Mariners Adjust Schedule to Prevent Conflict with Seahawks Opener
The Seattle Mariners have moved their Wednesday, Sept. 9 home game against the Texas Rangers to a 1:10 p.m. start at T-Mobile Park. The change avoids an overlap with the Seahawks’ season opener at nearby Lumen Field.
First pitch had been scheduled for 6:40 p.m. before the adjustment. The Mariners announced the earlier start to prevent a scheduling conflict for fans.
Reason for the change
The Seahawks are set to play the NFL season opener on Sept. 9. They remain the reigning Super Bowl champions. The opponent for that game has not yet been announced.
Because the two venues sit close together, the club cited potential crowd and timing issues. In short, Mariners adjust schedule measures were taken to prevent conflict with the Seahawks opener.
How the decision unfolded
Kevin Martinez, the Mariners’ president of business operations, told Seattle Sports’ Wyman and Bob last Thursday that the team planned the move. The club said it was awaiting city approval before finalizing the start time.
NFL scheduling context
Typically the defending Super Bowl team begins the season on a Thursday night. This year, that Thursday would fall on Sept. 10. The NFL shifted its season-opening game to Wednesday because the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers play in Melbourne, Australia, on Sept. 10.
That Melbourne matchup is the league’s first regular-season game in Australia. The change created an unusual midweek opener and the overlapping issue in Seattle.
Filmogaz.com will continue to monitor any further announcements about approvals and timing for both events. Fans should check official team channels for updates before heading to either venue.
