Pasadena Firefighters to Lead National Anthem, Unveil World Series Emblem at Dodgers Home Opener Today

Firefighters from the Pasadena Fire Department will join their counterparts from Los Angeles County Fire Department and Los Angeles Fire Department in honoring the World Series champions at today’s Dodgers home opener against the Detroit Tigers. The ceremonial duties include displaying the American flag during the national anthem and unveiling the 2024 World Series emblem before the first pitch.

The Dodgers organization has planned what they call “a Hollywood show for the ages, including appearances and performances from top-tiered special guests” to welcome fans back to Dodger Stadium.

Josh Groban will perform the national anthem for the second consecutive year, accompanied by a military flyover featuring two F-15C fighter jets from the 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno and two F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from the 63rd Fighter Squadron of Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.

Firefighters from the three departments will salute the American flag during the anthem. The flag will be hanging in Lot I from firetrucks from Los Angeles Fire Department Station 20, located about a mile-and-a-quarter west of Dodger Stadium.

Pasadena Fire Department Capt. Jodi Slicker, along with Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Jerry Puga, will have the honor of unveiling the 2024 World Series emblem prior to the first pitch. Fans are encouraged to arrive early and be in their seats before 3:30 p.m. to witness all pregame festivities.

The team has not disclosed who will throw the ceremonial first pitch for today’s opener. In a separate ceremony, the Dodgers will present their World Series rings before Friday night’s game.

On the field, two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell will make his Dodger debut against fellow left-hander Tarik Skubal, the unanimous selection as the 2024 American League Cy Young Award winner. Snell and the Dodgers agreed to terms on a five-year, $182 million contract on November 30, the third-largest for a left-handed pitcher in MLB history based on total value.

Snell won the National League Cy Young Award in 2023 with the San Diego Padres, posting a league-best 2.23 ERA. After a slow start with the San Francisco Giants in 2024, he finished strong with a 5-0 record and 1.23 ERA over his final 14 starts, including his first career no-hitter. Skubal led Major League Baseball in 2024 with 228 strikeouts and tied for the MLB lead with 18 victories.

The Dodgers began their quest for the first back-to-back World Series titles in their history by sweeping the Chicago Cubs in the two-game Tokyo Series last week. Shortstop Mookie Betts, who missed those games due to a virus, and first baseman Freddie Freeman, who was absent with left rib discomfort, are both expected to play today.

The Tigers finished third in the American League Central in 2024, matching the Kansas City Royals’ 86-76 record. Detroit advanced in the playoffs by sweeping the American League West champion Houston Astros in a wild card series before losing to the Cleveland Guardians in a Division Series. The Tigers won two of three games from the Dodgers in 2024, all played in Detroit.

This marks the first time the Dodgers have played an American League team in their home opener since MLB began interleague play throughout the season in 2013.

Auto and stadium gates will open at 1:10 p.m. Drop-off and pickup locations for Uber have changed, with vehicles now entering through Gate B, off of Stadium Way, to pick up and drop off riders in Lot 1 for what the team calls “a smoother entry and exit experience.”

More information on parking and transportation options is available at www.dodgers.com/transportation. The game will be televised by ESPN.