If you're frantically checking your phone to see what time is Detroit Tigers game today, I have some news that might be a little bit of a letdown. Or maybe it's a relief if you haven't bought your hot dogs yet.
Honestly, as of right now, January 15, 2026, there isn't a game today.
We are currently in the heart of the "hot stove" season. It's that weird middle ground where the only things moving are free-agent rumors and the snow falling over Comerica Park. But don't close the tab just yet. While there isn't a first pitch scheduled for this afternoon, the clock is ticking loudly toward February. If you’re a die-hard fan, you know that the "real" countdown starts way before Opening Day.
When Do the Tigers Actually Take the Field?
The wait is almost over. Seriously.
The Tigers are scheduled to report to Lakeland, Florida, for Spring Training very soon. Pitchers and catchers usually start their workouts in early February, and the first full-squad workout for Detroit is set for Sunday, February 15, 2026.
If you are looking for the first actual competitive game to watch, mark your calendar for Saturday, February 21, 2026. That is when the Grapefruit League action kicks off. The Tigers will be heading over to Tampa to face the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
The first pitch for that preseason opener is scheduled for 1:05 PM ET.
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2026 Spring Training Highlights
The Florida schedule is pretty packed this year. If you're planning a trip down to Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, here is a look at how that first week shakes out:
- Feb 22: Home opener in Lakeland against the Baltimore Orioles (1:05 PM).
- Feb 23: Hosting the Minnesota Twins (1:05 PM).
- Feb 24: Away game against the Atlanta Braves in Venice (1:05 PM).
- Feb 25: A split-squad day! One group stays home to play the Blue Jays while the other heads to Clearwater to see the Phillies.
Basically, if it’s 1:05 PM in late February, there’s a high probability the Tigers are playing.
Opening Day 2026: The Big One
Now, if you’re asking about the "real" games—the ones that count toward the standings—you have to wait until late March. MLB is doing something a bit different this year with a staggered start.
The Detroit Tigers will open their 2026 regular season on the road. They travel to San Diego to face the Padres on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
The game time for Opening Day is 4:10 PM ET (which is 1:10 PM local time in San Diego).
It’s a bit of a bummer for those who love the tradition of an early Detroit home opener, but the Tigers will be out west for a while. They follow up that Padres series with a trip to see the Diamondbacks in Arizona before finally returning to Michigan.
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When is the Detroit Home Opener?
The true holiday in the city of Detroit happens on Friday, April 3, 2026. That is when the St. Louis Cardinals come to town for the home opener at Comerica Park.
The scheduled start time for that game is 1:10 PM ET.
Expect the usual madness. Tailgating in the District Detroit, the smell of street sausages, and probably a 45-degree day where everyone pretends it’s summer. It's the best day of the year in the 313, even if the weather usually refuses to cooperate.
Where to Watch the Tigers in 2026
There’s been a lot of "business-y" talk about TV rights lately, but things have finally settled down. Most of the games this year will be on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit (you probably still call it Bally Sports, and that’s okay, we all do).
For the cord-cutters out there, you can still get the games through the FanDuel Sports Network app if you’re within the Tigers' home territory.
Something new to keep an eye on for 2026: NBC and Peacock are getting more involved in the Sunday schedule. In fact, the Tigers have a few high-profile games moving to national windows. For example, their game against the St. Louis Cardinals on April 5 has been flexed to a 7:20 PM ET start for a national broadcast.
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The radio side remains consistent. Dan Dickerson is still the voice of summer on 97.1 The Ticket in Detroit and across the Tigers Radio Network. There's nothing quite like his "Long gone!" call on a warm July night.
Why Today Still Matters for Tigers Fans
Even though there isn't a game right now, the front office is busy. After a 2025 season that showed a lot of promise from the young core, fans are looking for that one big veteran signing to push the team over the hump.
The rumors are swirling around the infield. With the Winter Meetings in the rearview mirror, we’re waiting to see if Scott Harris makes a move for another power bat to protect Riley Greene in the lineup.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check your calendar: If you want to see a game today, you'll have to wait about five weeks for the Grapefruit League.
- Sync your schedule: Go to the official MLB Tigers site and download the 2026 schedule to your phone so you never have to search for game times again.
- Book Lakeland travel: If you're heading to Florida, Feb 22 is the home opener at Joker Marchant Stadium. Tickets are already moving for the Yankees and Phillies matchups.
- Prepare for Opening Day: Single-game tickets for the April 3 home opener against the Cardinals typically go on sale to the general public in mid-February.
The wait for baseball is long, but we're officially closer to the next Opening Day than we are to the last one. Pack the winter gear away—Lakeland is calling.