St. Louis Cardinals 2026 Home Games Schedule: Complete Guide
Planning your trips to Busch Stadium for the 2026 season? The St. Louis Cardinals have released their complete home schedule, and we’ve broken it down month-by-month to help you catch every pitch, rivalry showdown, and special celebration at one of baseball’s most iconic venues. From the March 26 home opener against the Rays to September’s playoff push, here’s your verified guide to Cardinals home games in 2026—complete with printable options, ticket info, and key matchup highlights.
March 2026: Opening Day Excitement
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Mar 26 Thu | Rays |
| Mar 28 Sat | Rays |
| Mar 29 Sun | Rays |
| Mar 30 Mon | Mets |
| Mar 31 Tue | Mets |
March Highlight: The 2026 season launches with a bang on March 26 when the Cardinals host Opening Day at Busch Stadium against the Tampa Bay Rays. Opening Day is always a St. Louis tradition—expect a sellout crowd, pregame festivities, and that electric atmosphere only a season opener can bring. The scheduled first pitch is 3:15 p.m. local time, though you’ll want to verify exact game times closer to the date. After wrapping the Rays series, the Cardinals immediately welcome the New York Mets for a two-game set to close out March. It’s a quick but meaningful homestand to establish early-season momentum.
Read more: St. Louis Cardinals 2026 Season Schedule: Printable PDF Download
April 2026: Jackie Robinson Day and Interleague Action
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Apr 1 Wed | Mets |
| Apr 10 Fri | Red Sox |
| Apr 11 Sat | Red Sox |
| Apr 12 Sun | Red Sox |
| Apr 13 Mon | Guardians |
| Apr 14 Tue | Guardians |
| Apr 15 Wed | Guardians |
| Apr 24 Fri | Mariners |
| Apr 25 Sat | Mariners |
| Apr 26 Sun | Mariners |
April Highlight: April brings exciting interleague baseball to St. Louis. The Boston Red Sox visit Busch Stadium April 10-12 in what’s always a marquee matchup between two of baseball’s storied franchises. Following that, the Cleveland Guardians come to town for a three-game series that culminates on April 15—Jackie Robinson Day. MLB honors Robinson’s legacy each year on this date, and the Cardinals typically hold special pregame ceremonies while all players wear #42. The month closes with a weekend series against the Seattle Mariners, offering fans a look at an American League West opponent they don’t see often.
May 2026: Dodgers Showdown and Rivalry Week
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| May 1 Fri | Dodgers |
| May 2 Sat | Dodgers |
| May 3 Sun | Dodgers |
| May 4 Mon | Brewers |
| May 5 Tue | Brewers |
| May 6 Wed | Brewers |
| May 15 Fri | Royals |
| May 16 Sat | Royals |
| May 17 Sun | Royals |
| May 19 Tue | Pirates |
| May 20 Wed | Pirates |
| May 21 Thu | Pirates |
| May 29 Fri | Cubs |
| May 30 Sat | Cubs |
| May 31 Sun | Cubs |
May Highlight: May opens with one of the season’s most anticipated series: the Los Angeles Dodgers at Busch Stadium for three games. Anytime these two National League powers meet, expect playoff-caliber intensity and big crowds. Immediately following, the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers arrive for a crucial three-game NL Central showdown. Mid-May features the Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates before the month crescendos with a Memorial Day weekend series against the Chicago Cubs (May 29-31). Cardinals-Cubs games are always circled on the calendar—expect packed stands, intense atmosphere, and special promotions. If you’re hunting St. Louis Cardinals 2026 home schedule tickets, these May series should be at the top of your list.
June 2026: Lou Gehrig Day and a Busy Homestand
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Jun 1 Mon | Rangers |
| Jun 2 Tue | Rangers |
| Jun 3 Wed | Rangers |
| Jun 5 Fri | Reds |
| Jun 6 Sat | Reds |
| Jun 7 Sun | Reds |
| Jun 15 Mon | Padres |
| Jun 16 Tue | Padres |
| Jun 17 Wed | Padres |
| Jun 22 Mon | D-backs |
| Jun 23 Tue | D-backs |
| Jun 24 Wed | D-backs |
| Jun 25 Thu | D-backs |
| Jun 26 Fri | Marlins |
| Jun 27 Sat | Marlins |
| Jun 28 Sun | Marlins |
June Highlight: June is packed with home action. The month begins with the Texas Rangers visiting for three games, including Lou Gehrig Day on June 2—an MLB-wide commemoration honoring the Iron Horse and raising ALS awareness. Division foe Cincinnati Reds follow for a weekend series before the San Diego Padres bring their star power to St. Louis mid-month. The Cardinals then host a four-game set against the Arizona Diamondbacks (June 22-25) and close June with the Miami Marlins.
July 2026: Summer Baseball and Rivalry Heat
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Jul 6 Mon | Brewers |
| Jul 7 Tue | Brewers |
| Jul 8 Wed | Brewers |
| Jul 9 Thu | Brewers |
| Jul 10 Fri | Braves |
| Jul 11 Sat | Braves |
| Jul 12 Sun | Braves |
| Jul 24 Fri | Reds |
| Jul 25 Sat | Reds |
| Jul 26 Sun | Reds |
| Jul 27 Mon | Cubs |
| Jul 28 Tue | Cubs |
| Jul 29 Wed | Cubs |
| Jul 30 Thu | Cubs |
July Highlight: Prime summer baseball arrives in July. The month kicks off with a four-game series against Milwaukee—always critical for NL Central positioning—before the Atlanta Braves visit for a weekend set (July 10-12). The Braves-Cardinals matchup brings together two franchises with deep postseason history and typically delivers must-see baseball. After the All-Star break, late July heats up with the Reds returning to town followed immediately by a four-game Cubs series to close the month. These back-to-back division battles (Reds and Cubs) often have playoff implications and represent the heart of summer Cardinals home games. Pro tip: July weeknight games can offer better ticket availability than weekend sellouts.
August 2026: Interleague Matchups and Playoff Push Begins
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Aug 7 Fri | Rockies |
| Aug 8 Sat | Rockies |
| Aug 9 Sun | Rockies |
| Aug 10 Mon | Phillies |
| Aug 11 Tue | Phillies |
| Aug 12 Wed | Phillies |
| Aug 25 Tue | Orioles |
| Aug 26 Wed | Orioles |
| Aug 27 Thu | Orioles |
| Aug 28 Fri | Pirates |
| Aug 29 Sat | Pirates |
| Aug 30 Sun | Pirates |
August Highlight: August features compelling interleague action. The Colorado Rockies visit for a weekend series before the Philadelphia Phillies bring their playoff-caliber roster to St. Louis August 10-12—a series that could have wild-card implications. Late August spotlights the Baltimore Orioles for three games (August 25-27), offering fans a chance to see one of the American League’s rising teams. The month closes with a Pirates series as the Cardinals enter the season’s final stretch. By late August, St. Louis Cardinals 2026 home schedule time slots may shift for nationally televised games, so double-check start times as these dates approach.
September 2026: Roberto Clemente Day and Final Push
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Sep 11 Fri | White Sox |
| Sep 12 Sat | White Sox |
| Sep 13 Sun | White Sox |
| Sep 14 Mon | Giants |
| Sep 15 Tue | Giants |
| Sep 16 Wed | Giants |
| Sep 18 Fri | Nationals |
| Sep 19 Sat | Nationals |
| Sep 20 Sun | Nationals |
September Highlight: The season’s final homestand begins September 11 with the Chicago White Sox for a weekend series. The San Francisco Giants then visit September 14-16, with Roberto Clemente Day celebrated on September 15—a day honoring the legendary humanitarian and Hall of Famer. Expect special ceremonies and commemorative elements throughout the ballpark. The Cardinals close their 2026 home schedule September 18-20 against the Washington Nationals. These final games at Busch Stadium could be win-or-go-home scenarios if the postseason race is tight, making them some of the most electric tickets of the year.
St. Louis Cardinals 2026 Home Schedule Tickets: What You Need to Know
Securing tickets to Cardinals home games is easier when you plan ahead. Single-game tickets, season ticket packages, and special promotional offers become available through the Cardinals’ official website and authorized partners like MLB.com and verified secondary marketplaces. High-demand series—particularly the Dodgers (May 1-3), Cubs (both May and July), and Opening Day—sell out quickly, so purchasing early is crucial.
The Cardinals offer various ticket options including:
- Single-game tickets for individual games
- Mini-plans bundling popular series
- Season tickets for all 81 home games
- Group tickets (10+ people) with special discounts
- Premium seating in suites and club areas
For fans looking for deals, weeknight games against non-division opponents typically offer better availability and lower prices than weekend rivalry matchups. Many games also feature promotional giveaways (bobbleheads, jersey giveaways, themed nights) that are announced throughout the off-season—these promotions can drive ticket demand, so monitor the Cardinals’ promotions calendar.
Understanding St. Louis Cardinals 2026 Home Schedule Time Variations
Start times for Cardinals home games vary throughout the season based on several factors including day of the week, opponent, television broadcasts, and weather considerations. Here’s what to expect:
Typical start times:
- Weeknight games (Monday-Thursday): 6:45 p.m. or 7:15 p.m. local time
- Friday games: 7:15 p.m. local time
- Saturday games: 6:15 p.m. or 7:15 p.m. local time
- Sunday games: 1:15 p.m. local time (day games are common)
- Special games: Opening Day (3:15 p.m.), holiday games, and nationally televised matchups may have unique times
However, these times can change based on television schedules, especially for marquee matchups broadcast on national networks like ESPN, FOX, or Apple TV+. Always verify the St. Louis Cardinals 2026 home schedule time for your specific game date by checking the official Cardinals schedule page or the individual game listing one week before attending. The team updates confirmed start times as broadcasting details are finalized.
Printable PDF and Downloadable Options
For fans who prefer a physical copy or want to plan ahead with a printed calendar, the Cardinals provide convenient options. The official Cardinals website offers a printable PDF schedule that you can download and print for your refrigerator, office, or planning purposes. This printable version includes all home and away games with dates and opponents clearly marked.
Additionally, the Cardinals offer a downloadable CSV file specifically for home games, which you can import into digital calendars (Google Calendar, Outlook, Apple Calendar) to receive automatic reminders before each game. To access these resources:
- Visit the Cardinals’ official website
- Navigate to the Schedule section
- Look for “Printable Schedule” or “Download Schedule” links
- Select your preferred format (PDF for printing, CSV for digital calendars)
These downloadable resources are particularly useful for season ticket holders, frequent attendees, or anyone planning travel around Cardinals home games. The printable PDF makes gift-giving easy too—print and frame it for the Cardinals fan in your life.
Planning Your Visit to Cardinals Home Games
Attending Cardinals home games at historic Busch Stadium is about more than just baseball—it’s a complete St. Louis experience. Here are practical tips for making the most of your visit:
Getting There:
- Busch Stadium is located in downtown St. Louis with excellent access via MetroLink (the Stadium station is adjacent to the ballpark)
- Parking garages surround the stadium with prices typically ranging from $15-40 depending on proximity
- Rideshare drop-off and pickup zones are designated near Gate 3
Arrive Early:
- Gates at Busch Stadium open 90 minutes before first pitch Monday–Thursday and 2 hours before first pitch Friday–Sunday.
- Arrive early for promotional giveaway nights (first 20,000-30,000 fans)
- Explore Ballpark Village, the entertainment district adjacent to the stadium, before games
Stadium Policies:
- Check current bag policy (typically small bags and clear bags are permitted)
- Outside food and sealed plastic water bottles are generally allowed
- No outside alcohol is permitted
What to Experience:
- Visit the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum (open on game days)
- Walk around the concourse to see statues honoring Cardinals legends
- Try local favorites like toasted ravioli and St. Louis-style pizza
Conclusion
The St. Louis Cardinals 2026 home schedule delivers 81 games of baseball excellence at Busch Stadium, from the March 26 home opener against the Rays through September’s playoff-push series. Each month brings its own highlights: Opening Day excitement in March, Jackie Robinson Day in April, the Dodgers showdown in May, Lou Gehrig Day in June, summer rivalry heat in July, interleague intrigue in August, and Roberto Clemente Day in September.
Whether you’re a season ticket holder mapping out your entire schedule, a casual fan targeting specific rivalry games, or a visitor planning a baseball trip to St. Louis, this month-by-month breakdown provides the verified information you need. Remember to secure St. Louis Cardinals 2026 home schedule tickets early for high-demand series, verify specific game times as dates approach, and download the printable PDF or CSV for easy reference throughout the season.
The 2026 season promises intense division battles, memorable interleague matchups, and the electric atmosphere that makes Busch Stadium one of baseball’s best venues. With this complete guide in hand, you’re ready to experience every moment of Cardinals baseball at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I download a printable PDF of the Cardinals’ 2026 home schedule?
The official Cardinals website provides a printable PDF schedule in their Schedule section under “Printable Schedule.” You can also download a CSV file specifically for home games to import into digital calendars. These official resources are free and include all verified dates and opponents. The printable PDF is ideal for posting on your refrigerator or office, while the downloadable CSV allows automatic calendar integration with reminders.
2. When is the Cardinals’ 2026 home opener and what time does it start?
The St. Louis Cardinals 2026 home opener is Thursday, March 26 against the Tampa Bay Rays. The scheduled start time is 3:15 p.m. local time, though you should verify this on the official game page as Opening Day approaches. Home openers traditionally feature pregame ceremonies, first-pitch celebrations, and sellout crowds, so arrive early and purchase tickets well in advance for this season-launching event.
3. How do I buy single-game tickets for Cardinals home games?
Purchase tickets through the Cardinals’ official website ticket portal, MLB.com’s Cardinals page, or authorized secondary marketplaces. Single-game tickets are typically released in late winter/early spring for the upcoming season. For high-demand games like Opening Day, Cubs series, and Dodgers matchups, tickets sell out quickly—set reminders for when single-game sales begin. Group tickets (10+ people) and mini-plans offer alternatives if individual game tickets are sold out.
4. Do start times change for games throughout the season?
Yes, start times can shift based on national television broadcasts, weather forecasts, and scheduling adjustments. While typical times are 7:15 p.m. for weeknights and 1:15 p.m. for Sunday day games, specific times are confirmed closer to game day. Always check the official Cardinals schedule or individual game page one week before attending to verify the St. Louis Cardinals 2026 home schedule time for your game, especially for nationally televised matchups that may have unique broadcast windows.
5. Are there special commemorative days during Cardinals home games in 2026?
Yes, the 2026 home schedule includes three major MLB-wide commemorative days: Jackie Robinson Day on April 15 (all players wear #42), Lou Gehrig Day on June 2 (ALS awareness), and Roberto Clemente Day on September 15 (honoring Clemente’s humanitarian legacy). These games typically feature special pregame ceremonies, commemorative merchandise, and educational initiatives. The Cardinals may also host additional themed nights and promotional events throughout the season—check their promotions calendar for complete details.
