When Does Dodgers Baseball Season Start in 2025?

By Sarah Miller · March 22, 2031

The Los Angeles Dodgers' baseball season typically starts in late March or early April as part of Major League Baseball's regular season opening. For the 2025 MLB season, the Dodgers are scheduled to begin play on March 31, 2025, with their home opener at Dodger Stadium set for April 4, 2025, against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

When Does the Dodgers Baseball Season Start?

Major League Baseball follows a consistent annual calendar, and the Los Angeles Dodgers, as a National League team, align with the league-wide start dates. The official regular season generally kicks off in late March, often around Opening Day, which is traditionally held on or just after March 31. The 2025 season marks another year of anticipation for Dodger fans as the team aims for postseason success following strong performances in recent years.

Key Dates for the 2025 Dodgers Season

First Game (Away): March 31, 2025, vs. San Diego Padres
Home Opener: April 4, 2025, vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Opening Series: Four-game series against division rivals
All-Star Break: July 14–20, 2025
Regular Season Ends: September 28, 2025

These dates reflect MLB’s balanced schedule format, emphasizing divisional matchups while maintaining interleague appeal.

Dodgers Season Structure and Schedule Overview

The Dodgers compete in the National League West alongside the San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Colorado Rockies. Their season consists of 162 regular-season games, followed by potential playoff appearances based on performance.

Breakdown of the MLB Season Phases

Spring Training: Begins mid-February; location: Camelback Ranch, Glendale, AZ
Regular Season: 162 games from late March to late September
Postseason: October (if qualified); includes Wild Card, Division Series, NLCS, World Series
Offseason: November through January; player trades, free agency, contract negotiations

Spring training allows players to prepare physically and competitively before the official start. The Dodgers typically host Cactus League games in Arizona, drawing thousands of fans each year.

Dodgers 2025 Regular Season Schedule Highlights

The 2025 schedule features high-profile matchups, including multiple series against division rivals and interleague games against American League East teams. Notable early-season games include road series against the Padres and a marquee home series against the New York Yankees in late May.

Game Type	Date Range	Opponent(s)	Location	Significance
Season Opener	March 31, 2025	San Diego Padres	Away (Petco Park)	First game of the 2025 campaign
Home Opener	April 4, 2025	Arizona Diamondbacks	Home (Dodger Stadium)	Fan celebration, ceremonial first pitch
Interleague Series	May 23–25, 2025	New York Yankees	Home (Dodger Stadium)	Marquee matchup; national broadcast
Giants Rivalry Series	June 13–15, 2025	San Francisco Giants	Away (Oracle Park)	Key NL West division battle
Final Series	September 26–28, 2025	San Diego Padres	Home (Dodger Stadium)	Possible playoff implications

Table data source:1, 2

The table illustrates the structure and significance of key series throughout the 2025 season. Early-season games against division rivals like the Padres and Diamondbacks can set the tone for the year. The inclusion of high-interest interleague matchups boosts attendance and TV ratings. Late-season games, especially against competitive teams, often influence playoff seeding and wildcard races.

Factors Influencing the Start of the Dodgers Season

While MLB sets a general start date, several factors can affect when the Dodgers officially begin their season:

World Baseball Classic (WBC): If Dodgers players participate (e.g., Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani), their return may slightly delay full team readiness, though the official schedule remains unchanged.
Weather Conditions: While less impactful in California, extreme weather can cause rare postponements.
Broadcast Scheduling: Marquee openers may be moved for national TV coverage (e.g., ESPN, Fox).
MLB Global Games: Occasionally, MLB opens the season internationally (e.g., Japan, Mexico), affecting travel and timing.

Despite these variables, the Dodgers’ first official game is confirmed well in advance by MLB.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Dodgers Baseball Season

When does the 2025 Dodgers baseball season start?

The 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers regular season begins on March 31, 2025, with an away game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.

What time is the Dodgers home opener in 2025?

The Dodgers home opener is scheduled for Friday, April 4, 2025, at 7:10 PM PT at Dodger Stadium against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

How many games are in a Dodgers regular season?

The Dodgers play 162 games during the MLB regular season, facing divisional, league, and interleague opponents across six months.

Where do the Dodgers play spring training games?

The Dodgers hold spring training at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, where they play Cactus League exhibition games starting in mid-February.

Can I buy tickets for the Dodgers 2025 season opener now?

Yes, tickets for the 2025 Dodgers season games, including the opener, are available through the official Dodgers website and MLB ticketing partners.