After falling to the Houston Astros in Game 7 of the 2017 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers returned for Spring Training with one goal for the 2018 season: get back to the Fall Classic and win it.
The spring has since come and gone, and the Dodgers are set to open the 2018 season on Thursday against the division rival San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. Clayton Kershaw takes the ball for an eighth straight Opening Day start.
That sets a franchise record, as he moves past Don Drysdale and Don Sutton for most Opening Day starts in Dodgers history. Though it should be noted, only four of Drysdale’s seven outings were consecutive (1958-61), while Sutton’s stretch ran from 1972-78.
Kershaw will be opposed by fellow left-hander Ty Blach, who takes the ball in place of Madison Bumgarner because the left-handed ace suffered a hand fracture. First pitch at Dodger Stadium is set for 4:10 p.m. PT, with auto and stadium gates opening at 1:00 p.m.
As historically the case for Opening Day at Dodger Stadium, Thursday’s game is sold out and fans are encouraged to arrive well ahead of the scheduled start time. The price for parking is $25 this season, while prepaid parking is available for $15.
Per usual, the Los Angeles Police Department issued an Opening Day advisory. Parking on Avenue of the Palms (Stadium Way) once again will restricted from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
There will also be a zero tolerance policy for public drinking and the no-tailgating policy remains in place:
#DodgersOpeningDay: Avoid traffic congestion & remember of the temporary parking restriction near #DodgersStadium. Between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on March 29th, there will be restricted parking on Palm Row (Stadium Way) between Scott Road and Academy Road. #LAPD pic.twitter.com/6drQIOyOz0
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) March 28, 2018
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 is configured to provide a dedicated area with uniform pedestrian lighting.
