Opening of Dodger Stadium
Dodgers open 2025 season in Tokyo, Japan, with historic pitching matchup and record start.
The Los Angeles Dodgers opened their 2025 season on March 18 against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome in Japan as part of the MLB Tokyo Series, the second straight year they had started overseas after playing in Seoul, South Korea to start the 2024 season.
- Location
- Chavez Ravine, Los Angeles, California
- Opened
- April 10, 1962
- Architect
- Welton Becket
- Commissioned By
- Walter O'Malley
- Notable Record
- Third-oldest active MLB stadium by original construction date, behind Fenway Park and Wrigley Field
Lore & Background
The Dodgers began the season outside of America for the second year in a row, this time in Tokyo, Japan for the Tokyo Series. They became the first defending World Series champion to begin their season 8–0, besting the previous record held by the 1933 Yankees (7–0) and tying the 1939 Yankees' 8–0 start.
In Their Own Story
The sun dips low over the San Gabriel Mountains, casting long, golden shadows across the pristine green grass of center field. The air is cool, carrying the faint scent of popcorn and cut grass, while the distant hum of the city fades into a rhythmic anticipation. A lone groundskeeper walks the warning track, his hand brushing the white chalk line that marks the foul territory, a boundary between the ordinary world and the hallowed ground where legends are made. Above, the concrete stands rise like ancient cliffs, silent witnesses to decades of cheers, gasps, and tears, waiting for the crack of the bat to break the evening stillness.
Reader's Guide
The Dodgers opened their season on March 18 against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome. Yoshinobu Yamamoto made the start in his home country, facing Shota Imanaga, the first opening day matchup between two Japanese pitchers in MLB history. Yamamoto allowed only one run on three hits in five innings. Shohei Ohtani had two hits, including a double, and scored two runs as the Dodgers started the season with a 4–1 victory. In the next game, Roki Sasaki made his major league debut, allowing one run in three innings, while walking five batters. Ohtani, Kiké Hernández, and Tommy Edman homered, and the Dodgers finished the series with a 6–3 win. The Dodgers returned to Dodger Stadium and began the rest of the schedule on March 27 with a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers.
Did You Know?
- The Dodgers became the first defending World Series champion to begin their season 8–0, besting the previous record held by the 1933 Yankees (7–0) and tying the 1939 Yankees' 8–0 start.
- The opening day matchup between Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shota Imanaga was the first opening day matchup between two Japanese pitchers in MLB history.
- Roki Sasaki, still playing in Japan's NPB, has not yet made his MLB debut.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Dodger Stadium officially open?
The ballpark debuted on April 10, 1962, marking the team's permanent establishment in Los Angeles. This opening day event solidified the franchise's move from Brooklyn to the West Coast.
Who was responsible for designing and commissioning the stadium?
Walter O'Malley commissioned the project while architect Welton Becket handled the design alongside structural engineer Emil Prager. Their collaboration created a modern facility that replaced the cramped conditions of Ebbets Field.
Where is Dodger Stadium located within Los Angeles?
The venue sits within Chavez Ravine, nestled into the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. This location provided ample space for the sprawling grounds compared to their previous home.
How does Dodger Stadium rank among active MLB parks by age?
It holds the record as the third-oldest active Major League Baseball stadium by original construction date. Only Fenway Park and Wrigley Field predate its opening in terms of continuous use.
What major history has taken place since the stadium opened?
Over sixty years, the stands have hosted significant events like Sandy Koufax's perfect game and multiple championship parades. These milestones helped unite generations of fans within this modern classic venue.
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