The Texas Rangers will host the Cincinnati Reds in their 2026 home opener Friday at Globe Life Field, with first pitch scheduled for 3:05 p.m. CDT.
The Rangers enter the game at 4-2 after a successful season-opening road trip, where they won their first two series against the Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles. Friday’s contest marks the club’s seventh home opener at Globe Life Field and the 55th overall since the franchise moved to Texas in 1972.
Expect large crowds and heavier traffic in the Arlington Entertainment District as fans return to the ballpark for the first time this season. City of Arlington officials are implementing additional traffic controls, including extra devices and cones near the Randol Mill Road and Stadium Drive intersection, to maintain safe and efficient flow since medians are no longer raised. The exit from Lot B onto Randol Mill Road has also been made less restrictive to improve ingress and egress. Parking lots open at 10 a.m., with ballpark gates opening at noon.
Dallas Stars goaltender and Team USA Olympic gold medalist Jake Oettinger will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Country music artist Neal McCoy is scheduled to perform the national anthem. The first 30,000 fans (21 and older) will receive a 2026 magnetic schedule presented by Budweiser.
The game kicks off a three-game homestand and represents an early opportunity for fans to see the Rangers under new manager Skip Schumaker in their home ballpark. No injuries or incidents have been reported in connection with the event.
Local drivers should plan extra travel time and consider ride-share options, with designated drop-off and pick-up areas available. The city continues to refine parking patterns based on previous seasons to minimize delays for the sold-out crowd.
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The Rangers enter the game at 4-2 after a successful season-opening road trip
