Opening Day: Texas Rangers open 2023 season against Philadelphia Phillies

ARLINGTON, Texas - The Texas Rangers will kick off the 2023 season Thursday afternoon at Globe Life Field.

Fans will get their first look at the team’s biggest off-season acquisition – ace pitcher Jacob deGrom.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner will start against the Philadelphia Phillies.

OPENING DAY GUIDE: What you need to know about the Rangers home opener

It will also be the first game for new manager Bruce Bochy in a Rangers uniform.

The three-time World Series winner said Opening Day is always special.

RELATED: Rangers radio announcer Eric Nadel to miss start of season to treat mental health

"We all have butterflies. I don't think that ever stops. You're just anxious, you know, the anticipation of it. Uh, you spend seven weeks getting ready for the season. So, it's a big day – Opening Day. So, I can tell you all these guys will be hyped up. I will be and it's just a really exciting day. I'm sure we're going to have a lot of people here and it's obvious we're going to want to make a good showing and have a great ball game. It's just great to get the season going," he said.

MLB Rule Changes

Major League Baseball is introducing a slate of new rules for the 2023 season. 

A new pitch clock aims to speed the pace of play by eliminating downtime between pitches. 

There will be limits on pitcher disengagement, limits on where outfielders can stand and bigger bases to improve safety.

READ MORE: MLB rule changes: pitch clock, larger bases and more

New Ballpark Foods

There will be a lot of great new foods coming in the concession stands at Globe Life Field.

On Monday, the team revealed some of the new additions including a the 2-foot-long Boomstick Burger, a brisket croissant., a portabella, lettuce and tomato sandwich, the Pizza Dawwg, Flamin Hot Cheetos Pretzel and vegetarian corn ribs.

READ MORE: Texas Rangers reveal new foods at Globe Life Field, including a 2-foot burger

For those craving the real thing, Hurtado Barbecue will have a new permanent stand at Globe Life Field to serve pork ribs, as well as mouth-watering smoked brisket.

READ MORE: Hurtado Barbecue's stand at Globe Life Field will be a big hit for Rangers fans

Arlington Traffic, Weather

It will be a busy weekend in Arlington with opening weekend for the Rangers and two Taylor Swift concerts at AT&T Stadium

Fans who are heading to the game are encouraged to arrive early. 

Arlington police said to expect traffic and backups, especially the closer you get to the game/show time. Fans are also urged to think ahead about where they want to park ahead of time. 

The ballpark gates open at noon.

READ MORE: Arlington could see traffic issues this weekend due to Swifties, Rangers fans

Those tailgating should prepare for the possibility of some showers and storms.

The FOX 4 team believes that it is likely that Globe Life Field will have the roof closed for Opening Day because of the chances of rain in the middle of the game. 

READ MORE: Chances of rain, severe weather in North Texas this week

The First Pitch

A state trooper will join former President George W. Bush and Gov. Greg Abbott at the mound for the ceremonial first pitch.

Hurst DPS trooper to throw out first pitch for Texas Rangers Opening Day

Hall of Famer Pudge Rodriguez will catch the first pitch.

Before the game gets started at 3:05 p.m., there will be a flyover and the Texas Tenors will sing the national anthem.