Nationals open home schedule Friday, April 3, at 1:05 p.m. ET vs. Dodgers 

The Washington Nationals today announced first pitch times for the team’s 2026 regular-season home schedule, opening next year’s Nationals Park slate on Friday, April 3, at 1:05 p.m. against the two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Fans can guarantee access to Opening Day tickets by purchasing a 2026 Full, Half or Partial Season Package. Visit nats.com/Tickets for more information.

Fans can get an early look at the 2026 squad on Monday, March 23, as the Nationals host the Baltimore Orioles for an exhibition contest. The game is part of a multi-year agreement with the Beltway rivals, which places one game at Nationals Park and another at Oriole Park at Camden Yards each year through 2029. Following this year’s exhibition game in Washington, D.C., Nationals Philanthropies hosts its annual Homecoming Gala at The Anthem, featuring red carpet arrivals and special activities for fans.

For the 14th consecutive season, the Nationals will kickstart MLB’s slate of Fourth of July games, hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates for a 11:05 a.m. first pitch. A special showcase of the national pastime in our nation’s capital, the game will offer plenty of pageantry and patriotism leading into a slate of special events around the District in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

Washington Nationals home start times will remain consistent with the previous two years, as evening games begin at 6:45 p.m.; Saturday afternoon games start at 4:05 p.m.; Sunday games at 1:35 p.m.; and most weekday afternoon games at 12:05 or 1:05 p.m.

Visit nats.com/Schedule to view the full 2026 home schedule with first pitch times.

Nationals Parks gates will continue to open 75 minutes prior to scheduled first pitch for all games, unless otherwise noted. All gate and game times are subject to change. The full 2026 schedule, including start times for home games, is attached. Games, times and other information is subject to change.

Select 2026 ticket plans, including Full, Half and Partial Plans are on sale now at nats.com/Tickets. Group tickets for all Nationals home games will go on sale later this month, and single-game tickets will go on sale in December. Fans can sign up for the free Nationals Fan Club at nats.com/FanClub to receive early access, exclusive offers and insider updates.