Honestly, if you're looking for the first pitch today, January 15, 2026, I’ve got some news that might be a bit of a bummer. There actually isn't a game today. We are currently sitting in that quiet, chilly pocket of the winter where the bats are still in the rack and the cleats are gathering dust in the back of the closet. Baseball is hibernating.
But don't check out just yet. While you won't find a live score for a Mariners game right now, the clock is ticking toward the 2026 season faster than a George Kirby fastball. We’re in the heart of the "hot stove" season where front offices are making the moves that define the summer. If you’re asking what time is today’s Mariners game, you’re really looking for the countdown to Peoria and the return of meaningful baseball at T-Mobile Park.
When Do the Mariners Actually Take the Field?
The wait isn't forever. The 2026 Mariners Spring Training schedule is already locked in. The M’s will officially start their Cactus League play on Friday, February 20, 2026.
They’ll be taking on their complex mates, the San Diego Padres, at the Peoria Sports Complex. That game is scheduled for a 1:10 PM MST start (which is also 12:10 PM PST for those of us back in Seattle).
It’s always a weird feeling when that first game hits. You’ve spent months talking about trades and WAR (Wins Above Replacement) and then suddenly, there's actual dirt being kicked up. Even if it’s just a glorified scrimmage with guys wearing jersey numbers in the 80s, it’s baseball.
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Key Early Dates for Your Calendar
- January 31 - February 1, 2026: Mariners FanFest at T-Mobile Park. This is basically the "soft launch" of the season. Doors usually open around 11:00 AM.
- February 20, 2026: First Spring Training game vs. San Diego Padres (1:10 PM).
- March 26, 2026: Opening Day. The real deal.
Opening Day 2026: The Big One
If you are a "regular season or bust" kind of fan, mark March 26, 2026 in red ink. The Seattle Mariners will host the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park to kick off the 50th season in franchise history.
What time is the game? The home opener is set for 6:10 PM PT.
There is something visceral about Opening Day in Seattle. The smell of Ivar’s clam chowder, the crisp spring air that usually requires a light jacket, and that specific shade of "Mariners Teal" everywhere. It’s the 50th anniversary season, too, so expect the team to go all out with the festivities. They’ve already teased a statue unveiling for Ichiro Suzuki on April 10, but the party really starts that last Thursday in March.
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Why the Timing Matters for 2026
The 2026 season feels different. Coming off a 90-72 season in 2025 where they clinched the AL West, the expectations are through the roof. When people ask what time is today's Mariners game, they aren't just looking for a slot on the TV guide; they're looking for the next chapter of a team that finally looks like a perennial contender.
Cal Raleigh has solidified himself as the emotional heartbeat of this roster. After being named the "Breakout Star of the Year" by Sports Illustrated in late 2025, the "Big Dumper" is the guy everyone wants to see at the plate in the 9th.
Breaking Down the 2026 Schedule Flow
The Mariners start with a heavy home stand. After the four-game set against Cleveland, they immediately host the New York Yankees starting March 30.
Most night games at T-Mobile Park in 2026 will stick to the 6:40 PM PT or 7:10 PM PT start times. This has been a trend to make the games more accessible for families while still catering to the post-work crowd. Sunday games are almost universally 1:10 PM PT starts, perfect for a sunny afternoon in the "Pen."
How to Watch and Listen
Even if there isn't a game today, you should probably make sure your tech is ready for February. ROOT SPORTS remains the primary home for Mariners broadcasts, though the landscape of regional sports networks is always a bit "kinda" messy.
- Television: Most games are on ROOT SPORTS NW.
- Radio: Seattle Sports 710 AM is the flagship. Nothing beats Dave Sims or Rick Rizzs calling a game while you’re stuck in I-5 traffic.
- Streaming: MLB.TV is the go-to for out-of-market fans, but remember those local blackout rules still exist. They're frustrating, but they’re a reality of the current MLB business model.
Actionable Steps for the "Off-Day"
Since you can't watch a game today, here is how you can actually prepare for the season:
Secure Your FanFest Tickets: If you’re in the Pacific Northwest, FanFest on January 31 is the best way to meet the new roster additions and get your hands on the 50th-anniversary merch. It usually sells out, so grab them on the official Mariners site now.
Check Your Streaming Subscription: If you used a specific service last year, check if the price hiked or if the channel moved. 2026 has seen some shifts in digital rights.
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Book That Peoria Trip: If you’re planning to head to Arizona for Spring Training, do it today. Flights into Phoenix (PHX) or Mesa (AZA) get pricey the closer you get to the February 20 opener.
The Mariners are entering a golden era. It’s a long wait from January to March, but when that first pitch finally crosses the plate at 6:10 PM on March 26, the silence of the winter will be worth it.