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Marlins to open 2016 season at home vs. Tigers

Miami will face AL Central, Rays in Interleague matchups

MIAMI -- History was made the last time the Tigers were at Marlins Park. On Sept. 29, 2013, Miami's Henderson Alvarez no-hit Detroit in the final game of the season.

When the Tigers are next in Miami, it will mark Opening Day for the Marlins. The Marlins on Tuesday announced their schedule for 2016, and the Tigers will be at Marlins Park on April 5 for the home opener.

Marlins' tentative 2016 schedule

It will be the first time the Marlins will open a season facing an American League team. The Tigers will be in South Florida for a brief, two-game Interleague series, on April 5-6.

This year, the Marlins opened at home against Atlanta, followed by three games against the Rays.

"We had Tampa in here early this year," Miami manager Dan Jennings said. "At the same time, it's always fun playing some of those teams in the Central."

For the third consecutive year, the Marlins will begin their regular season at Marlins Park.

With the Tigers in town, it will be a chance for South Florida to see two of the most featured sluggers in the game -- Miami's Giancarlo Stanton and Detroit's Miguel Cabrera, who broke in with the Marlins.

"It's always good to see Miggy," Jennings said. "Although I'd much rather see him on TV than have to face him five times a night."

In 2016, the Marlins' Interleague opponents will come from the American League Central, in addition to the Rays.

The Tigers, White Sox (Aug. 12-14) and 2014 American League champion Royals (Aug. 23-25) will all visit Marlins Park.

The Marlins will be visiting Cleveland, Detroit and Minnesota, as well as Tampa Bay. Miami will host the Rays for two games from May 23-24.

The 12th and final homestand of 2016 will be a 10-game stretch against National League East rivals. The Nationals are in town Sept. 19-21, followed by the Braves (Sept. 22-25) and Mets (Sept. 26-28). The Marlins then conclude the regular season with a three-game road trip to Washington.

The Marlins also announced fans can guarantee themselves access to the 2017 All-Star Game at Marlins Park by purchasing season tickets in 2016. Information on full- and partial-season tickets for 2016 is available by calling 1-877-MARLINS or online at marlins.com/seasontickets.

The complete tentative schedule can be seen on Marlins.com. The final schedule, including all start times, will be released by MLB in January.

Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. He writes a blog, called The Fish Pond. Follow him on Twitter @JoeFrisaro and listen to his podcast.
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