If you’re anything like the folks I talk to at the deli or while waiting in line for a coffee downtown, you’ve probably got one date circled in red on your calendar. Baseball is coming back. Specifically, Cleveland baseball. But because the MLB schedule-makers like to keep us on our toes, there isn't just one "Opening Day." There is the day the season actually starts, and then there is the real holiday: the first game back at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario.
Honestly, the 2025 schedule is a bit of a marathon before we even get to the home opener. If you're looking for When is Guardians opening day 2025, you need to keep two different dates in mind so you don't show up to an empty stadium with a mustard-stained jersey.
The Official Start: March 27 at Kansas City
The Cleveland Guardians officially kick off the 2025 regular season on Thursday, March 27.
They aren't starting at home. Instead, they’re heading to Missouri to face the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. It’s a 4:10 p.m. ET first pitch. We’re looking at a pretty spicy pitching matchup to start the year, likely featuring Tanner Bibee for Cleveland going up against the Royals' ace Cole Ragans.
The team is basically living out of suitcases for the first week and a half. Because of the Phase 2 renovations happening at Progressive Field—which are going to be incredible, by the way—the front office requested a long road trip to give the construction crews every last second to tighten the bolts.
The road trip looks like this:
- Three games in Kansas City (March 27–30)
- Three games in San Diego against the Padres (March 31–April 2)
- Three games in Anaheim against the Angels (April 4–6)
That’s a nine-game, three-city swing before they even smell the Lake Erie breeze. It’s a tough way to start, but if they can come back with a winning record, the energy for the home opener is going to be through the roof.
The Real Holiday: Home Opener on April 8
The date every Cleveland fan actually cares about is Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
That is when the Guardians host the Chicago White Sox for the official home opener at Progressive Field. First pitch is usually around 4:10 p.m., but honestly, the party starts about six hours before that in the Gateway District.
This game sold out almost immediately. That’s 32 years in a row now. It doesn't matter if it's 75 degrees and sunny or 34 degrees with a "slushy" rain—Cleveland fans show up.
What’s New at the Ballpark?
When you finally walk through the gates on April 8, the place is going to look different. The renovations are focusing heavily on the social spaces. We’re talking about the new "Terrace Garden" and "Terrace Hall." If you’re a fan who likes to wander and grab a brew rather than sitting in a plastic seat for nine innings, the Upper Level renovated corners—The Pennant District and the Terrace District—are going to be your new best friends.
Tickets and How to Get In
Since the home opener is technically "sold out," you might think you're out of luck. Kinda. You can still find tickets on secondary markets like SeatGeek, but expect to pay a premium.
However, there’s a little "hack" the team brought back: the 2025 Ballpark Pass. For about $54 a month, you get a mobile standing-room-only ticket to every single home game. Yes, that includes Opening Day. If you don’t mind hanging out at the Corner Bar or the drink rails in right field, it’s arguably the best deal in professional sports.
Key Dates for the 2025 Season
If you missed out on the April 8 opener, don't sweat it. The rest of that first homestand features:
- Chicago White Sox: April 8–10
- Kansas City Royals: April 11–13
By the time the Royals come to town on that Friday, the "Opening Day" madness has cooled off just enough that you can actually grab a hot dog without waiting forty minutes.
The Roadmap to the Season
Before we even get to March 27, the team has to shake off the rust in Goodyear, Arizona. Pitchers and catchers report on February 12, with the first full-squad workout on February 17.
Keep an eye on the young guys this spring. Players like Travis Bazzana and Chase DeLauter are the names everyone is whispering about. Whether they make the roster on March 27 or start the year in Triple-A Columbus is the big question for manager Stephen Vogt.
Basically, if you want to be part of the 2025 journey, mark your calendars for March 27 for the "soft launch" and April 8 for the "grand opening." Wear layers. Bring a glove. And for heaven's sake, get a Sugardale dog with the ballpark mustard.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the official Guardians website or the MLB Ballpark app specifically on February 16 (216 Day). That is typically when the team releases the remaining single-game tickets for the rest of the season and reveals the full promotional schedule, including bobblehead nights and Friday night fireworks. If you plan on buying the Ballpark Pass, do it sooner rather than later, as they often cap the number of passes available to ensure the standing-room areas don't become a safety hazard.