Wait, 50 years? Already?
Yeah, the seattle mariners 2026 schedule isn't just another 162-game slog through the AL West. It’s the golden anniversary. If you've been following this team since the days of the Kingdome or even if you just hopped on the bandwagon during the Julio Rodríguez era, 2026 feels... different. It’s a year of nostalgia mixed with some genuinely weird scheduling quirks that MLB threw at us this time around.
Honestly, the first thing you need to know is that we're starting early. Like, "is it still winter?" early.
The Mariners officially kick off the 2026 regular season at home on March 26, 2026, against the Cleveland Guardians. That is tied for the earliest traditional Opening Day in the history of Major League Baseball. If you’re planning on being at T-Mobile Park, pack a parka. Or three. Seattle in late March isn't exactly a tropical paradise, but the energy for the 50th-season opener is going to be through the roof regardless of the wind chill.
Breaking Down the Seattle Mariners 2026 Schedule
Most folks just look at the home opener and the Yankees series and call it a day. But if you actually dig into the calendar, there are some logistical nightmares and dream homestands tucked away in there.
The opening week is a gauntlet. After a four-game set with Cleveland, the New York Yankees roll into town for three games starting March 30. That's seven straight home games against high-caliber American League opponents before the team even packs a suitcase. You've gotta love a schedule that tests the rotation immediately.
Speaking of packing suitcases, the first road trip takes the M's down to Anaheim to see the Angels on April 3, followed by a stop in Texas. It's a standard divisional swing, but doing it in the first ten days of the season always feels a bit frantic.
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That Weird June Doubleheader
Here is something basically nobody is talking about yet: the World Cup.
In 2026, the FIFA World Cup is coming to North America, and Seattle is one of the host cities. Because of the massive logistical strain on the city’s infrastructure—and the fact that Lumen Field is literally a stone's throw from T-Mobile Park—MLB had to get creative.
There are several off-days built into the June calendar specifically to avoid overlap with massive soccer matches. To make up for that lost time, the Mariners and the Boston Red Sox are scheduled for a rare, planned doubleheader on Saturday, June 20. It’s a throwback move necessitated by modern global sports. If you’re a fan of "old school" baseball marathons, that’s your weekend.
Interleague Rivalries and "Rivalry Weekend"
MLB is sticking with the balanced schedule they debuted a couple of years back, which means the Mariners play every single team in the league at least once. But the "natural rival" setup is still a thing.
For Seattle, that means a lot of face time with the San Diego Padres.
- The M's head to Petco Park for three games starting April 14.
- The Padres come to Seattle for a return set on May 15-17 as part of MLB's "Rivalry Weekend."
It's a "rivalry" that exists mostly because of geography and the fact that both teams share a Spring Training complex in Peoria, but hey, the games are usually fun. Plus, San Diego fans travel well, so expect some noise in the stands for that May series.
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Key Matchups You Can't Miss
If you're looking to circle dates on your calendar, these are the ones that stand out for more than just the standings.
The Ichiro Statue Unveiling (April 10):
The Mariners are leaning hard into the 50th-anniversary celebrations. On April 10, when the Houston Astros arrive, the team is finally unveiling the Ichiro Suzuki statue. If you aren't at the park for that one, you're missing a piece of franchise history. Expect the ticket prices for that Friday night game to be absolutely eye-watering on the secondary market.
The All-Star Break (July 13-16):
The mid-summer classic is headed to Philadelphia this year (Citizens Bank Park), celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. The Mariners will likely send a few representatives, but for the rest of the roster, it’s a much-needed breather before the second-half sprint.
The "New" Oakland A's (Sorta):
Keep an eye on the June 25-27 series. The Athletics will be playing their 2026 home games at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. It’s a minor league park vibe for a major league game. If you're a traveling fan, this is a weird, intimate way to see the Mariners on the road that won't exist once the A's eventually move to Las Vegas.
The Brutal Late-Season Push
September is where seasons go to die—or where legends are made. The seattle mariners 2026 schedule ends with a heavy dose of the AL West, which is exactly how it should be.
The final home stretch features:
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- A crucial series against the Texas Rangers in mid-September.
- A three-game set against the Athletics (Sept 18-20).
- The regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Angels on September 27.
Ending at home is a massive advantage. If the AL West race is as tight as it usually is, having those final three games at T-Mobile Park could be the difference between a Wild Card spot and watching the playoffs from the couch.
Why the TV Situation Matters This Year
You might have noticed that watching the games feels a little different this year. Root Sports is officially a thing of the past. For the 2026 season, the Mariners are under the MLB Local Media umbrella.
Basically, this means the league is producing the games directly. While the broadcasters we love (Go, Dave Sims and Mike Blowers!) are mostly still there, the way you actually get the channel has changed. There’s a more robust direct-to-consumer streaming option now, so you don't necessarily need a massive cable package just to watch a Tuesday night game against the Royals.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning your 2026 based on this schedule, here’s the smart way to do it:
- Buy Opening Day early: Because it’s the 50th anniversary and it's against the Guardians, these will vanish. Don't wait for the "Spring Training hype" to kick in.
- Check the World Cup dates: If you're coming from out of town for the June games, check the FIFA schedule. Hotel prices in Seattle will be triple their normal rate during World Cup match weeks.
- Look for the Sunday Leadoff: Several Mariners games have been picked up by Peacock and NBC for their Sunday morning windows. These start earlier than the usual 1:10 PM local time, so don't get caught sleeping—literally.
- Target the "50 Seasons" Promos: The team is running a massive giveaway calendar. The Ichiro statue night (April 10) is the big one, but there are multiple "Retro Jersey" nights scattered through June and July.
The 2026 season is a marathon, but with the way this schedule is front-loaded with big home series, we’ll know exactly who this team is by the time May rolls around. Pack your layers, get your streaming login ready, and let's see if the 50th year is finally the one where the drought truly ends.
To stay ahead of any mid-season changes, make sure to sync the official Mariners digital calendar to your phone, as MLB occasionally flexes game times for national broadcasts on ESPN and TBS.