Thursday's home opener moved to Friday

PITTSBURGH -- Cardinals fans will have to wait an extra day before heading to Busch Stadium for the home opener, as the club has moved the game from Thursday to Friday due to weather concerns.

The club made the announcement on Wednesday. First pitch against the Padres is still scheduled for 3:15 p.m. CT, with gates opening at noon.

The Cardinals don’t expect the delay to affect the status of any plans they had in place for the series. Jack Flaherty is still scheduled to be the Friday starter, followed by Michael Wacha on Saturday and Adam Wainwright on Sunday. Dakota Hudson’s next start may be moved up a day, according to manager Mike Shildt, but he also said, “We’ll address that as we go.”

The delay also shouldn’t put a damper on any of the pregame festivities, which were also moved to Friday. The Opening Day pep rally will begin at Ballpark Village at 9:30 a.m. to host fans before the stadium opens.

Fans will also get to see all 16 living members of the Cardinals Hall of Fame. The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by 2019 hall nominees and former teammates Jason Isringhausen and Matt Morris in recognition of the 15th anniversary of the Cards’ '04 National League Championship team.

Fans with tickets to Thursday’s game should use those same tickets for admittance to the rescheduled game on Friday. Fans who purchased tickets to Thursday’s official pregame party at Cardinals Nation will be able to use those same tickets Friday as well.

A schedule of official activities and information for #OpeningDaySTL can be found at cardinals.com/OpeningDay.