On March 26, 2026, the St. Louis Cardinals commence their 135th season in the National League with a home game against the Tampa Bay Rays. The day will be marked with a pregame ceremony honoring the club’s Hall of Famers and celebrating the tradition of Opening Day in St. Louis .
The Opening Day Schedule
The festivities begin at 10:30am with a Pep Rally at the Busch II Infield at Ballpark Village, lasting until 1pm. At noon, gates to Busch Stadium open, allowing tens of thousands of fans to gather and celebrate the start of the baseball season.
The Opening Day Roster
The St. Louis Cardinals roster for Opening Day features a mix of seasoned veterans and new additions. The team has made strategic moves during the offseason to strengthen their lineup, creating a roster that is unlike anything MLB has seen before.
The 2026 Starter
The Cardinals have quietly decided on their Opening Day starting rotation, finalizing the lineup after a busy offseason of additions and changes. The selection of the starting pitcher was made after a series of strategic decisions, ensuring the team is ready for the 162-game regular season.
The St. Louis Cardinals kick off their 135th season in the National League on March 26, 2026 against the Tampa Bay Rays. The first pitch is scheduled to be thrown at 3:15pm at Busch Stadium.