It's Saturday, January 17, 2026, and if you're asking do Cardinals play today, the answer depends entirely on which red bird you're rooting for. For the football faithful in the desert, the season has officially moved into "wait until next year" territory. But for the baseball crowd in the Lou? Things are actually just getting started in a very specific, cold-weather kind of way.
Let’s be real. It’s mid-January. If you're looking for the Arizona Cardinals on your TV screen today, you’re going to be disappointed. After a Week 18 loss to the Rams back on January 4th, the Arizona squad missed the cut for the 2025-26 NFL playoffs. They aren't in the Divisional Round mix happening today. Instead, fans are watching the Seahawks and 49ers battle it out in the NFC West spotlight while the Cardinals front office looks toward the 2026 NFL Draft and their recently confirmed 2026 opponents, which include the Eagles and Broncos.
St. Louis Cardinals: The Winter Warm-Up is Live
While there isn't a diamond in sight that isn't covered in frost in Missouri, the St. Louis Cardinals are actually very busy today. Today, January 17, marks the official start of the 29th Cardinals Care Winter Warm-Up.
It’s the biggest fan event of the year. Basically, it’s the heartbeat of St. Louis baseball before the crack of the bat actually returns.
👉 See also: NL Rookie of the Year 2025: Why Drake Baldwin Actually Deserved the Hardware
If you're in downtown St. Louis, the action is centered at Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village. The gates opened at 8:45 a.m., and the schedule is packed. We’re talking about over 50 players, coaches, and alumni roaming around. Honestly, it's the one time of year you can see Jordan Walker or Masyn Winn without a fence between you.
What’s happening at the Warm-Up today?
- Player Chats: You've got Nathan Church and Blaze Jordan kicking things off early, with Richard Fitts following.
- The Chaim Bloom Q&A: This is a big one. At 11:20 a.m., John Rooney is leading a session with the President of Baseball Operations. Fans are looking for clues on how the roster is going to shake out before Spring Training.
- Oli Marmol Speaks: The manager is set for 12:00 p.m. Expect talk about the rotation and the 2026 outlook.
- The Caravan: While the main event is in St. Louis, the Cardinals Caravan is also hitting the road today, stopping in places like Jefferson City and Springfield.
Why Arizona Cardinals Fans are Watching the Playoffs Instead
Arizona finished their season with a bit of a thud, and today’s NFL Divisional Round schedule is a reminder of what could have been. The games on TV today feature the Buffalo Bills at the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks hosting the San Francisco 49ers.
It's a tough pill to swallow for Cardinals fans. Seeing two division rivals—Seattle and San Francisco—compete for a spot in the NFC Championship while the Cardinals stay home is never fun.
✨ Don't miss: New Zealand Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks: What Most People Get Wrong
But there is a silver lining. We already know who Arizona will face in 2026. The schedule makers have slotted them for some massive home games at State Farm Stadium, including visits from the Washington Commanders and the New York Jets. If you’re a season ticket holder, you’re likely already looking at those May release dates for the actual calendar.
Looking Ahead: When do the Cardinals actually play a game?
If you’re strictly asking do Cardinals play today because you want to see a live sporting event with a score, you’ll have to wait about a month.
The St. Louis Cardinals don't take the field for a real "game" until their Spring Training opener against the Washington Nationals on February 21, 2026, at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Florida. That’s when the 1:05 p.m. ET starts finally return to our lives.
🔗 Read more: New Jersey Giants Football Explained: Why Most People Still Get the "Home Team" Wrong
For the Arizona Cardinals, the wait is much longer. We won't see them in action until the NFL preseason kicks off in August.
Key Dates for Cardinals Fans
- January 17-18: St. Louis Cardinals Winter Warm-Up (Today!)
- January 18: St. Louis Baseball Writers’ Dinner.
- February 21: MLB Spring Training begins in Jupiter.
- March 26: MLB Opening Day 2026.
- April 23: 2026 NFL Draft (Crucial for Arizona’s rebuild).
- May 2026: Official NFL schedule release.
Honestly, the "dead zone" of the sports calendar is technically here, but for a Cardinals fan, today is about the community. Whether you're standing in line for a Masyn Winn autograph at the UMB Champions Club or just checking the NFL scores to see which rival loses, the "offseason" is never truly empty.
If you’re in St. Louis, head down to Clark Avenue. The energy is there even if the grass is dormant. If you’re in Phoenix, it’s a good day to fire up the grill, watch the Seahawks-49ers game, and start scouting those 2026 draft prospects.
To make the most of today, fans in St. Louis should head to the official team site to grab any remaining autograph tickets for tomorrow's session, as today’s peak times are likely slammed. For Arizona fans, the best move is to check the updated 2026 opponent list to see which road trips—like the ones to Dallas or New Orleans—are worth booking early.