Opening Series presented by Bank of America, a three-game set that officially kicks off the 2015 season, begins with Opening Day at Dodger Stadium on Monday, April 6. The Dodgers will face the San Diego Padres at 1:10 p.m. (LHP Clayton Kershaw vs. RHP James Shields). Auto and stadium gates open early at 10:00 a.m. Opening Day pregame entertainment throughout the stadium begins at 10:00 a.m. and on-field pregame ceremonies begin at 12:25 p.m. Opening Day is sold out.
The Dodgers encourage fans to carpool, arrive early and utilize transportation alternatives that serve Union Station and will connect them to the Dodger Stadium Express which will operate starting at 10:00 a.m. The Dodgers and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) would also like to remind fans that no parking will be permitted on the Avenue of the Palms (Stadium Way) between Scott Road and Academy Road from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. LAPD will also enact a zero tolerance policy for drinking in public or in the parks. Tailgating will also not be permitted on the Dodger Stadium premises.
Pregame entertainment and on-field ceremonies
Fans that arrive early will enjoy hours of entertainment throughout the stadium. DodgerVision will present Dodger features leading up to the start of on-field ceremonies. Live music will be offered throughout the stadium from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: DJ Lady Sha in the left-field reserve level, The Trip in the right-field reserve level, Angel City Dixieland Band will play throughout the reserve level and The Blue Agave, a mariachi act, and DJ Adam will provide entertainment in the right-field plaza. A magician will also provide entertainment in the left field plaza. The Budweiser Clydesdales will also make a special appearance at 12:30 p.m. Fans can visit the iconic Clydesdales in Dodger Stadium’s parking lots.
Dodger in-game hosts will be joined by longtime fans and celebrity guests George Lopez and Mary Hart. RCA recording artist and L.A. native Tinashe will present a pregame concert at 12:25 p.m. She will perform her Billboard Hot 100 hit “2 On” and her current single “All Hands On Deck.”
Tinashe will also perform the national anthem. Representatives from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force will present our nation’s colors. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces will unfurl a giant flag, a display in the shape of the United States, in center field.
Also as part of pregame ceremonies, the U.S. Navy will conduct a flyover with two Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet Fighter Jets. The flyover will be conducted by VFA-122, a Fleet Replacement Squadron based at Naval Air Station in Lemoore. The Super Hornet is the U.S. Navy’s premiere aircraft carrier-based fighter attack platform which features both a F/A-18 E single seat and F/A-18 F dual seat variant of the Super Hornet.
Opening Day will be highlighted by a special ceremonial first pitch.
For the fifth consecutive season, the Dodgers will pay tribute to the men and women of our nation’s Armed Forces by honoring a “Military Hero of the Game.” Opening Day’s veteran of the game is U.S. Air Force Staff Senior Airman Stephen D. Hudson Jr., the winner of the Dodgers’ annual Veterans Day Batting Practice Day hitting contest. Hudson, a Rialto native, was deployed to Kuwait in 2011 and received an Army Achievement Medal for his deployment. He is currently stationed at Edwards Air Force Base.
Parking and transportation tips
Dodger Stadium Express Union Station and Dodger Stadium Express South Bay services are free of charge with a Dodger game-day ticket. Both complimentary bus services offer transportation from downtown Los Angeles and the South Bay directly to Dodger Stadium starting 90 minutes before the game and 45 minutes after the game. Service will be provided every 10 minutes starting 90 minutes prior to the start of the game and runs approximately every 30 minutes throughout the game. Fans traveling from Union Station without a ticket will pay regular one-way fare of $1.75. Those traveling from the South Bay without tickets will be charged $2.50.
The Dodger Stadium Express Union Station has two stops on site—in center field, behind the pavilions and at the Top Deck, Lot P. The Dodger Stadium Express South Bay will drop off in Lot G by the right-field pavilion. Fans can also park at Union Station for $6 and take the Dodger Stadium Express free with a game ticket. Fans can also board the Union Station bus at Broadway and Cesar Chavez, a short walk from the Chinatown Gold Line Metro stop. Complete details on the Dodger Stadium Express services, route information and helpful tips from METRO can be found by visiting http://www.metro.net/around/dodger-stadium-express or by calling 323.GO.METRO.
Fans that choose to drive to Dodger Stadium are encouraged to purchase their parking in advance to assist in traffic flow and expedite movement through the auto gates. Advance general parking purchased online is $10. Should you opt to purchase parking at the gate, the price is $20. In addition, the Dodgers have added prepaid lanes in hopes of further expediting movement through the auto gates for fans purchasing parking passes in advance. To purchase your parking in advance, visit http://www.dodgers.com/parking.
The Dodgers also encourage the use of rideshare and car service vehicles. A taxi loading/unloading zone is located along the outer edge of Lot G. Rideshare and car service vehicles will be allowed to enter Dodger Stadium through Sunset Gate A. Rideshare and car service vehicles will be issued a special colored dash placard and will be able to drop off passengers inside Lot 12. Once passengers are dropped off, rideshare and car service vehicles will be required to exit through the Sunset Gate A. After the game, rideshare and car service vehicles will be permitted to enter Sunset Gate A to pick up passengers in Lot 12.
New security measures set for by Major League Baseball
This season, Dodger fans will experience new security procedures set forth by MLB. The league has implemented new mandatory security procedures through a metal detector-enhanced screening process which will take place in addition to bag checks that have been uniform throughout MLB. Fan screening may be conducted by means of hand-held metal detection or walk-through magnetometers. These procedures were utilized periodically at certain gates during the 2014 season and all 30 MLB teams will institute these procedures this year.
While Dodger Stadium staff will make every effort to ensure this process does not delay fan entry into the stadium, the Dodgers appreciate everyone’s patience as this new procedure begins. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to minimize wait times. Guests are not required to remove their belts, shoes, jackets, wallets, keys or coins before walking through the metal detector. All bags will continue to be checked upon entry into Dodger Stadium. Guests are encouraged to minimize the amount of items they bring into the stadium. Only bags with dimensions that comply with the MLB standard of 16”x16”x8” will be admitted. Guests are asked to place large metal objects such as cell phones and sunglass cases, on screening tables before walking through the metal detectors. Guests with strollers, those in wheelchairs, or with medical devices that set off metal detectors will be offered an alternative screening method.
Fan Services
Fan Service Stations are located in Field level sections 52 and 53, Loge level sections 152 and 153, Reserve level sections 31 and 32 and Top Deck section 1 (between the Team Store and restrooms). Guests can offer feedback and get general information. Additionally, these stations offer helpful services including first-game certificates, birthday buttons, the Anheuser-Busch Good Sport Designated Driver program, seat location wristbands to help prevent guests from getting lost, assistive listening devices, earplugs for guests, and lost and found. Fan Service Representatives, uniformed in Dodger Blue polo shirts, will also be stationed at each gate throughout the season in order to assist guests with any questions. Fan Services can be reached on game day by calling (323) 224-2611 or by texting 69050 using keyword LADFAN followed by the guest’s location and comments.
New food and beverage offerings from Levy Restaurants
Dodger fans will enjoy new food and beer offerings, as well as renovations to the Reserve level food stands and the Lexus Dugout Club during the 2015 season at Dodger Stadium. New items this season include: Lasorda’s Meatball Marinara Specialty Fries, Lasorda’s Meatball Marinara Cone, LA Taqueria’s Carne Asada Specialty Fries (Field and Reserve levels), Spicy Breaded Chicken Sandwich at Tender, etc. (Field and Reserve levels) and Fried Dodger Dogs at Extreme Loaded Dogs location on Field level (aisle 48). The two new Lasorda’s items will be added to the fare at Tommy Lasorda’s Italian Trattoria, located on the right-field plaza area.
Daily specials also will be featured at the hot-off-the-grill THINK BLUE BBQ located on the left-field plaza area. Several nacho locations have been added throughout the stadium and the signature loaded helmet nacho will be available in vegetarian and vegan versions. Fans will also have the option to enjoy healthy choices such as turkey burgers, veggie burgers, veggie dogs, veggie wraps and veggie pizza at a number of locations throughout the stadium.
Four Reserve level food stands have been upgraded and the Dodgers will add several portable beverage kiosks throughout the stadium. The stadium will have new bar locations on the Loge level entrance plazas and behind home plate and two stands on the Top Deck. The Dodgers will offer expanded beer choices featuring Anheuser Busch’s full product line as well as local craft selections throughout the stadium.
The Field level next to the escalators will have new food and drink areas for fans to enjoy. Fresh salads, sandwiches and snacks will be available at the new grab & go location. The Dodger Stadium Club Bar menu will also be enhanced.
Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF)
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation conducts silent auctions featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully Press Box on the Club level. The items up for auction on Opening Day include an Adrian Gonzalez autographed photo, Yasiel Puig autographed baseball and Clayton Kershaw autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 2:45 p.m.
LADF’s inaugural Blue Diamond Gala honoring The Jackie Robinson Foundation, The Los Angeles Fund for Public Education and the LA84 Foundation will take place on Thursday, April 16 at Dodger Stadium. The event will kick off with a VIP reception hosted by Dodger owner Earvin “Magic” Johnson at the Top of the Park, a cocktail reception in center field, dinner and awards with a Ted Baker London fashion show featuring Dodger players. There will also be a performance by Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Aloe Blacc. For tickets and information on Blue Diamond Gala sponsorships please visit http://www.dodgers.com/gala.
Merchandise
Dodger Stadium official team stores remain the most affordable retail location to purchase Dodger merchandise. The Dodgers are offering merchandise specials that include: $35 off Majestic Authentic Home, Road and Alternate Jerseys, $25 off Majestic Authentic Player Home and Road Jerseys, $20 off Majestic Replica Jerseys, two for $55 Majestic Adult Player T-shirts, two for $45 Majestic Youth Player T-Shirts, $5 off Wright & Ditson LA T-shirt, $10 off 47 Brand Adult and Youth MVP Caps and two for $80 New Era On-Field Headwear. Additionally a Mini Bat, Logo Baseball and Fan Hand special is available: one for $6, two for $11 and three for $15.
Social Media
The Dodgers’ official social media accounts will use official hashtags #ITFDB, “It’s Time for Dodger baseball,” #Dodgers and #WeLoveLA on Opening Day. #ITFDB content will be promoted across the Dodgers’ official social media platforms including: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Google +, Vine and Snapchat.
Premium Seating enhancements
The Lexus Dugout Club has undergone a major renovation, the first since the club opened in 2000. Premium-seat members will enjoy an increase in dining room capacity and a new look in interior décor. The expanded kitchens will offer additional food options, as well as enhanced menus and improved in-seat service. There will be more built-in cooking locations, a new carvery and buffet, new desserts and premium cocktails.
Members will be able to enjoy a newly-expanded bar and cocktail area with new high-tops extending out from the area. And the upper-level bar will have a new look, with greater emphasis on dining in that space. The club will feature enlarged and enhanced television displays—20 in all, including four 84-inch sets—so patrons can stay on top of all of the Dodgers action throughout the club.
Dodger fans in the Lexus Dugout Club will also enjoy a greater display of Dodger memorabilia at the entrance to the club. In addition to MVP awards, Gold Gloves and World Series trophies, the expanded displays will include the newly-acquired Silver Slugger awards.
For the first time in Dodger Stadium history, San Antonio Winery products will be available for fans to purchase. A wide variety of wines including Stella Rosa, Villa Alena, Maddalena, Bodega and San Simeon will be available in premium seating areas to start the season, with Stella Rosa products becoming available at general concession areas beginning June. The 98-year-old winery, just miles from Dodger Stadium, is the longest and largest producing winery in Los Angeles.
Dodger suite holders and their guests will also enjoy both a dessert cart and a new “cocktail cart.” More information on premium seating at Dodger Stadium can be found by visiting http://www.dodgers.com/premium.
Ticket Sales information
The Dodgers already exceeded three million in ticket sales for the 2015 season and reached the milestone at the earliest date in franchise history. The club has capped its 2015 season-ticket sales at 35,000 full-season equivalents, but fans can be added to the waiting list by visiting http://www.dodgers.com/seasontickets.
Single-game tickets remain on-sale. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to avoid being shut out of popular rivalry games and promotional dates. Tickets can be purchased by visiting http://www.dodgers.com or by calling 866-DODGERS. The Dodgers will offer special ticket packages throughout the season, http://www.dodgers.com/events, and will continue to offer affordable group tickets starting at just $10 for groups of 30 or more, http://www.dodgers.com/groups.
April promotions
Dodger fans can also look forward to five promotional dates in April. An adult replica pullover jacket presented by Bank of America will be the giveaway on Wednesday, April 8 (7:10 p.m. vs. Padres). Two of the eight Cy Young Collectors’ Pin Series presented by 76 will be giveaways on Monday, April 13 (7:10 p.m. vs. Mariners) and Monday, April 27 (7:10 p.m. vs. Giants). The game against Seattle will feature the pin of Don Newcombe and the game against the Giants will spotlight Don Drysdale. Jackie Robinson Day and the Civil Rights Game will be on Wednesday, April 15 (7:10 p.m. vs. Mariners). Fans in attendance will receive an adult Jackie Robinson replica jersey presented by Bank of America. The final promotional night in April will be Wednesday, April 29 (7:10 p.m. vs. Giants) and fans will receive a Clayton Kershaw Dodgers’ Fleece Blanket presented by Security Benefit. Tickets remain on sale for all of these April promotional dates as well as all regular-season home games, excluding Opening Day, at http://www.dodgers.com/tickets or by calling 866-DODGERS.
Publications
The April 2015 Dodger Insider magazine and the 2015 Yearbook are available now at all Dodger team stores, and can be ordered at http://www.dodgers.com/magazine.
The 2015 Los Angeles Dodgers Yearbook celebrates the life and career of legendary Dodger lefty Fernando Valenzuela, in a special 21-page section, “The Man Behind the Mania.” It is entirely in Valenzuela’s words — beginning with his first memories of playing baseball at age 13 — and features never-before-seen photos. This month marks the 34th anniversary of the year that Valenzuela (who famously wore No. 34) pitched an Opening Day shutout at age 20, launching Fernandomania.
The Dodgers’ 2015 yearbook also features a month-by-month review of the Dodgers’ 2014 season, a detailed look at the 2015 roster, a special salute to NL MVP and Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw, “In Memoriam” tributes to members of the Dodger family, photos of celebrities who visited Dodger Stadium in 2014, information about tickets, promotions and much more.
The April 2015 issue of Dodger Insider magazine features Clayton Kershaw on the cover and a unique approach to telling his story. Vin Scully, Rick Honeycutt, Orel Hershiser and A.J. Ellis — each in their own words — have bylined stories describing what they believe makes Kershaw an ace among men. The package concludes with the full text of Kershaw’s memorable January speech, accepting his NL Cy Young and MVP awards.
The Kershaw coverage is among more than 30 stories in this month’s magazine, which also offers a rare look inside the memorabilia-stacked office of Tommy Lasorda, features on new Dodgers Brandon McCarthy and Yasmani Grandal, a story on the father-son broadcast combo of Jaime and Jorge Jarrín and much more. Dodger Insider magazine serves as a companion to the team’s official blog, Dodger Insider (www.dodgers.com/insider), updated multiple times daily.
Broadcasting information
SportsNet LA is the home of all local Dodger game telecasts, takes fans behind-the-scenes, and offers in-depth access into the organization, providing an immersive experience with never-before-seen content and thousands of hours of comprehensive Dodger programming. SportsNet LA will produce and televise a record-setting 150 live regular season Dodger games in English, Spanish as well as bring fans a Korean SAP offering. The network is available on Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks and Champion Broadband. Time Warner Cable customers in Los Angeles, the Desert Cities and Barstow can watch live Dodger games and all of the original programming offered by SportsNet LA on channel 319 in high definition. Spanish-language Dodger game telecasts in high definition are available for Time Warner Cable customers on channel 324. Bright House Networks customers can watch SportNet LA on channel 1107 in high definition and the live Spanish-language game offering for Bright House Networks customers is available on channel 632. For more information about SportsNet LA or to demand the network from your provider, visit http://www.ineedmydodgers.com or http://www.quieromisdodgers.com or call 1-844-I-NEED-MY (1-844-463-3369). Follow the network on Twitter at @SportsNetLA, Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/SportsNetLA and Instagram at @SportsNetLA.
iHeartMedia Los Angeles and the Dodgers will broadcast all games on the all-new AM 570 LA Sports. All Dodger games in Spanish will be broadcast on Univision America 1020 KTNQ. Dodgers Radio AM 570 LA Sports will be broadcasting “LA TODAY with Bill Reiter and Leeann Tweeden” beginning at 9:00 a.m. from the field at Dodger Stadium. Petros Papadakis and Matt Smith, co-hosts of “The Petros and Money Show” will join the broadcast which ends at 12:00 p.m.
Media interested in applying for daily credentials should apply 24 hours prior to game time at http://credentials.mlb.com. For questions on credentials or on the Dodgers’ home opener Monday, please contact the Dodgers’ Public Relations department by replying to this email or calling (323) 224-1301.
