Baseball is back in SoDo as the Seattle Mariners open the 2026 MLB season at home against the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday night at T-Mobile Park. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m., and single-game tickets are still on the board. If you are heading to the ballpark, here is what you need to know about getting there, getting through the gates and keeping your food costs in check.
Getting there
T-Mobile Park sits in SoDo at 1250 1st Avenue South and offers on-site and nearby parking options. The Mariners Garage is right next to the ballpark, and there are other surrounding lots and street parking in the area. Link light rail drops riders at Stadium Station a short walk from the park, and there is a designated rideshare lot southeast of the stadium that is typically less than a five-minute walk from most gates, according to KIRO 7.
What you can bring and eat
Per the Mariners' gate-and-bag policy, clear plastic bags no larger than 12" x 6" x 12", one-gallon clear zip-top bags and small clutches up to 4.5" x 6.5" are allowed. Sealed water bottles or empty reusable bottles that are 32 ounces or smaller are permitted, and outside food is allowed only in single-serving sizes, according to the Seattle Mariners. The same policy lists items that are banned at T-Mobile Park, including weapons, aerosol containers, coolers, alcoholic beverages, selfie sticks, laser pointers and noisemakers, and notes that all guests are subject to screening at entry.
Concessions might sting a little less this season. The club has expanded its 2026 Value Menu with dozens of items starting at $3 to make concessions more affordable, per a Seattle Mariners release. Check those pages before you go so you are not turned away at the gate for what is in your bag.
Weather and roof
KIRO 7 meteorologists are calling for sunshine and temperatures in the low 50s on Thursday, which increases the odds that the ballpark's retractable roof will be open. If the roof is open, expect cooler seats and a breeze off Elliott Bay, so a light jacket is still a smart move even if the sun is out.
Quick tips
Most gates open 90 minutes before the 7:10 p.m. first pitch, while select T-Mobile 'Pen and center-field gates open two hours early. Plan for a little extra time to get through security, per the event listing on Ticketmaster. Consider Link light rail or the designated rideshare lot if you want to dodge game-night traffic.
Many concessions and the Mariners Garage are cashless, and guests are not permitted re-entry after leaving, so make sure your phone is charged and your mobile ticket is pulled up before you hit the gates.
