Winter in New England feels like it lasts a decade, doesn’t it? If you're currently staring at a snowbank and wondering when the sound of a crackling bat will finally replace the scrape of snow shovels, you aren't alone. We’ve all been there.
The good news is that the wait is almost over. If you are asking when does boston red sox play again, the answer is sooner than you think, but it depends on whether you're looking for the Florida sunshine or the real deal at Fenway Park.
The First Pitch: Spring Training 2026
The very first time the Red Sox take the field this year is actually an exhibition game. On Friday, February 20, 2026, the Sox host the Northeastern Huskies at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers. It’s a tradition. It’s low stakes. It’s basically a local holiday for anyone who can sneak away to Florida.
If you care about seeing them face actual MLB talent, mark Saturday, February 21 on your calendar. They’ll be heading over to the Lee Health Sports Complex to take on the Minnesota Twins.
Honestly, Spring Training is where you see if those high-end prospects we’ve been hearing about—guys like Roman Anthony or Kyle Teel—are actually ready for the big stage. It’s casual, the tickets are cheaper, and you can actually see the players' faces without a telescope.
Key Grapefruit League Dates
- February 22: Home opener at JetBlue Park against the Toronto Blue Jays.
- March 3: A cool night game (6:05 PM) against the Puerto Rico National Team.
- March 4: The first spring meeting with the New York Yankees. Yes, even in Florida, the rivalry feels real.
Opening Day: The Real Season Begins
When people ask when does boston red sox play again, they usually mean the games that actually count. For 2026, Major League Baseball is doing something a bit different. While there is a standalone Opening Night on March 25 (Giants vs. Yankees), the Red Sox start their campaign on the "traditional" Opening Day.
The Red Sox officially open the 2026 regular season on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
They aren't at home, though. They’ll be at Great American Ball Park facing the Cincinnati Reds. It’s a bit of a weird start—an Interleague series to kick off the year—but that’s the modern MLB for you. The first pitch is slated for 4:10 PM ET.
After the Reds, they head to Houston to deal with the Astros before finally coming back to Boston.
The Fenway Home Opener
There is nothing quite like the first day back at 4 Jersey Street. The smell of the grass, the overpriced Fenway Franks, the hope that somehow, this is the year.
The Red Sox home opener is Friday, April 3, 2026, against the San Diego Padres.
It’s another Interleague matchup. If you're planning to go, brace yourself for the ticket prices. Opening Day at Fenway is notoriously one of the hardest tickets to get in sports.
Notable Early Season Series
- April 6-8: The Milwaukee Brewers come to town.
- April 20: Patriots' Day. The Sox play the Detroit Tigers at 11:10 AM. If you’ve never been to a marathon-day game, it’s chaos in the best possible way.
- April 21-23: The Yankees make their first trip to Fenway for the season.
Why the 2026 Schedule Looks a Little Different
You might notice some weird gaps or doubleheaders this year. That’s because of the FIFA World Cup. Since North America is hosting, MLB had to tweak things to avoid total logistical meltdowns in certain cities.
✨ Don't miss: nba playoffs start when: The 2026 Schedule Everyone Gets Wrong
Specifically, look at June 20, 2026. The Red Sox are playing a doubleheader against the Seattle Mariners. Why? Because there’s a World Cup match happening in Seattle on June 19, and the city basically won't be able to handle two major sporting events at once.
It’s a bit of a headache for the players, but for fans, a Saturday doubleheader in June sounds like a dream.
How to Catch the Games
If you aren't making the trip to Fort Myers or Cincinnati, you’re stuck with the tube. NESN remains the primary home for most games, though the national broadcast schedule is always a moving target.
For those outside of New England, MLB.TV is still the go-to, but the blackout rules are still as frustrating as ever. Honestly, check your local listings for those Sunday night games on ESPN or the occasional Apple TV+ exclusive.
Actionable Tips for Sox Fans
If you’re planning your life around the Red Sox schedule, here’s what you should actually do right now:
- Book Spring Training Travel ASAP: If you want to see that February 20 opener, Fort Myers hotels fill up months in advance. JetBlue Park (aka Fenway South) is a great experience, but it isn't cheap if you wait.
- Monitor the Patriots' Day Tickets: Those 11:10 AM tickets go fast because of the marathon crowd. If you want to be there on April 20, buy them the second the single-game tickets drop.
- Check the Weather for the Home Opener: It’s April in Boston. It could be 70 degrees or it could be a literal blizzard. Don’t buy those April 3 tickets against the Padres without a heavy jacket in your closet.
- Download the MLB Ballpark App: Paper tickets are basically extinct at Fenway. Get the app set up now so you aren't fumbling at the gate while the person behind you yells at you in a thick Southie accent.
The season is long—162 games of pure stress and occasional brilliance. Whether they’re playing in the humidity of Florida or the brisk April air of the Back Bay, the cycle is starting again. See you at the park.