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You’re staring at your phone, scrolling through sports apps, and seeing nothing. It’s frustrating. You want to know what time is Cardinals game today, but the calendar is basically a ghost town.
Here is the cold, hard reality: If you are looking for a St. Louis Cardinals or Arizona Cardinals game right now, on January 18, 2026, you won't find one.
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Both teams are currently in their respective off-seasons. The NFL Cardinals finished their 2025-2026 campaign a couple of weeks ago, and the MLB Cardinals are still over a month away from throwing their first pitch in Jupiter, Florida.
The St. Louis Cardinals: When Do They Actually Play?
If you were hoping to see Nolan Arenado or Masyn Winn take the field today, you're early. Like, really early. The MLB schedule is a machine, but it doesn't crank up until the spring.
The St. Louis Cardinals officially start their 2026 Spring Training schedule on Saturday, February 21. They’ll be facing off against the Washington Nationals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. The first pitch for that one is slated for 12:05 PM CST.
If you happen to be in St. Louis today, though, you aren't totally out of luck for "Cardinals content." Today is actually the final day of the Cardinals Care Winter Warm-Up.
What’s Happening in St. Louis Right Now?
The Winter Warm-Up is essentially a massive fan festival at Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village. While there isn't a game, there is a lot of activity:
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: The event is in full swing.
- Main Stage Interviews: You can catch Q&As with the front office, including Bill DeWitt Jr.
- The Baseball Writers' Dinner: This takes place tonight at the Missouri Athletic Club.
It’s the biggest event of the winter for the Redbirds, but it’s a lot more talking and autograph signing than sliding into second base.
Why the Arizona Cardinals Aren’t Playing Today
For the football fans asking what time is Cardinals game today, the news is a bit more somber. The Arizona Cardinals season ended on January 4, 2026, with a loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Because the team didn't make the postseason, their pads are already packed away. Today, January 18, is actually the NFL Divisional Round. While there is plenty of football on—like the Texans vs. Patriots at 3:00 PM ET—the birds from Glendale are already looking toward the 2026 NFL Draft.
Understanding the 2026 MLB Schedule Gap
It’s easy to get confused about the timing. We live in a world of 24/7 sports, and sometimes we forget that baseball players actually go home for a few months.
The Cardinals finished their 2025 season back in September. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind of trade rumors and free-agent signings. But the actual "game time" doesn't return until the Grapefruit League starts in February.
| Important 2026 Dates | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 11, 2026 | Pitchers and Catchers Report | Jupiter, FL |
| Feb 16, 2026 | First Full-Squad Workout | Roger Dean Stadium |
| Feb 21, 2026 | First Spring Training Game | vs. Washington Nationals |
| Mar 26, 2026 | Opening Day | vs. Tampa Bay Rays |
Honestly, if you're itching for a game, the wait is almost over. Once February hits, you'll have baseball nearly every single day for six months.
Where to Watch When They Return
When the season finally kicks off, you'll need to know where to find the broadcast. For the St. Louis fans, Bally Sports Midwest (or whatever it might be rebranded to by March) remains the primary home.
KMOX 1120 AM is still the voice of the Cardinals for those who prefer the radio. There is something about hearing John Rooney’s voice on a warm March afternoon that just feels right.
For the Arizona football crowd, the 2026 schedule won't be officially released with times and dates until May. We know who they play—including home games against the Broncos and Eagles—but the "what time" part of that equation is still a mystery.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since there is no game today, here is how you can stay prepared for when the season actually starts:
- Check your subscription: Ensure your regional sports network is active before Spring Training begins on Feb 21.
- Grab Spring Training tickets: They went on sale on January 10. If you're planning a trip to Florida, now is the time to book.
- Download the MLB App: Set your notifications now so you don't have to keep searching for game times manually once the season starts.
- Follow the Winter Warm-Up: If you're in Missouri, head down to Ballpark Village today before 5:00 PM to catch the last of the player interviews.
The wait for the next Cardinals game might feel long, but pitchers and catchers are less than a month away from reporting to camp.