Padres Spring Training 2026 Schedule & Opponents Revealed

Get Ready for Action: Padres Spring Training 2026 Schedule Unveiled!

The desert air is about to fill with the crack of bats and the roar of the crowd! Baseball season is on the horizon, and San Diego Padres fans are already buzzing with excitement as the comprehensive Padres Schedule 2026 for Spring Training has been officially released. This highly anticipated calendar details every exhibition game, opponent, and venue as the Friars prepare for another thrilling Major League Baseball campaign. From the early skirmishes in late February to the final tune-ups in mid-March, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to follow your favorite team's journey through the Cactus League.

Spring Training isn't just a series of exhibition games; it's the crucible where veterans sharpen their skills, promising prospects make their case for a roster spot, and team chemistry is forged. For the faithful, it's a cherished annual pilgrimage, offering an intimate look at the team before the intensity of the regular season begins. Get ready to mark your calendars, because the road to the 2026 season officially begins in Peoria!

Your Comprehensive Guide to the Padres 2026 Spring Training Schedule

The San Diego Padres will once again call the beautiful Peoria Sports Complex their Spring Training home, sharing the facility with the Seattle Mariners. This vibrant complex in Peoria, Arizona, offers an ideal setting for fans to get up close and personal with the team. The Padres Schedule 2026 kicks off in earnest on February 20th and runs through March 13th, featuring a packed slate of games against a diverse array of MLB opponents from both the National and American Leagues. Below is a detailed breakdown of the Padres' exciting Cactus League journey:

February 2026: Early Matchups and Rivalries Ignite

The Padres waste no time jumping into action, with their first game set for late February. The initial stretch includes several compelling matchups, giving fans an early taste of divisional rivals and interleague competition:

February 20, 2026: The Padres open on the road, taking on the Seattle Mariners at 3:10 PM (MRTV) right at their shared Peoria Sports Complex. It's a unique start, with the Padres technically the "away" team in their own backyard.
February 21, 2026: A trip to Surprise Stadium to face the Kansas City Royals at 3:05 PM.
February 22, 2026: Get ready for fireworks! The Padres host their fiercest rivals, the L.A. Dodgers, at Peoria Sports Complex at 3:10 PM (PDTV). This early rivalry game is always a must-watch, even in Spring Training.
February 23, 2026: Another home game at Peoria Sports Complex against the Milwaukee Brewers at 3:10 PM (BRTV).
February 24, 2026: A journey to Sloan Park to battle the Chicago Cubs at 3:05 PM.
February 25, 2026: The "Freeway Series" gets an early start as the Padres host the L.A. Angels at Peoria Sports Complex at 3:10 PM (PDTV).
February 26, 2026: On the road again, facing the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark at 3:05 PM.
February 27, 2026: A scenic trip to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick to play the Colorado Rockies at 3:10 PM.
February 28, 2026: Closing out February with a home game against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Sports Complex at 3:10 PM (MRTV).

Broadcast Notes: "PDTV" typically indicates a Padres-specific broadcast, likely via their regional sports network (such as Padres.TV or a local affiliate). MRTV, BRTV, and GDTV refer to the Mariners, Brewers, and Guardians (Cleveland) respective broadcasts, indicating opportunities for fans of those teams to tune in, or for Padres fans to catch the opposing feed.

March 2026: Ramping Up to Opening Day

As March arrives, the intensity of Spring Training typically increases, with players looking to solidify their spots and fine-tune their mechanics. The games often feature more regulars and longer outings for starting pitchers. The Padres Schedule 2026 for March showcases a mix of day and evening contests, preparing the team for the regular season's varied start times:

March 1, 2026: A visit to Scottsdale Stadium to take on the San Francisco Giants at 3:05 PM.
March 2, 2026: Back home to face the Athletics at Peoria Sports Complex at 3:10 PM (PDTV).
March 3, 2026: An away game against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch-Glendale at 3:05 PM.
March 5, 2026: Another game against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Sports Complex at 3:10 PM (MRTV), with the Padres once again designated as the away team in their shared venue.
March 6, 2026: A highly anticipated evening showdown at home against the Chicago Cubs at 8:10 PM (PDTV). This prime-time game under the lights is sure to draw a large crowd.
March 7, 2026: A road game against the Cleveland Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark at 3:05 PM (GDTV).
March 8, 2026: Hosting the Cincinnati Reds at Peoria Sports Complex at 4:10 PM (PDTV).
March 9, 2026: Another home game, this time against the Texas Rangers at Peoria Sports Complex at 4:10 PM (PDTV).
March 10, 2026: A road trip to Tempe Diablo Stadium to face the L.A. Angels at 4:10 PM.
March 12, 2026: A late-night home game against the Kansas City Royals at Peoria Sports Complex, starting at 9:10 PM (PDTV). This unique start time offers a different experience for fans.
March 13, 2026: The final scheduled Spring Training game sees the Padres on the road against the Athletics at 4:05 PM. This game typically serves as the last chance for players to impress before the team breaks camp.

The transition to later start times in March reflects the coming regular season schedule, providing players with experience under different conditions.

Unmissable Matchups and Key Dates for Padres Fans

While every Spring Training game offers a chance to see your favorite players, some matchups on the Padres Schedule 2026 stand out. The early battle against the L.A. Dodgers on February 22nd is undoubtedly a highlight, reigniting the intense rivalry even before the regular season begins. Similarly, the home game against the Chicago Cubs on March 6th, an evening affair, promises a fantastic atmosphere and a challenging test for the Friars.

Keep an eye on the games against division rivals like the Giants and Rockies, as these provide an early look at potential strategic matchups. Interleague play against AL West teams like the Mariners, Angels, and Rangers also offer intriguing previews. For fans, these games are a prime opportunity to:

Scout Prospects: Witness the next generation of Padres talent vying for a spot on the big-league roster.
Evaluate Veteran Form: See how seasoned players are rounding into shape after the offseason.
Experience the Vibe: Enjoy baseball in a relaxed, family-friendly environment distinct from the regular season's high stakes.
Attend Night Games: The March 6th and 12th evening games provide a unique Spring Training experience under the lights.

Planning Your Perfect Padres Spring Training Experience

Attending Spring Training in Peoria is an unforgettable experience for any Padres fan. The Peoria Sports Complex is known for its intimate setting, allowing fans unparalleled access to players and coaches. Here are some tips to make the most of your trip:

Tickets: Spring Training tickets, especially for popular matchups like the Dodgers or Cubs, can sell out quickly. It's advisable to purchase tickets in advance through official team channels or authorized vendors. Season ticket holders often get priority access.
Travel & Accommodation: Peoria is part of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, offering a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals. Book early, especially if traveling during peak times. Consider renting a car to easily navigate between various ballparks and local attractions.
Peoria Sports Complex: Arrive early to catch batting practice and potentially snag autographs. The complex features ample seating, shade structures, and a variety of food and beverage options. It's a very family-friendly venue.
Beyond Baseball: The Phoenix area boasts numerous attractions, from hiking trails and golf courses to museums and vibrant dining scenes. Consider extending your trip to explore the desert beauty.

The relaxed atmosphere, the chance to see multiple teams in action across the Cactus League, and the pleasant Arizona weather make Spring Training a fantastic baseball getaway.

Beyond Spring Training: A Glimpse at the 2026 Regular Season

While the Spring Training schedule provides a wonderful preview, the true excitement builds towards the official start of the 2026 MLB season. The San Diego Padres are set to kick off their regular season with a highly anticipated Home Opener on March 26, 2026, against the Arizona Diamondbacks at the iconic Petco Park. This marks the beginning of a full slate of games that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

The 2026 regular season will feature marquee matchups, interleague showdowns, and special holiday games at Petco Park. Fans can look forward to celebrating holidays like Mother's Day (May 10), Memorial Day Weekend (May 25-27), and Labor Day (September 7) with live Padres baseball. Key interleague series include hosting the Seattle Mariners in April and the New York Yankees in September, along with an away series against the Mariners in May.

For a complete breakdown of the entire season, including all dates, times, and key matchups, you won't want to miss our dedicated article: Padres Schedule 2026: Full Dates, Times & Key Matchups. And for an in-depth look at the opening day festivities, holiday games, and other top home games at Petco Park, be sure to check out: Padres 2026 Season: Opening Day, Holidays & Top Home Games. These resources will help you plan your entire year of Padres baseball.

The reveal of the Padres Schedule 2026 for Spring Training is a clear sign that baseball is just around the corner. From the intense rivalries in Peoria to the festive atmosphere of Petco Park, the upcoming season promises to be filled with unforgettable moments. Whether you're heading to Arizona to catch the action live or following every pitch from home, prepare for another thrilling chapter in San Diego Padres baseball. Let's play ball!