It all starts again Thursday night.
Coming off back-to-back World Series championships, the Dodgers will begin the trek toward a historic three-peat when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks for a prime-time Opening Day showdown at Dodger Stadium.
After five long months, baseball will finally be back at Chavez Ravine.
And this new season will come with massive expectations for the Dodgers –– and likely unprecedented levels of interest from their fan base.
Last year, the team eclipsed the four-million mark for full-season attendance for the first time in franchise history. This year, they will be expecting millions more to return to Dodger Stadium.
If you plan on being one of them, here are a few things to know about the ballpark, and what to expect from the in-game experience during the 2026 campaign.
High prices
With all the Dodgers’ recent success, have also come greater expenses to see them in person.
Thursday’s season-opener is already on track to be the most expensive game at an MLB ballpark on record, according to the ticket resale site TickPick.
Even for more routine contests, the average cost for a family of four to attend a game (including tickets, parking, beer, soda and hot dogs) is projected to be over $400, nearly twice the MLB average, according to Bill Speros of Bookies.com.
Yet, expect the 52,000-seat stadium to be full almost every night.
Last year, the team didn’t play a single home game in front of fewer than 40,000 fans.
Transit options
If you want to park at Dodger Stadium, it’s best to pay ahead of time online. Prepaid parking in the ballpark’s vast (and often traffic-clogged) parking lots is $40. Paying at the gate will cost $45. Oversized vehicles raise the cost to $70.
If you’re looking for a public transit alternative, Los Angeles Metro does offer free bus services to those with game tickets.
The Dodger Stadium Express buses run every game from not only Union Station, but also South Bay Metro stops at Harbor Gateway, Rosecrans, Harbor Freeway, Manchester and Slauson.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!
Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!
New stadium features
Reminders of the Dodgers’ 2025 title will be present throughout Dodger Stadium. But the best photo ops can be found in the Centerfield Plaza, where the club will display an oversized 2025 World Series replica trophy –– right next to another one honoring their 2024 championship –– as well as a four-foot-tall replica World Series ring.
The Dodgers also announced this week that they have expanded their team store options, including a newly-built location on the reserve level in right field as well as a merchandise truck that will be stationed on Vin Scully Ave. before games, and in the Dodger Stadium Uber lot afterward.
There are plenty of new food options, as well, from bone marrow tacos to char siu pork fries.
Another new stadium feature this year is upgraded ribbon video boards that will ring the edge of all three upper decks. Just don’t expect to see them during opening weekend; a shipping mishap has delayed their installation until at least next week.
Best viewing spots
If you’re looking to stretch your legs and catch a few innings away from your seat, there are a few hidden gem spots to check out around the stadium.
The most iconic is the top deck, where views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the downtown skyline beckon in the background.
The open-air decks the team built into the outfield pavilions a few years back also provide a nice change of perspective.
Opening weekend festivities
If you’re coming to the team’s opening series this weekend against the Dbacks, get there early. The first couple nights, there will be pregame festivities celebrating the club’s World Series triumph.
On Thursday, that will include the unveiling of the team’s latest championship banner in right field. The ceremony starts at 4:45 p.m., and will be punctuated by a pregame flyover.
On Friday, the team will receive its World Series rings in another ceremony that begins at 6:20 p.m. Anothy Anderson will narrate and USC’s Spirit of Troy marching band will be present.