You’re probably here because you’re looking for a final tally. A winner. A loser. Maybe a box score with some gaudy stats for a star wideout or a starting pitcher.
But here’s the reality for January 17, 2026: if you are looking for the cardinals score for tonight regarding the big-league clubs in St. Louis or Arizona, the scoreboard is currently dark.
The NFL’s Arizona Cardinals officially wrapped up their 2025-2026 campaign back on January 4th with a 37-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals are still months away from their March 26 opener against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Does that mean nothing is happening? Hardly. While the "score" for the pro teams is effectively 0-0 in the offseason, the sports world is buzzing with activity that actually dictates how those future scores will look.
The Real St. Louis "Score" is at the Winter Warm-Up
If you’re in downtown St. Louis tonight, the score isn't about runs; it's about roster moves and fan optimism. Today, January 17, marks the first day of the 29th Annual Cardinals Care Winter Warm-Up.
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It’s the peak of the offseason where fans converge on Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village to grill the front office. Honestly, it's kind of the best time to be a fan because nobody has lost a game yet. Everyone is technically in first place.
- The Attendance Score: Thousands of fans have descended on the Clark Avenue area today.
- The Charitable Impact: Proceeds from the event go to Cardinals Care, which has hit some massive milestones in funding youth baseball and local grants.
- The Prospect Watch: Tonight, the conversation isn't about a final score but about whether the young arms in Memphis are ready for the rotation.
While the MLB club isn't playing, there is actual "Cardinals" action on the hardwood. The Louisville Cardinals (No. 9 in the nation) are prepping for a massive ACC showdown tomorrow against NC State. If you're a Louisville fan, the "score" you care about is the 17-3 record they’ve built so far.
Arizona’s Offseason Scoreboard: The Draft Order
For the fans out in the desert, the cardinals score for tonight is all about the "Score" of the 2026 NFL Draft. Since the season ended two weeks ago with that loss to the Rams, the Arizona Cardinals have officially shifted into "scouting mode."
Because they finished the season 3-14, the score that matters most to the front office is Number 3. That is where they are currently projected to pick in the upcoming draft.
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It’s a bittersweet spot. You hate the losing, but you love the leverage. The last time this franchise picked this high, they landed Larry Fitzgerald. Not a bad historical precedent to lean on.
What about the "other" Cardinals?
If you're looking for high school or collegiate scores from teams with the "Cardinals" moniker tonight, January 17 has been busy:
- Earlham Cardinals: They actually put up a win last night in a doubleheader against the AC/GC Chargers, with the boys winning 61-43.
- Plattsburgh State: The Cardinals ice hockey team is hitting the rink at 7 p.m. tonight against SUNY Potsdam. If you want a live cardinals score for tonight, this is the place to look.
- Ball State Cardinals: While they don't have a game tonight, they are deep in the trenches of Mid-American Conference play, looking to rebound in their next outing.
Why We Chase the Scoreboard in January
We’re all a little desperate for sports in the dead of winter. The NFL playoffs are heating up, but for the teams that didn't make the cut, we start looking for "scores" in the form of trade rumors, free-agent signings, and draft stock.
The St. Louis Cardinals are currently dealing with a "score" of a different kind: their payroll. Fans are watching the luxury tax threshold like it’s a scoreboard in the bottom of the ninth. Every dollar spent on a veteran starter is a "point" toward a potential October run.
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In Arizona, the score is all about the health of the roster. Jacoby Brissett and Michael Wilson finished the season on a high note statistically—Wilson crossing the 1,000-yard mark—but the "win" tonight is simply about recovery and building a culture under Jonathan Gannon.
Actionable Insights for Cardinals Fans
If you want to keep track of the real "scores" this week:
- Check the Winter Warm-Up Reports: Follow local St. Louis beat writers for quotes on the starting rotation. That’s the "score" that tells you if the team is actually trying to compete in 2026.
- Monitor the NCAA Basketball Rankings: If you're a Louisville fan, keep an eye on the AP Poll. Being ranked No. 9 is a great "score," but the ACC is a gauntlet this year.
- Watch the NFL Draft Big Boards: For Arizona fans, the "score" tonight is seeing where the top offensive tackles and edge rushers are ranked on sites like Pro Football Focus.
The lights might be off at State Farm Stadium and Busch Stadium tonight, but the game never really stops. It just changes shape. Keep an eye on the Winter Warm-Up news cycle through Sunday for the most relevant "score" in the baseball world.
Stay updated on the official MLB and NFL team sites for roster moves, as the "score" for next season is being settled right now in the front office.