Surely your boss can let you off this Thursday, March 26, for what is practically a civic holiday in St. Louis: Opening Day for the St. Louis Cardinals. Here’s everything you need to know before heading out.
The Game
The Redbirds will take on the Tampa Bay Rays. Ticket holders aged 21 and older will receive a magnet featuring the 2026 team schedule. The unforgettable pregame festivities will include appearances by the renowned Budweiser Clydesdales, Fredbird and Team Fredbird, team executives, Cardinals Hall of Famers in a Ford Mustang motorcade, as well as the 2026 Cardinals players, manager, and coaches in a Ford truck motorcade.
Here’s the complete schedule:
- Noon: Gates open
- 12:00 p.m.: Cardinals batting practice
- 12:55 p.m.: Rays batting practice
- 2:30 p.m.: Pregame ceremonies
- 3:05 p.m.: National Anthem
- 3:10 p.m.: Ceremonial first pitch
- 3:15 p.m.: Play ball!
The beloved Red & Black Brass Band will perform the National Anthem. The series against the Rays continues over the weekend, with games scheduled for 1:15 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and ticket deals available for those weekend matchups (excluding the opener) starting at $15.
Come prepared to eat, and not just peanuts and Crackerjack. Session Taco will be onsite. Treat yourself to a delicious dessert with options like ice cream, doughnuts, cookies, and more. Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian attendees can find excellent choices. This year introduces a Value Menu at select locations featuring essentials like hot dogs, soda, popcorn, nachos, and water for just $5.
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Beyond the Ballpark
If you can’t make it to the stadium, nearly every TV in the city will likely be tuned in to the game on Thursday. Here are some popular spots to catch the action.
Before the game, kick off your day at Cardinals Nation with Kegs & Eggs. Cardinals guests and KMOX personalities will be present, offering souvenir cups and food and drink for purchase. Free entry, no ticket required. 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Begin your day with a complimentary pep rally at 10 a.m. at Ballpark Village’s Together Credit Union Plaza featuring DJ Todd Thomas, the Red & Black Brass Band, and Team Fredbird at Busch II Infield. If you’re lucky, you might even win tickets to a future game. Keep the celebration going with game-watch reservation options in FanDuel Sports Network Live!
Is your furry friend a Cards fan? Absolutely! K9 Garden is hosting a “pup rally,” costume contest, social hour, derby, raffles, and more, starting at 10:30 a.m.
Drew Lance & Friends will perform at Broadway Oyster Bar from 4–6 p.m. on Thursday, followed by The John Hughes Experience from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., with an $8 cover charge. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m., serving food until 10 p.m. and drinks until 1:30 a.m., marking the start of Beer Garden season.
This Soulard hotspot is kicking off the festivities on Thursday. The bar will be grilling before the game and hosting pregame, watch, and postgame parties with a DJ. Plus, Big Daddy’s offers a complimentary shuttle service between the bar and the stadium for ticket holders.
Located downtown, Tin Roof will serve elevated bar food, cocktails, beer, and good times all day Thursday. The celebration starts at 11 a.m. with DJ Mayne Street, followed by the Cody Clark Band at 5:30 p.m. and DJ DOM wrapping things up starting at 9 p.m.
Celebrating its 15th year of Opening Day festivities, Three Sixty will start at 11 a.m. on the 26th floor. Enjoy the full menu while DJ Micro spins tunes. The restaurant
