​5 things to know about the Astros’ 2027 schedule: Opening Day, Rivalry Weekend, and more originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Major League Baseball released its schedule for 2027 on Thursday, which will be the Houston Astros’ 66th season and the 15th since the franchise moved to the American League prior to the 2013 season. According to MLB.com, March 25 “marks the earliest traditional Opening Day in Major League history (excluding special season-openers and international openers).” Here are five things to know about the Astros’ 2027 schedule:AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLone Star Series at home to open the seasonThe Astros will kick off 2027 by hosting the in-state rival Texas Rangers at Daikin Park from March 25–27. The series will mark the third time the two Texas franchises have squared off to start a season since the Astros’ move to the American League, with the other occurrences coming in 2013 and 2018.Fourth of July in The BronxThe Astros will spend Independence Day in the Big Apple against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Houston and New York will meet for a three-game series from July 2–4.Rivalry Weekend in ArlingtonHouston will travel to face the Texas Rangers during MLB’s third annual Rivalry Weekend from July 16–18. The three-game set will mark the Astros’ third of four scheduled series against the Rangers in 2027.Home for Mother’s Day and Father’s DayAstros fans will have the chance to celebrate both annual holidays at Daikin Park in 2027. Houston will host the Washington Nationals for Mother’s Day weekend (May 7–9) and the Kansas City Royals six weeks later for Father’s Day weekend (June 18–20).AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMarquee interleague matchups at homeThe Astros will welcome eight National League opponents to Houston in 2027, including the following:This will give Astros fans several opportunities to see some of the NL’s best in Houston next season.Why Astros are trading Lance McCullers to the BrewersAstros’ ‘most valuable’ trade chip is All-Star not named Yordan AlvarezAstros take a big hit in power rankings going into the All-Star breakThe Houston Astros have a problem that no bullpen can keep fixingNOTE: While MLB released its 2027 schedule Thursday, the season could be affected by the result of ongoing labor negotiations between the league and the MLB Players Association. The current collective bargaining agreement expires after the 2026 season, meaning a new deal must be reached to avoid a potential work stoppage.For the Houston Astros’ full 2027 schedule, visit: https://www.mlb.com/astros/schedule/2027-03