The St. Louis Cardinals start their “rebuilding” year against the Tampa Bay Rays Thursday at Busch Stadium with a 3:15 first pitch.
The Cardinals spent the offseason unloading star players like Nolan Arenado, Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras and Brendan Donovan.
Shortstop Masyn Winn and southpaw starting pitcher Matthew Liberatore are expected to lead the new-look roster. Liberatore will be on the mound Thursday—his first opening day starting role.
Highly anticipated Cardinals prospect JJ Wetherholt will make his major league debut in the opening day lineup.
Cardinals Opening Day Pregame Schedule
10:30 am – 1:00 pm – Official Cardinals Pep Rally – Busch II Infield at Ballpark Village: Featuring DJ Todd Thomas, Team Fredbird, Cardinals Alumni, The Red & Black Brass Band, ticket giveaways and more!
12:00 pm – Busch Stadium Gates Open – Welcome Back to Baseball Heaven!
12:00 pm – 12:55 pm – Cardinals BP
12:55 pm – 1:50 pm – Rays BP
2:30 pm – Official Pregame Ceremonies begin with the World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales
2:37 pm – Ford Mustang motorcade featuring Cardinals Hall of Famers
2:49 pm – Ford Truck motorcade featuring the 2026 Cardinals players, manager and coaches
3:05 pm – National Anthem, performed by the Red & Black Brass Band
3:10 pm – Ceremonial First Pitch
3:15 pm – Play Ball!
(Image by Cardinals.com)
