The Seattle Mariners open their 2026 season at home against the Cleveland Guardians, with the first pitch set for 7:10 p.m. Thursday.
SEATTLE — Baseball is back! The Seattle Mariners open their 2026 season against the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday evening at T-Mobile Park.
The 7:10 p.m. first pitch opens a four-game series between the teams.
Here’s what fans should know as another year of Mariners baseball begins.
Opening Day matchup
Expectations for Seattle are high following the team’s first AL West title in more than two decades and a playoff run that ended in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Mariners return much of their playoff run starting line-up and bullpen for the 2026 season, including catcher Cal “Big Dumper” Raleigh, who notched 60 home runs last season.
Pitcher Logan Gilbert is slated to get the start for Seattle for the second straight year on Opening Day. He’s part of a bullpen that’s considered one of the strongest in the league. Joining Gilbert in the rotation are Bryan Woo, George Kirby, Luis Castillo and Emerson Hancock. Right hander Bryce Miller is currently on the 15-day injured list with a left oblique strain.
One of Seattle’s biggest offseason pickups was third baseman Brendan Donovan, who will bat in the lead-off spot and set up Raleigh and centerfielder Julio Rodriguez in the lineup. First baseman Josh Naylor, who was acquired before the trade deadline last season, signed an offseason free agent deal with the team. He’ll be followed in the batting lineup by left fielder Randy Arozarena.
The Guardians were also division champs in 2025, capturing their third-straight AL Central title with manager Stephen Vogt, who calls Olympia, Washington home, setting the stage for a competitive game to open the season.
The start time is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Thursday at T-Mobile Park.
How to watch the game
The Seattle Mariners said Wednesday that games will air on Comcast/Xfinity channel 1261 and on Charter/Spectrum channel 414 in the Seattle-Tacoma market.
The Mariners also said more providers will be announced soon and that a full channel finder will be available Thursday morning.
The team also says Mariners TV will also be available through satellite and internet TV providers, along with a direct-to-consumer streaming option.
In-market fans in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Alaska, Montana and Hawaii, plus British Columbia and Alberta, can stream games through Mariners.TV with no local blackouts, subject to national exclusivities for $99.99 for the season or $19.99 a month.
RELATED: Fans celebrate Mariners’ 50th season with memories of the Kingdome
Transportation and parking at T-Mobile Park
T-Mobile Park is located at 1250 1st Ave. S in Seattle’s SODO neighborhood. Fans are advised to “plan and consider all the transportation options available.”
Car: Click here for driving directions via Google Maps.
Parking: T-Mobile Park offers three parking garages: Mariners Garage, Lumen Field Garage and Union Station Garage South, which is the furthest of the three but the most affordable. Parking lots and garages are also located in the Central Business District to the north of the ballpark. Parking for over 150 bicycles is available in the Mariners Garage.
Light rail: T-Mobile Park is a 10-15 minute walk from the Stadium and International District/Chinatown light rail stations. Free parking is available at the Angle Lake, Tukwila International Boulevard and Northgate Link light rail stations, according to Sound Transit’s website. Click here to plan your trip.
Starting Saturday at 10 a.m., the Link 2 line will be running across Lake Washington, giving eastside residents another option for getting to Mariners games. That will not be available on Thursday or Friday.
King County Metro: Seattle has an extensive bus network with multiple routes that stop near T-Mobile Park. Click here to plan your trip.
Rideshare and taxis: A taxi stand located at the northwest corner of First Avenue South and South Royal Brougham Way operates before, during and after games, according to the Mariners’ website. Anyone using rideshare services – like Uber and Lyft – is encouraged to use the taxi stand location for public safety and traffic flow.
Ferry: Colman Dock, also called Pier 52, is located less than a mile from T-Mobile Park. Click here to find Washington State Ferries’ schedule information.
Gate and bag policy
All main T-Mobile Park gates open 90 minutes before the first pitch. The T-Mobile ‘Pen gate, located next to the Mariners’ bullpen in centerfield, opens two hours before the first pitch. Fans can access the ‘Pen area of the ballpark until all other main gates open. Here is the summary of the policy from the Mariners’ website.
– Clear bags no larger than 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches are permitted. One-gallon clear plastic zip-top bags are allowed.
– Security must be able to see inside and identify items at the bottom of the bag. Items may not be used to obscure the view of bag contents, including but not limited to non-clear bags, pouches, etc. Bags with interior contents obscured from view are not allowed.
– Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5 inches x 6.5 inches are permitted.
– Backpacks, multi-compartment bags, duffle bags and purses larger than 4.5 inches x 6.5 inches are not permitted. Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items or single-compartment diaper bags (child must be present).
Outside food and drink
Outside food is permitted in single-serving sizes. Sealed, clear plastic water bottles up to 32 ounces, baby bottles, beverages related to medical needs, and unopened, soft-sided single-serve containers like juice boxes are permitted. Soda, coffee, or other beverages are not allowed. Guests may bring in one empty reusable plastic bottle 32 ounces or smaller.
New food options
The Mariners’ 2026 ballpark menu was curated by Vice President of Fan Experience Malcolm Rogel and Executive Chef Craig McAlister.
Over 30 new offerings in this year’s lineup include local eastern European, Mexican and barbecue restaurants, a sweet-as-can-be Chocolate Mousse Moose, and yes – your very own take-home Washington state ferry.
The new item, in collaboration with Washington State Ferries (WSF), is a mini souvenir version of the boat that you have a choice of filling with crab nachos, garlic fries, chicken tenders or fish and chips.
The Celebration of Seattle ferry honors the Mariners’ 50 seasons and 75 years of WSF.
The new restaurants at the ballpark are Piroshky Piroshky (Section 132), El Rinconsito (The ‘Pen), and Rolling Smoke BBQ (Section 313).
RELATED: More on the new food options
Expanded value menu
The Mariners announced dozens of Value Menu items will be available at the ballpark this season, including 15 new food items and seven new beers.
New menu items, which begin at $3 on the Value Menu, include a mini alder salmon chowder from Ivar’s; a chocolate sea salt cookie from Great State Burger; a quesadilla from El Rinconsito; an ube coconut Rice Krispie from Marination; pickle chips; pizza bites; tamales and more.
Rick Rizzs to retire after 2026
The legendary voice of the Seattle Mariners has announced this will be his final season calling games. Rick Rizzs is the longest-tenured broadcaster in franchise history at 40 years. He plans to call all home games and some road games — as well as cover any playoff competition for the team.