ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Matrix Midwest) – It’s time for the unofficial holiday in St. Louis: Cardinals Opening Day!
Before the Cardinals take on the Tampa Bay Rays at Busch Stadium to kick off the season, fans can partake in pregame fun!
From 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., Ballpark Village will host the Official Opening Day Pep Rally. At the rally, fans will join Fredbird, Team Fredbird, DJ Todd Thomas, Cardinals organist Dwayne Hilton, Cardinals Alumni and the Red & Black Brass Band at the Busch II Infield Stage in the Together Credit Union Plaza.
At noon, the gates to Busch Stadium will open. Fans ages 21 and older will receive a magnet with the 2026 Cardinals schedule as they enter the stadium.
On the Ford Plaza, Team Fredbird will have music and games until 2:20 p.m.
Batting practice for the Cardinals will go from 12-12:55 p.m. The Rays will have batting practice from 12:55-1:50 p.m.
At 2:30 p.m., the pregame ceremonies will begin on the field.
The National Anthem will be performed by the Red & Black Brass Band with flag presentation by the Ft. Leonard Wood service members at 3:05 p.m.
The Ceremonial First Pitch will be thrown by 2006 World Series MVP David Eckstein, 2006 World Series Champion Gary Bennett, and 1996 National League Central Champions Brian Jordan & Tom Pagnozzi.
The game is scheduled to start at 3:15 p.m.
First Alert 4 will have live coverage of the lead-up to the Cardinals game throughout the day. Watch our streaming coverage all day on Roku, FireTV, AppleTV, the First Alert 4 website and the news app. Download here.
Throughout the season, Matrix Midwest is your home for all things Cardinals!
Click here for the complete schedule of St. Louis Cardinals, Memphis Redbirds and Springfield Cardinals games that will air live in 2026 on Matrix Midwest!
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