2011 Dodgers Schedule Released: Opener April 1 At Home Vs. Giants

The Dodgers announced their 2011 schedule today, which includes opening on April 1, a Friday, against the Giants. The reason the season has changed from a traditional Monday (or Sunday) opening day to Friday because MLB earlier this year decided to begin the regular season earlier and mid-week to avoid playing World Series games in November.

The last time the Dodgers opened their season on a Friday was April 7, 1978, a year in which they went to the World Series.

After the opening four-game series at home (a wraparound series ending on a Monday), the Dodgers hit the road to face Colorado, San Diego, and San Francisco. The Dodgers host the Cardinals on Jackie Robinson Day, on April 15.

The interleague schedule features:

• Tigers (June 20-22) and Angels (June 24-26) at home
• White Sox (May 20-22), Twins (June 28-30), and Angels (July 1-3) on the road.

The Dodgers end their season with a six-game road trip to San Diego and Arizona. The last day of the regular season is September 28, 2011.

The full schedule can be found here.