: A very cool exhibition game against the Mexico National Team. This is a warm-up for the World Baseball Classic.
- March 22-24: The Freeway Series. The Dodgers come back to Southern California to play the Angels in exhibition games before the real deal starts.
Opening Day: The Real Answer to When Do the Dodgers Play Next
If you're a purist and exhibition games don't count for you, then Thursday, March 26, 2026 is your date.
This isn't just any Opening Day. It’s the 65th home opener at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers are hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks. The game is set for 5:00 PM PT. It’s going to be huge. They’re raising the 2025 Championship banner. NBC and Peacock are even broadcasting it nationally because the league knows the world wants to see if this roster can go back-to-back.
One weird thing to note: This game is technically the second half of an Opening Day doubleheader on the national broadcast, but for us in LA, it’s the main event.
Major Matchups in the 2026 Schedule
The 2026 schedule is kinda funky because of the "balanced" format MLB uses now. Basically, the Dodgers play every single team in the league at least once. But let’s be real—some series just hit different.
The Rivalries
The San Diego Padres are still the biggest thorn in our side. Their first big visit to Dodger Stadium is July 2–5. Yes, that includes the Fourth of July. If you’ve never seen the fireworks show at the Ravine on Independence Day, you’re missing out. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s perfect.
Then there’s the Giants. The regular season actually ends in San Francisco this year on September 27. Imagine the drama if the division title comes down to that final Sunday at Oracle Park.
Interleague Highlights
- The Yankees: We head to the Bronx from July 17–19. After the 2024 and 2025 history between these two, those tickets are going to be impossible to get.
- The Red Sox: Boston comes to LA from July 31–August 2.
- Jackie Robinson Day: April 15 against the New York Mets. This is a protected date. The Dodgers are always home for this, and everyone wears #42. It’s the soul of the franchise.
How to Actually Watch the Games
The TV situation for 2026 has changed a bit. MLB signed a new deal with ESPN, NBC, and Netflix.
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Most local games are still on SportsNet LA. If you have Spectrum, you’re good. If you don't, it’s still a struggle (we feel your pain). However, because the Dodgers are the "it" team right now, they have a ton of national slots. NBC is doing "Sunday Night Baseball" now, and the Dodgers have prime-time games on July 5 (vs. Padres), July 19 (at Yankees), and August 2 (vs. Red Sox).
Actionable Tips for Fans
If you’re planning to attend a game, don't wait until the week of.
- Check the Promotional Schedule: The Dodgers usually release the bobblehead dates in late January or early February. If there’s an Ohtani bobblehead night, those tickets will triple in price on the secondary market within hours.
- Spring Training Travel: If you're going to Arizona in February, book your hotel in Glendale or Scottsdale now. Prices skyrocket once pitchers and catchers report.
- DodgerFest Tickets: If you want to go on January 31, check the official site immediately. They usually require a small donation to the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation for entry, and they do sell out.
Basically, the "next" game is always closer than it feels during the winter. Whether you're making the trek to Arizona or waiting for the banner to rise in March, the 2026 season is shaping up to be another massive chapter in LA sports history.
Keep your notifications on for the specific starting pitchers as we get closer to February. Seeing how the rotation shakes out after the off-season moves will be the first real indicator of how the title defense is going to look.
Check the official MLB App or Dodgers.com for any last-minute time changes to the Spring Training lineup.