If you woke up this morning wondering what time the Cardinals play today, I have some news that might be a little disappointing depending on which "Cardinals" you're actually rooting for. Since it is currently mid-January, we are stuck in that weird, quiet pocket of the sports calendar where baseball is still waking up from its winter nap and football is strictly for the teams that haven't been eliminated yet.
Basically, there is no game on the schedule for today, January 15, 2026.
For the Arizona Cardinals, the season ended on a cold Sunday back on January 4th with a 37-20 loss to the Rams at SoFi Stadium. It wasn't the ending fans wanted, but it locked in their draft position and confirmed their 2026 opponents. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals are still weeks away from seeing a pitch that actually counts. If you’re a die-hard fan, though, you aren’t just looking for a kickoff time; you’re looking for the next sign of life from your team.
The Current Status: No Game Today
Honestly, it feels a bit empty when your team isn't on the "today's games" list. For the NFL side of things, the league is currently in a lull before the Divisional Round starts this weekend. There isn't even a Thursday Night Football game tonight. The remaining eight teams, like the Bills and the 49ers, don't take the field until Saturday.
If you were hoping for a St. Louis update, the Birds on the Bat are deep in the "hot stove" portion of the year. While we don't have a game time today, the front office has been busy. Just a couple of days ago, on January 13, the team shook things up by trading Nolan Arenado to the Diamondbacks in exchange for young starter Jack Martinez. It's a massive shift for the clubhouse, and while it doesn't give us a game to watch tonight, it certainly gives us plenty to argue about at the sports bar.
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When to Clear Your Schedule Next
Since there's nothing on the docket for what time the Cardinals play today, let's look at the actual dates you need to circle on your calendar. Baseball fans have it easiest because the Spring Training schedule is already set in stone.
- February 21, 2026: This is the big one. The St. Louis Cardinals finally take the field for their first Grapefruit League game against the Washington Nationals. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:05 PM EST (12:05 PM CST) at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.
- February 22, 2026: They follow that up with an away game against the Houston Astros, also at 1:05 PM EST.
- March 26, 2026: Opening Day. This is the real deal. They host the Tampa Bay Rays at Busch Stadium with a 3:15 PM start time.
As for the Arizona Cardinals, their next "game time" won't exist until the preseason starts in August. The NFL usually drops the specific dates and times for the regular season in mid-May. We do know they'll be hosting teams like the Broncos, Eagles, and Lions at State Farm Stadium this fall, but for now, the pads are in storage.
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What Fans Can Do Instead of Watching a Game
Since you aren't going to be sitting on the couch watching a live broadcast today, there are a few local events that might scratch that itch. For example, today, January 15th, Cardinals Nation in St. Louis is hosting a Happy Hour from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. It's not a home run, but it’s a decent consolation prize.
Also, the Cardinals Caravan starts tomorrow, January 16th. If you're in the Springfield, Missouri area, you can catch players and alumni at Hammons Field starting at 12:30 PM. It’s a better way to get close to the team than yelling at the TV anyway.
The reality of mid-January is that it’s a season of transactions, not touchdowns or triples. We're watching names like Ryne Stanek and Lars Nootbaar sign contracts instead of watching them make plays. It’s the "paper" season.
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Actionable Steps for Cardinals Fans
Even though there isn't a game to watch, you can still prep for the upcoming season so you aren't caught off guard when the schedule actually picks up.
- Sync your digital calendar: Most team websites offer a "sync to calendar" feature that automatically updates with game times as they are confirmed for Spring Training.
- Check the Caravan schedule: If you live in "Cardinals Territory" (Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, etc.), look up the specific stop times for the Caravan this weekend to get autographs.
- Monitor the waiver wire: With the Arenado trade still fresh, the St. Louis front office is likely looking for another veteran arm or a bridge infielder before pitchers and catchers report in February.
- Set reminders for May: If you’re an Arizona fan, set a calendar alert for the second week of May. That’s when the NFL schedule release happens, giving you the exact times for the 2026 season.
While you won't find a kickoff or a first pitch today, the countdown to Jupiter and the NFL Draft is officially on.