If you woke up looking for a game today, I’ve got some good news and some bad news. It really depends on which "Cardinals" you’re talking about and whether you wanted to see a live home run or a touchdown.
Honestly, the cardinals schedule for today looks wildly different depending on if you’re wearing a baseball cap or a football jersey. In St. Louis, it's basically Christmas for baseball fans. In Arizona? Well, the season is technically over, but the front office is working overtime.
Let’s break down exactly where you need to be—or what you should be watching on TV—this Sunday, January 18, 2026.
St. Louis Cardinals: The Winter Warm-Up Finale
If you’re in downtown St. Louis, you've probably noticed a sea of red around Busch Stadium. Today is Day 2—the final day—of the 29th Annual Cardinals Care Winter Warm-Up.
It’s not a game, but for most fans, it's better. You get to hear from the people actually making the decisions. This year feels a bit different with Chaim Bloom now running the show as President of Baseball Operations. He’s already started slashing the payroll, sending stars like Sonny Gray and Nolan Arenado packing. People have feelings about that. Strong ones.
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Today’s Key Events at Busch Stadium & Ballpark Village
The doors opened early at 9:00 a.m. CT, and the schedule is packed until 5:00 p.m. If you’re heading down there now, here is what the main stage and clubhouse look like for the rest of the afternoon:
- 11:20 a.m. – The "Big Two" Q&A: This is the one everyone circles. Team Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. and President Bill DeWitt III are taking the stage. They’ll be hosted by Chip Caray and Brad Thompson. Expect questions about the rebuild and why the payroll is at its lowest level since 2010.
- 12:00 p.m. – Youth Movement: Andre Pallante and Masyn Winn are chatting with fans. Winn is basically the face of the franchise now, so this will be crowded.
- 1:00 p.m. – New Faces: Dustin May and Hunter Dobbins. Seeing May in a Cardinals jersey still feels a little weird to some, but he’s a massive part of the 2026 rotation.
- 1:30 p.m. – The Swag Reveal: They are officially announcing the 2026 Promotion Schedule. Basically, this is when you find out which days you need to buy tickets just to get a bobblehead.
- 2:00 p.m. – Infield Talk: Thomas Saggese, Kyle Leahy, and José Fermín.
One of the coolest things happening today isn't even on the main stage. At 4:00 p.m., they are doing "Open Clubhouse." You can actually walk into the visiting clubhouse at Busch. It’s a rare chance to see the "guts" of the stadium without being a pro athlete or a janitor.
The Baseball Writers' Dinner
Tonight, things get a bit more formal. The 66th annual St. Louis Baseball Writers' Dinner is happening at the Missouri Athletic Club. This is where the awards come out. It’s a 2026 tradition that usually marks the "real" end of the offseason before everyone starts packing their bags for Florida and Spring Training.
Arizona Cardinals: The Search for a New Identity
Switching gears to the NFL. If you’re looking for an Arizona cardinals schedule for today, you won't find a kickoff time.
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The Arizona Cardinals finished their season on January 4th with a 37-20 loss to the Rams. Right now, they are "the most miserable team in the NFL," at least according to some analysts. Jonathan Gannon is out. The head coaching search is in full swing.
What's Happening in Tempe Today?
While there isn't a game, today is a massive day for interviews. Owner Michael Bidwill and GM Monti Ossenfort are deep in the "second interview" phase.
The big name on everyone’s lips today is Jeff Hafley. Reports coming out this morning suggest the Cardinals are competing with the Dolphins and Titans to land him. He’s a "leading candidate," but the Cardinals are also reportedly looking at Raheem Morris and Robert Saleh.
The schedule today is essentially a series of closed-door meetings. They are trying to find someone who can fix a broken offensive line and maximize whatever years Kyler Murray has left in his prime.
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Watching the "Other" Games
Since the Arizona Cardinals aren't playing, most fans in the desert are watching the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. If you’re a football fan, here is the TV schedule for the games that actually matter today:
- 3:00 p.m. ET: Houston Texans at New England Patriots (ESPN/ABC).
- 6:30 p.m. ET: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (NBC).
It’s a bit of a sting for Arizona fans to watch the Rams—a division rival—playing today. But that's the reality of a rebuild.
Actionable Insights for Fans Today
If you are following the cardinals schedule for today, here is how to handle the next few hours:
- For St. Louis Fans: If you aren't at the Winter Warm-Up yet, you can still grab a late-day pass. The 50/50 raffle closes at 5:00 p.m. sharp. Also, keep an eye on social media around 1:30 p.m. for that promo schedule—you'll want to plan your summer road trips around the best giveaways.
- For Arizona Fans: Keep your notifications on for "NFL Insiders" like Jordan Schultz or Tom Pelissero. The Jeff Hafley news is moving fast. We could legitimately have a "finalist" announcement before the sun goes down in Glendale.
- Logistics Tip: If you're heading to Ballpark Village in St. Louis, park in the Stadium Lot or the Starr Lot. Everything else is a nightmare today because of the construction and the crowds.
The "Cardinals" world is divided right now between the hope of a new baseball season and the chaos of an NFL coaching search. Whether you’re waiting for an autograph or a coaching hire, today is one of those pivotal "transition" days in sports.
To stay ahead of the curve, make sure you check the official MLB and NFL team apps this evening. The St. Louis promo schedule will be uploaded digitally by 2:00 p.m., and any coaching updates from Tempe usually leak right after the afternoon interview sessions wrap up.