The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Fourth of July matchup against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium was changed to a 6:10 p.m. PT start time. The game previously had been scheduled for a 7:10 p.m. first pitch.
The Dodgers made the change to better ensure they will be able to hold the postgame fireworks due to a longstanding curfew. They have been canceled on occasion over the years when games went into extra innings.
The Dodgers haven’t played at home on the Fourth of July since the 2019 season, when they defeated the San Diego Padres, 5-1. That game also had a 6:10 p.m. start time.
However, for the Dodgers’ Fourth of July matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018, first pitch was one hour earlier.
As part of this year’s Fourth of July pregame ceremonies, 150 military volunteers will help unfurl a giant American flag; there will also be a color guard and a fly over following the anthem by the 146th Airlift Wing.
The National Anthem will be performed by Navy Sailor Jonori Essandjo, and the center field plaza will host DJ Cruz.
Dodgers had unusual start time on Fourth of July 2021
The Dodgers faced the Washington Nationals in the nation’s capital on the Fourth of July last season, and it came with an 11:05 a.m. ET first pitch. The early start was implemented so locals could enjoy Washington D.C.’s other Independence Day festivities.
The morning contest came on the heels of a night game that experienced a rain delay that lasted nearly two hours. The inopportune timing didn’t sit well with manager Dave Roberts.
“I’ve learned not to question the scheduling,” he said at the time. “Sometimes logic and things when you’re playing don’t seem to make sense. We don’t make the schedule, just kind of try to adhere to it, but not ideal.”
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