Honestly, there is nothing quite like that first whiff of tailgate charcoal in the Milwaukee air. If you're anything like me, you've probably spent the last few weeks staring at the snow or the gray January sky, basically counting down the seconds until the Crew gets back on the dirt. Well, the wait is almost over. If you are asking when do the Brewers play next, you need to circle February 21, 2026, on your calendar.
That is when the boys officially kick things off in Maryvale.
We aren't just talking about a casual game either; it's the start of the Cactus League grind. The Brewers are heading back to American Family Fields of Phoenix for their spring training opener against the Cleveland Guardians. It's a 1:10 p.m. local start (Arizona time), so if you're watching from Wisconsin, get ready for that mid-afternoon distraction at work. It feels like a lifetime since we saw live baseball, but the spring schedule is packed this year with 29 games in total.
When Do the Brewers Play Next: Breaking Down the 2026 Schedule
Look, I get it. Spring training is great for seeing the prospects, but the "real" answer to when do the Brewers play next usually refers to the games that actually count in the standings.
The 2026 MLB regular season is going to start earlier than ever. While the Yankees and Giants are playing a weird standalone night game on March 25, our Milwaukee Brewers have their traditional Opening Day on Thursday, March 26.
We’re opening at home.
The Chicago White Sox are coming to American Family Field for a 1:10 p.m. first pitch. It’s a bit of an interleague twist for an opener, which feels kinda strange compared to the old-school NL Central rivalries, but it’s baseball nonetheless. If you're planning to go, tickets are already floating around on the secondary market, but be prepared—Opening Day in Milwaukee is basically a national holiday around here, and prices reflect that.
Key Series You Can't Miss
After that initial three-game set with the White Sox, the Brewers aren't slowing down. Here’s a quick look at the road ahead for the early months of the 2026 season:
- The Tampa Bay Series (March 30 - April 1): A quick three-game home stand right after the opener.
- The First Road Trip (April 3 - April 5): The team heads to Kansas City to face the Royals at Kauffman Stadium.
- Fenway Park Visit (April 6 - April 8): This is one for the bucket list. The Brewers are playing a three-game series in Boston against the Red Sox. If you can make that trip, do it. Fenway in April is chilly but iconic.
One of the coolest things about the 2026 schedule is the "Rivalry Weekend" happening May 15–17. MLB has been leaning into these designated rivalry slots, and while our main focus is usually the Cubs or the Cardinals, these weekends often throw some high-intensity matchups our way that keep the division race interesting before we even hit June.
Why the 2026 Schedule Feels Different
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of American Family Field (yeah, it's really been that long since Miller Park opened). You can bet the front office is going to lean hard into that nostalgia. Expect plenty of 2001-themed promotions and maybe even some retro jersey nights.
There's also some weird scheduling quirks. For example, did you know the Brewers are playing the Oakland A's in Las Vegas? From June 8-10, the Crew will be at Las Vegas Ballpark because the A's are essentially homeless while waiting for their new stadium. It's a tiny venue compared to MLB standards, which is going to make for a very strange, very loud series.
Then there’s the Little League Classic. Mark August 23 on your calendar. The Brewers are taking on the Atlanta Braves in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. It’s a 7:00 p.m. ET start on ESPN. It’s basically a celebration of youth baseball, and it’s honestly one of the best televised games of the year because of the unique atmosphere.
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Television and Radio: How to Watch
If you can't make it to the stadium, you're probably wondering where to tune in. Most games will be on the regional sports network (the successor to Bally Sports), but 2026 is seeing a big push for national broadcasts.
NBC and Peacock have grabbed a bunch of games this year. Specifically, the Brewers are scheduled for a Sunday Leadoff game on Peacock on July 12 against the Pirates. They also have a Sunday Night Baseball appearance on September 20 against the Baltimore Orioles. That late-season matchup could be massive if both teams are in the hunt for October.
Preparing for the Next Game
If you're heading to American Family Fields of Phoenix for the spring opener on February 21, remember that Arizona weather in February is fickle. It can be 80 degrees and sunny or 55 and windy. Pack layers.
For those waiting for the home opener in Milwaukee on March 26, the roof will almost certainly be closed, but the tailgating lots are a different story. If you’re a true Milwaukee fan, you know that "Brewers weather" means a parka over your jersey and a pair of gloves to hold your bratwurst.
To stay on top of the schedule, you should download the official MLB At Bat app. It’s the most reliable way to track time changes, as the league loves to flex game times for national TV at the last minute. You can also grab the printable PDF from the Brewers' official site, but honestly, those get outdated the second a rainout happens.
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The path to the postseason starts in just a few weeks. Whether you're watching the prospects in the Cactus League or waiting for the roar of the crowd on Opening Day, the 2026 season is shaping up to be a wild ride.
Next Steps for Brewers Fans:
- Check Ticket Availability: If you haven't secured Opening Day tickets, check the official Brewers site or reputable secondary markets immediately, as the White Sox series is expected to sell out.
- Update Your Calendar: Add the Spring Training opener on February 21 and the Little League Classic on August 23 to your digital calendar to ensure you don't miss the unique broadcasts.
- Review the Broadcast Schedule: Check your local listings or streaming subscriptions for Peacock and ESPN to ensure you have access to the national games scheduled for July and August.