It is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and if you are staring at your calendar wondering when is Dodgers next game, you aren't alone. We are currently in that weird, quiet pocket of the winter where the crack of the bat feels like a lifetime away. But the wait is almost over.
The Dodgers are heading back to Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, in just a few weeks. Pitchers and catchers usually report in early February. That means the first actual game action—the Cactus League opener—is right around the corner. Honestly, spring training is often better than the regular season for some fans because you get to see the prospects who are actually going to be the "next big thing" before they become household names.
The first pitch of 2026
The Dodgers officially kick off their 2026 Spring Training schedule on February 21, 2026, against the Chicago Cubs. It’s an away game at Sloan Park in Mesa. If you’re looking for the first home game at Camelback Ranch, you’ve only got to wait until the following afternoon.
Most people think the season starts in April. It doesn't. Not really. The vibe starts in February. The Dodgers have one of the most packed spring schedules in the league because, frankly, they draw the biggest crowds in the desert.
The rhythm of a Dodgers season is predictable but also chaotic. You have the early afternoon games in the dry Arizona heat, followed by the "Freeway Series" exhibitions in late March, and then the grind of the 162-game marathon.
Why the schedule looks different this year
Major League Baseball has been messing with the scheduling algorithm lately. You might have noticed more "balanced" schedules. This means the Dodgers play the Giants and Padres slightly less than they used to in the old days, and they play random American League teams more often. It’s weird seeing the Red Sox or the Tigers at Dodger Stadium every single year, but that’s the reality now.
It makes planning a trip harder. You can't just assume they'll be in San Francisco every other weekend.
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Breaking down the Opening Day details
The real answer to when is Dodgers next game for the purists who don't care about spring training is Opening Day. Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 26, 2026.
The Dodgers are opening the 2026 regular season at home. This is a big deal. There is nothing quite like the flyover at Chavez Ravine on a crisp March afternoon. The stadium smells like Dodger Dogs and expensive light beer, and for about nine innings, everyone forgets how bad the traffic was on the 110.
Typically, the first pitch for Opening Day is scheduled around 1:10 PM PT, though television networks sometimes flex that time to fit a national broadcast. If you’re going, leave your house three hours earlier than you think you need to. I'm serious.
The April grind and early matchups
Once that first week is out of the way, the Dodgers hit the road. April is always a "feel-out" month. You see the rotation shaking off the rust. You see Shohei Ohtani—who, by the way, is still the focal point of the entire universe in Los Angeles—finding his timing.
- Late March: Opening Series at Dodger Stadium.
- Early April: First National League West road trip (usually Phoenix or San Diego).
- Mid-April: The first big interleague test.
Looking at the 2026 projections, the Dodgers are favored to win the division again. It’s almost boring how consistent they are, but that doesn't mean the individual games aren't stressful. Every game matters when you’re chasing a 100-win season.
How to watch and follow the game
If you can't make it to the Ravine, watching the Dodgers has become a bit of a saga in Los Angeles. Spectrum SportsNet LA is still the primary home. If you have DirectV or Spectrum, you’re fine. If you’re a cord-cutter, you’re probably familiar with the annual "how do I watch the game without paying $100 a month" dance.
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For the national games, keep an eye on:
- FOX and FS1: Usually Saturday nights.
- ESPN: Sunday Night Baseball is a staple for the Dodgers.
- Apple TV+: They still have those Friday night doubleheaders.
- Roku: Sometimes they snag the early Sunday morning games now.
Radio is still the best way to experience a game if you’re stuck in traffic. AM 570 LA Sports is the flagship. There is something incredibly nostalgic about hearing the game through a car speaker while the sun sets over the San Gabriel mountains.
Addressing the "Superteam" fatigue
Some people hate the Dodgers now. I get it. They spend money. They sign the biggest stars. When you look for when is Dodgers next game, you aren't just looking for a baseball game; you're looking for an event.
The 2026 roster is expected to be just as top-heavy as previous years. We are talking about a lineup that features multiple MVPs. The pressure is immense. Every single game is treated like a playoff preview by the media. This affects the players, too. You see it in the way teams play "up" when they face L.A. The Rockies might lose 100 games, but they will play like it’s the World Series when they see the Dodger blue in the other dugout.
Tickets and attendance tips
If you are planning to go to the next game, buy tickets early but maybe not too early. For mid-week games against teams like the Marlins or the Reds, you can often find deals on secondary markets like SeatGeek or StubHub 48 hours before first pitch.
However, if the next game is against the Yankees or the Padres, prices will stay high. Dodger Stadium is the most visited ballpark in the world. They consistently lead the league in attendance, often hitting over 3.8 million fans a year. It’s a literal city inside a stadium.
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Key dates to remember for the 2026 season
Beyond the immediate next game, there are structural milestones in the season you should know.
- All-Star Break: Mid-July. The season pauses for four days.
- The Trade Deadline: July 30. This is when the Dodgers usually make a massive move that makes the rest of the league angry.
- September Call-ups: When the rosters expand and we see the future stars.
- Postseason: Starts in early October.
The Dodgers have made the playoffs every year for over a decade. Betting against them being in a "next game" scenario in October is usually a bad idea.
Misconceptions about Dodger games
A lot of people think Dodger fans arrive in the third inning and leave in the seventh. While the traffic makes that a reality for some, the "true" fans are there for batting practice. If you want to see the players up close, get to the stadium when the gates open (usually 2 hours before first pitch).
Another misconception is that it’s always warm. Once the sun goes down behind the stadium hills, Chavez Ravine gets surprisingly chilly, even in June. Bring a hoodie.
Final steps for the savvy fan
Knowing when is Dodgers next game is just the start. To stay fully updated, you should sync the official schedule to your phone’s calendar. The MLB app is the most reliable source for real-time changes, especially with weather delays or TV flex scheduling.
- Check the weather forecast for Echo Park; it can be 10 degrees cooler at the stadium than it is in the Valley.
- Verify the starting pitcher. The vibe of the game changes completely depending on whether an ace or a rookie is on the mound.
- Download the MLB Ballpark app for your digital tickets; paper tickets are basically extinct at this point.
- Set a notification on your phone for "Lineup Announced"—it usually happens about 3-4 hours before the game starts.
The 2026 season is going to be a wild ride. Whether it’s a random Tuesday in May or a high-stakes October night, the next game is always the most important one. Get your gear ready. It’s almost time.
Actionable Insights for Fans
To ensure you never miss a beat, visit the official MLB Dodgers schedule page and use the "Add to Calendar" feature, which automatically updates for time changes. If you are a local fan, consider a "Mini-Plan" for tickets rather than individual games to save on fees. For the best experience, arrive at the North Gate or Sunset Gate at least 90 minutes before the first pitch to beat the heaviest congestion.