After falling to the Chicago Cubs in six games in the 2016 National League Championship Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers enjoyed an extremely successful offseason that saw them re-sign their three key free agents, plus make notable acquisitions.
With a long Spring Training in the books, the Dodgers are now set to open the 2017 season on Monday against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Clayton Kershaw takes the ball for a seventh straight Opening Day start.
That ties him with Don Drysdale and Don Sutton for most Opening Day starts in Dodgers franchise history. However, only four of Drysdale’s seven outings were consecutive (1958-61), while Sutton’s string ran from 1972-78.
Kershaw will be opposed by Jhoulys Chacin, who started on Opening Day for the Colorado Rockies in 2013. First pitch is set for 1:10 p.m. PT, with auto and stadium gates opening at 10:10 a.m.
As historically the case for Opening Day at Dodger Stadium, Monday’s game is sold out and fans are encouraged to arrive well ahead of the scheduled start time. The price of parking remains the same this season ($20), but prepaid parking is once again available for just $10.
Per usual, the Los Angeles Police Department issued an Opening Day advisory. Parking on Avenue of the Palms (Stadium Way) once again will not be permitted on Monday from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will also be a zero tolerance policy for public drinking and the no-tailgating policy remains in place.
Ready for @Dodgers baseball?!!! Check out these tips to have a safe & fun #OpeningDay #baseball #LetsGoDodgers pic.twitter.com/PI6BXJDyEC
— LAPD Outreach (@LAPDOutreach) April 2, 2017
All auto entrances to Dodger Stadium include prepaid lanes to further expedite point of entry for fans who purchased parking in advance.
Metro is offering express routes to and from Chavez Ravine from their Union Station and South Bay locations. In an effort to continually improve access to Dodger Stadium and improve ridership on the Metro bus lines, the pedestrian loading area in center field has been reconfigured to provide a dedicated area with uniform pedestrian lighting.
