It’s officially MLB Opening Day for 2026 — and it’s the Chicago Cubs home opener at Wrigley Field, too.
The Cubs are entering the 2026 season with high hopes. Last year, the team rallied to reach postseason for the first time since 2020.
According to the Cubs, the ceremonial first pitch Thursday will be thrown out by legendary first baseman and 2016 World Series champion Anthony Rizzo. During the seventh inning strethc, a group of Cubs Hall of Famers will sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
But rain and storms could put a damper on things as the game goes into the afternoon.
Here’s what to know.
Cubs home opener state time
Thursday’s game between the Cubs and Washington Nationals will get underway at 1:20 p.m. Matthew Boyd will get the ball for the Cubs, and he’ll be opposed by Cade Cavalli.
Gates to the ballpark will open two hours prior to first pitch at 11:20 a.m.
The game will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network and 104.3 FM The Score.
Cubs opening day roster
The team set their 26-man roster Wednesday:
Pitchers – Ben Brown, Matthew Boyd, Edward Cabrera, Hunter Harvey, Cade Horton, Shota Imanaga, Phil Maton Hoby Milner, Daniel Palencia, Jameson Taillon, Caleb Thielbar, Jacob Webb
Catchers – Miguel Amaya, Moises Ballesteros, Carson Kelly
Infielders – Alex Bregman, Michael Busch, Nico Hoerner, Scott Kingery, Matt Shaw, Dansby Swanson
Outfielders – Dylan Carlson, Michael Conforto, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Ian Happ
Game day forecast
About 11 a.m., temperatures will be in the 60s for tailgaters, But temperatures will rapidly drop, with readings in the mid 50s by around the time of first pitch.
By 4 p.m., temperatures will be in the 40s, with some showers and storms possible.
What’s new at Wrigley Field?
Among the new food offerings at Wrigley Field this season will be “Chicken and Churros,” “Tostado Stacks,” “Double Diamond Waffle Fries” and several other unique options.
Wrigley Field concession stands and merchandise stands only take debit and credit cards, along with electronic payment options.
Best way to get to Wrigley Field
Public transit is the unquestioned champ for those seeking to go to the game. The CTA runs extra trains and buses before and after Cubs games. Tickets for the train are $2.50, and $2.25 for the bus.
By train:
Red Line: CTA’s Addison station is located just a half block east of Wrigley Field. Purple Line: During weeknight games, southbound Purple Line Express trains will stop at Sheridan, where riders can either walk three blocks south on Sheridan/Sheffield to the ballpark or transfer to a southbound Red Line train and exit at the Addison station. Yellow Line: Take the Yellow Line southbound and transfer at Howard to the Red Line; continue to Addison station. To accommodate fans returning home, the Yellow Line will run for an hour later from Howard – until midnight – for all night games at Wrigley Field.By bus:
#152 Addison: The #152 route will provide additional service on Cubs game days, with more frequent service two hours before and one hour after all games. #80 Irving Park: The #80 route will provide extra service before the games, timed to meet the inbound UP-NW Metra trains at Irving Park. Adjacent bus routes: Several CTA bus routes serve the Wrigley Field area, including: #8 Halsted,#22 Clark, #36 Broadway, #151 SheridanRideshare companies are geo-fenced around the ballpark, with pick-up locations at Addison Street between Broadway and Halsted Street, and at Irving Park Road between Clark Street and Seminary Avenue.
The Cubs also offer a free bike check valet service, located just east of the main entrance to the Addison Red Line stop. Fans can bring their helmets inside the ballpark.
Wrigley Field bag policy
Backpacks and clear backpacks are not allowed at Wrigley. Bags must be smaller than 16x16x8 inches, with exceptions for medical equipment and diaper bags.
Opening day giveaways
The first 10,000 fans to arrive at the ballpark on Thursday will get a free magnet schedule while supplies last.
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