If you're waking up today, January 13, 2026, and wondering where are the Cardinals playing today, you’re probably either a die-hard baseball fan or a football enthusiast looking for some playoff action. But here’s the kicker: neither team is actually taking the field for a live game today.
Sounds like a letdown, right? Well, it’s not that simple.
While the "playing" part of the schedule is on a brief hiatus, the Cardinals—both the St. Louis (MLB) and Arizona (NFL) varieties—are dominating the headlines for reasons that have everything to do with where they’ll be playing soon.
The St. Louis Cardinals: A Massive Move to Arizona (Just Not for a Game)
Honestly, the biggest news involving the Redbirds today isn't happening on a diamond. It’s happening in the front office. On this very Tuesday, the St. Louis Cardinals pulled the trigger on a trade that has sent shockwaves through the league.
Nolan Arenado is heading to Arizona.
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The Cardinals officially traded their star third baseman to the Arizona Diamondbacks today in exchange for a young right-handed pitcher, Jack Martinez, and some cash considerations. It’s a bittersweet moment for St. Louis fans. Arenado spent five years as the cornerstone of the defense, but today, his destination is Phoenix, not because of a road trip, but because of a permanent change of scenery.
If you're looking for baseball action in St. Louis today, you won't find it at Busch Stadium. Instead, Cardinals Nation at Ballpark Village is the place to be. They’ve got their "Blues Home Specials" running at 4:30 p.m. since the St. Louis Blues are in town. It’s the closest you’ll get to that game-day atmosphere in the middle of January.
Where Are the Arizona Cardinals? The Post-Season Reality
Now, if you were hoping to see the Arizona Cardinals on the gridiron, I’ve got some news. Their season ended just a few days ago on January 4th with a 37-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.
Basically, the NFL playoffs are moving forward without them.
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While the Wild Card round just wrapped up, the Arizona Cardinals are currently in "evaluation mode." They aren't playing today, and they won't be playing until the 2026 preseason kicks off in August. However, we already know who they’ll be facing when the 2026 season officially starts. Their home schedule for the upcoming year is stacked, with the Eagles, Broncos, and Commanders all set to visit State Farm Stadium.
What’s Next on the Calendar?
If you're itching to see a live "Cardinals" event, you don't have to wait as long as you might think. Here is the immediate breakdown of what’s coming up:
- The Cardinals Caravan (January 16-19, 2026): Starting this Friday, current players like Victor Scott II and alumni like Kerry Robinson are hitting the road. They’ll be in Springfield, MO, on the 16th at Hammons Field. It’s a great chance to get autographs before the season starts.
- Winter Warm-Up (January 17-18, 2026): This massive fan fest happens at Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village this coming weekend. It’s basically the "opening day" for the fan experience.
- Spring Training Kickoff (February 21, 2026): The MLB Cardinals will finally take the field for a real game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Florida. They’ll be hosting the Washington Nationals to start their 29-game spring slate.
Why the "Where" Matters Right Now
So, where are the Cardinals playing today? Nowhere. But where are they existing? In the middle of a massive transition.
For the St. Louis side, the focus is squarely on the youth movement and the arrival of Jack Martinez. For the Arizona NFL side, today is about looking at the NFL Draft order (they’re locked into a top-24 pick) and figuring out how to fix a defense that struggled in that final loss to the Rams.
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If you really need a sports fix today, look toward the NHL or the college basketball ranks. The Cardinals are currently regrouping, trading superstars, and preparing for a Florida sun that’s only about five weeks away.
Keep an eye on the Cardinals Caravan stops if you're in the Midwest; it's the best way to bridge the gap between the winter trade season and the first pitch in Jupiter.
Check the official Cardinals website for the full Caravan route and specific times for each city stop. If you're planning to head to Florida for Spring Training, tickets went on sale three days ago, so you'll want to grab those before the prime weekend dates at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium sell out.