It is mid-January, which in Chicago means the wind is probably whipping off the lake at roughly forty miles per hour and everyone is dreaming of a warm afternoon at Clark and Addison. If you are asking what time do the chicago cubs play, you are likely looking for that specific rush of a 1:20 PM first pitch or trying to figure out if you can make it home from work in time for a night game.
The short answer for right now? They don’t. Not yet.
Since we are currently sitting in the heart of the offseason—specifically January 14, 2026—the North Siders are still a few weeks away from stretching their legs in the Arizona sun. But the 2026 schedule is already etched in stone. Knowing when the Cubs play isn't just about looking at a clock; it's about navigating the weird traditions of Wrigley Field and the travel demands of a 162-game marathon.
The 2026 Countdown: Spring Training and Opening Day
Basically, your first chance to see the Cubs in action this year comes in late February. The team kicks off its Spring Training slate in Mesa, Arizona, at Sloan Park.
On Friday, February 20, 2026, the Cubs take on the White Sox in a Cactus League opener. The game time for that one is 1:05 PM local time (MST). Most of those Arizona games stick to that early afternoon slot, though you’ll occasionally see a 6:05 PM or 6:10 PM start if they’re playing a night game under the desert lights.
But let’s be real. You want the real thing.
Opening Day 2026 is scheduled for Thursday, March 26. The Cubs will host the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field. While official television times often get tweaked by networks like Marquee or ESPN in the weeks leading up, the tradition of the home opener usually points toward a 1:20 PM start.
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What Time Do the Chicago Cubs Play Most Often?
If you've spent any time around Wrigleyville, you know the Cubs are the kings of the day game. Historically, this was because the neighbors fought against lights for decades. Even though the lights went in back in '88, the Cubs still play more day baseball at home than almost anyone else.
- Weekday Home Games: Usually 1:20 PM CT.
- Friday Home Games: Almost always 1:20 PM CT. It’s a religious experience for people skipping work.
- Night Games: Usually 6:40 PM or 7:05 PM CT.
- Sunday Games: Almost exclusively 1:20 PM CT, unless ESPN flexes them into the "Sunday Night Baseball" 6:00 PM slot.
When the team hits the road, everything changes. If they are playing in New York or Atlanta, you’re looking at 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM starts. When they head to the West Coast to face the Dodgers or Giants, get ready for some late nights—those games typically don't start until 8:40 PM or 9:10 PM Chicago time.
Why the Start Time Actually Changes Your Strategy
Honestly, the time on the ticket dictates your whole day. If it’s a 1:20 PM start, the "Wrigleyville effect" begins around 10:00 AM.
You’ve got to account for the Red Line being packed. You have to decide if you're hitting Murphy’s Bleachers or The Cubby Bear before the gates open. If you’re trying to catch batting practice, you need to be at the gates at least two hours before the first pitch.
One thing people often get wrong: they assume every Friday is a day game. While the Cubs play a ton of them, MLB occasionally forces a night game for national TV. Always check the official MLB app about 24 hours before to make sure there hasn't been a "rain-out" adjustment or a network time swap.
Where to Find the Exact Time Today
Since the season hasn't started, you won't see a live score today. However, once February 20 hits, you have a few reliable spots to check the daily start time:
- The MLB At Bat App: This is the gold standard. It adjusts for your local time zone automatically.
- Marquee Sports Network: As the team’s dedicated broadcaster, they usually have a countdown clock on their site.
- Wrigley Field’s Marquee: If you're lucky enough to live nearby, the iconic sign at Clark and Addison will tell you everything you need to know.
Notable Dates in the 2026 Schedule
The Cubs' 2026 schedule has some quirks. After Opening Day against the Nationals, they have a weird off-day on Friday, March 27, before finishing the series on Saturday and Sunday.
They also have a massive three-city road trip in May that takes them through Texas, Atlanta, and then across town to play the White Sox. If you're wondering what time do the chicago cubs play during that stretch, you'll be bouncing between Central and Eastern time zones, so keep your watch updated.
Also, circle September 25-27. The Cubs finish the regular season at Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox. That is a rare treat and those start times will likely be primetime slots.
Keeping Up with Changes
Weather is the biggest enemy of a scheduled start time. Chicago in April is a crapshoot. You might see a "delayed start" notification if a cell is moving through Cook County.
If a game is postponed, it often turns into a "split doubleheader" the following day. This means one game might start at 12:05 PM and the next at 6:05 PM. You can’t use the same ticket for both, which is a mistake a lot of first-timers make.
To stay ahead of the curve for the 2026 season, download a digital calendar sync from the official Cubs website. It’ll push the start times directly to your phone so you never have to Google it at the last minute.
For now, just wait for the snow to melt. Spring is coming, and with it, the sounds of Pat Hughes on the radio and a 1:20 PM first pitch.
Next Steps for Cubs Fans:
Go to the official MLB website and sync the 2026 schedule to your Google or Apple Calendar now. This ensures that any time changes—like those made for ESPN Sunday Night Baseball—update automatically on your device before you head to the ballpark.