The Pittsburgh Pirates will introduce earlier start times for home games before Memorial Day and after Labor Day for the 2021 season, moving them up 30 minutes after receiving feedback from fans.

The schedule, which starts with the home opener against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, April 8, features 6:35 p.m. weekday starts in April, May and September and 1:05 p.m. starts for Sunday games. The Pirates also will have 10 weekday matinees, with eight games starting at 12:35 p.m. and two at 1:35 p.m.

“We have spent a lot of time listening to our season-ticket holders and fans and are making many changes to the fan experience based on their feedback,” Pirates president Travis Williams said in a statement. “In 2021, one of the changes everyone will be able to take advantage of is the earlier game times before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. These changes were made to accommodate family schedules and allow more fans the opportunity to attend a weekday game while still balancing their daily routines.”

For the second consecutive season, the Pirates will face the American League Central teams in interleague play. The Pirates went 3-17 against AL Central opponents this past season on their way to a 19-41 record.

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