Padres Schedule 2026: Full Dates, Times & Key Matchups

Padres Schedule 2026: Full Dates, Times & Key Matchups for the Season Ahead

The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, the smell of fresh-cut grass – the anticipation for the San Diego Padres' 2026 season is already building! As the Friar Faithful eagerly await another thrilling year of baseball, the full Padres Schedule 2026 has been unveiled, promising an action-packed journey from Spring Training in the desert to crucial divisional showdowns at America’s #1 ballpark, Petco Park. This comprehensive guide provides all the essential details: dates, times, key matchups, and valuable tips to help you plan your unforgettable season with your favorite team. From the first pitch of exhibition play to the final homestand, 2026 is shaping up to be a monumental year for the Padres. Whether you're a devoted season ticket holder or planning a trip to sunny San Diego, knowing the full Padres Schedule 2026 is your first step to experiencing every moment of the excitement.

Spring Training 2026: Kicking Off the Season in Peoria

Before the regular season officially begins, the San Diego Padres will head to Peoria, Arizona, for their annual Spring Training, a time filled with renewed hope, fresh faces, and the glorious return of baseball. This period is crucial for players to get into game shape, for prospects to make their mark, and for fans to get an early glimpse of the team’s potential. The Padres share the Peoria Sports Complex with the Seattle Mariners, creating a vibrant atmosphere for exhibition games. Here’s a look at some of the early Spring Training matchups from the Padres Schedule 2026:

February 20, 2026: Away vs. Seattle Mariners, 3:10 PM, Peoria Sports Complex (MRTV)
February 21, 2026: Away vs. Kansas City Royals, 3:05 PM, Surprise Stadium
February 22, 2026: Home vs. L.A. Dodgers, 3:10 PM, Peoria Sports Complex (PDTV)
February 23, 2026: Home vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 3:10 PM, Peoria Sports Complex (BRTV)
February 24, 2026: Away vs. Chicago Cubs, 3:05 PM, Sloan Park
February 25, 2026: Home vs. L.A. Angels, 3:10 PM, Peoria Sports Complex (PDTV)
February 28, 2026: Home vs. Seattle Mariners, 3:10 PM, Peoria Sports Complex (MRTV)
March 1, 2026: Away vs. San Francisco Giants, 3:05 PM, Scottsdale Stadium
March 2, 2026: Home vs. Athletics, 3:10 PM, Peoria Sports Complex (PDTV)
March 6, 2026: Home vs. Chicago Cubs, 8:10 PM, Peoria Sports Complex (PDTV)
March 8, 2026: Home vs. Cincinnati Reds, 4:10 PM, Peoria Sports Complex (PDTV)
March 9, 2026: Home vs. Texas Rangers, 4:10 PM, Peoria Sports Complex (PDTV)
March 12, 2026: Home vs. Kansas City Royals, 9:10 PM, Peoria Sports Complex (PDTV)

These early games are a fantastic opportunity to see the team in a more relaxed environment and witness the beginning of their journey toward the regular season. For a deeper dive into all the exhibition matchups and details, be sure to check out our dedicated article on the Padres Spring Training 2026 Schedule & Opponents Revealed.

The Main Event: Padres 2026 Regular Season Highlights

Once Spring Training concludes, the real action begins! The Padres 2026 regular season promises a full slate of thrilling contests, including high-stakes divisional clashes, exciting interleague play, and special holiday games that make for unforgettable fan experiences.

Opening Day & Early Home Games at Petco Park

The season kicks off with a bang! The Padres will host their much-anticipated Home Opener on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 1:10 PM against the Arizona Diamondbacks. There’s nothing quite like Opening Day at Petco Park – the electric buzz, the sunshine, and the collective excitement of San Diego ready to cheer on its local heroes. Following the opener, the Padres will continue their first homestand with a series against the Diamondbacks, then quickly dive into divisional rivalries with the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies. Here are some of the initial home games from the Padres Schedule 2026:

Thursday, March 26, 2026: 1:10 PM vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (Home Opener)
Friday, March 27, 2026: 6:40 PM vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Saturday, March 28, 2026: 5:40 PM vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Monday, March 30, 2026: 6:40 PM vs. San Francisco Giants
Tuesday, March 31, 2026: 6:40 PM vs. San Francisco Giants
Wednesday, April 1, 2026: 1:10 PM vs. San Francisco Giants
Thursday, April 9, 2026: 6:40 PM vs. Colorado Rockies
Friday, April 10, 2026: 6:40 PM vs. Colorado Rockies
Saturday, April 11, 2026: 5:40 PM vs. Colorado Rockies
Sunday, April 12, 2026: 1:10 PM vs. Colorado Rockies

Typical home game start times at Petco Park are 6:40 PM for evening games and 1:10 PM for day games, providing a consistent rhythm for fans. Saturday games often have slightly earlier start times, usually around 5:40 PM.

Key Rivalries & Must-See Matchups

The Padres Schedule 2026 is packed with marquee matchups that every fan will want to mark on their calendar. Divisional clashes are always high-stakes, particularly against the L.A. Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and Arizona Diamondbacks, where every game can impact the standings. While the specific regular season dates for the Dodgers are not yet fully detailed, their rivalry is a cornerstone of the Padres season and these games are always fiercely contested. Interleague play adds another layer of excitement, bringing teams from the American League to Petco Park and sending the Padres to new ballparks. In 2026, fans can look forward to these significant interleague series:

Home vs. Seattle Mariners: April 14-16, 2026
Home vs. New York Yankees: September 4-6, 2026
Away vs. Seattle Mariners: May 15-17, 2026

The series against the New York Yankees in early September will undoubtedly be one of the hottest tickets of the season, drawing fans from across the country to Petco Park for a clash of baseball titans.

Holiday Homestands: Celebrate with the Padres!

What better way to celebrate a holiday than with a Padres game at Petco Park? The 2026 Padres Schedule includes several special home games on significant holidays, offering a perfect opportunity for family outings and memorable experiences. Mark your calendars for these holiday matchups:

Mother’s Day: Sunday, May 10, 2026 – vs. (opponent to be revealed)
Memorial Day Weekend: Monday, May 25 – Wednesday, May 27, 2026 – vs. (opponent to be revealed)
Labor Day: Monday, September 7, 2026 – vs. (opponent to be revealed)

These holiday games often feature special promotions, themed events, and a vibrant atmosphere, making them ideal for creating lasting memories with loved ones. For more details on these and other prime games, including ticket information, explore our article on Padres 2026 Season: Opening Day, Holidays & Top Home Games.

Navigating the Padres Schedule 2026: Tips for Fans

With a full season ahead, planning your baseball experience requires a little strategy. Here are some practical tips to make the most of the Padres Schedule 2026.

Getting Your Tickets

For high-demand games like Opening Day, rivalry matchups against the Dodgers and Giants, interleague series with the Yankees, and holiday games, tickets tend to sell out quickly.

Buy Early: Secure your seats well in advance, especially for popular dates.
Official Sources: Always purchase tickets through official channels like the Padres' official website or Petco Park Insider to avoid scams and ensure legitimate tickets.
Flexibility: If your schedule allows, consider attending weekday games or series against less popular opponents for potentially better availability and pricing.

Understanding Game Times & Broadcasts

Keeping track of start times is essential, especially with day games mixed into the schedule.

Standard Times: Most evening home games at Petco Park start at 6:40 PM, while day games typically begin at 1:10 PM. Saturday games often have a 5:40 PM start.
Check Daily: Always double-check the exact game time on the official Padres schedule before heading to the ballpark, as times can occasionally change.
Broadcast Information: For those not attending in person, local broadcasts (often branded as PDTV for Padres Television) will carry most games, with national broadcasts for select matchups.

Planning Your Visit to Petco Park

Petco Park is renowned as one of the best ballparks in America, offering more than just baseball.

Arrival: Arrive early to soak in the downtown San Diego atmosphere, explore the concourse, and perhaps catch batting practice.
Transportation: Petco Park is easily accessible by public transport (MTS trolley, bus) or ride-sharing services. Parking garages are available but can be expensive; consider booking in advance.
Beyond Baseball: Enjoy the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter nearby, or take in the stunning views from the Park at the Park. Don't forget to sample the diverse food and beverage options within the ballpark.

The Road Ahead: Interleague Play & Season Finale

As the season progresses, the Padres will face a diverse set of opponents. Beyond the crucial interleague home series against the Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees, the Padres will also travel to face the Mariners in an away series in mid-May. These interleague matchups offer a fascinating test of strength against teams from the American League, providing unique challenges and adding variety to the schedule. The 2026 regular season will conclude with the Padres playing their Last Homestand against the Arizona Diamondbacks from September 25-27, 2026. These final games can be incredibly impactful, often determining playoff berths or seeding, making them high-stakes events for both the team and the Friar Faithful. The full Padres Schedule 2026 is a roadmap for a season brimming with potential, excitement, and unforgettable baseball moments. From the first crack of the bat in Peoria to the final regular-season pitch at Petco Park, every game tells a story.

Get Ready for the 2026 Padres Season!

The Padres Schedule 2026 lays out an exhilarating journey for San Diego's beloved team. With Spring Training, a highly anticipated Home Opener, intense divisional rivalries, thrilling interleague contests, and special holiday games, there's truly something for every fan. Now that you have the key dates, times, and matchups at your fingertips, it’s time to start planning your 2026 baseball adventures. Get ready to feel the electric buzz of Petco Park, cheer on your San Diego Padres, and be a part of what promises to be an unforgettable season!