After a 5-2 start to the season on the road, the Los Angeles Dodgers welcome the Washington Nationals and Colorado Rockies to Dodger Stadium for their first homestand of the year. It’s highlighted by the World Series rings ceremony, Tommy Lasorda tribute and celebration of Fernando Valenzuela.
This also marks the first time fans will be in attendance at Dodger Stadium since the heartbreaking loss in Game 5 of the 2019 National League Division Series. Not all of the amenities and new offerings will be open, but those attending the Dodgers’ home opener will visit a renovated Dodger Stadium.
Fans are encouraged to be in their seat on Friday by 11:45 a.m. PT for the World Series ring ceremony and raising of the championship banner. Pregame festivities will be televised in their entirety exclusively on SportsNet LA, and carried live on AM 570 LA Sports, AM 1020 (Spanish) and streamed in HD on the free iHeartRadio app (search AM 570 LA Sports).
Dodger Stadium parking lot gates will open at 10:30 a.m. for the home opener, with fans also able to gain entry to the ballpark at that time as well. New policies for the 2021 regular season otherwise don’t have Dodger Stadium parking lot gates opening until 90 minutes before first pitch.
Friday will be the first of three games in which the Dodgers wear their gold series jersey and cap. The gold-trimmed look will go on sale at Dodger Stadium, Dodgers Clubhouse store locations and MLB.com, starting Friday at 12:00 p.m. PT, before a broader release on Monday.
Lasorda tribute
On Saturday, the Dodgers will hold a pregame ceremony to pay their respects to Lasorda, who passed away in January. The Hall of Fame manager’s presence has still been felt throughout the organization, including with a No. 2 jersey patch being worn this season.
Fernandomania Celebration
To cap off the series against the Nationals, the Dodgers will celebrate Valenzuela’s first full season with the team. The Dodger Stadium renovation includes a Valenzuela mural and display in the new centerfield plaza.
Fernando Valenzuela is celebrated in the new center field area. Next is retiring #34. pic.twitter.com/kflOmRJpK0
— Matthew Moreno (@MMoreno1015) April 7, 2021
Valenzuela won Rookie of the Year, Cy Young, Silver Slugger and was an All-Star in 1981. He was inducted into the Legends of Dodger Baseball during the 2019 season.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, participate in our shows and giveaways, and more!
