​While the Cardinals still have their entire focus trained on the 2026 season and trying to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2022, MLB released its schedule for the 2027 season on Thursday.Now, let’s just hope that the expiring CBA and labor strife between the league’s owners and the players’ association doesn’t cause disruption in a 2027 season that figures to be a promising one for the young and feisty Cardinals.Here is a look at some of the key highlights from the 2027 season schedule:AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Cardinals will open the 2027 season in Cincinnati against the rival Reds on March 25. Then, following a built-in day off to protect against a rain out, that series will continue March 27 and 28. The opening road trip continues with three games against the Cubs at Wrigley Field from March 29-31.That schedule is vastly different than this season’s, of course, with the Cardinals not facing an NL Central foe until April 27 when they traveled to Pittsburgh. The Cars didn’t see the Cubs for the first time until the end of May and their first foray to Wrigley Field in 2026 came on July 3.In a rare twist, the Cardinals will face their in-state rivals, the Kansas City Royals, for their home opener at Busch Stadium on April 1. Following another built-in off day to account for a possible weather delay, that series will continue April 3 and 4. The homestand continues with three Busch Stadium games against the Padres (April 5-7).AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Cards are scheduled to play 47 of their 81 home games (98 total games) before the All-Star Break. They will then play 27 games at Busch Stadium after August 1, including 15 in September.The team will play 15 home games in March/April, 14 in May, 12 in June, 13 in July, 12 in August and 15 games in September.Unlike in 2026, when the Cardinals spent every major holiday on the road, they will be playing at Busch Stadium for many of the holidays during the 2027 season.The Cards will be at Busch for Mother’s Day (May 9 vs. Brewers), Memorial Day (May 31 vs. Pirates), Juneteenth (June 19 vs. Reds), Father’s Day (June 20 vs. Reds) and Labor Day (Sept. 6 vs. Astros).AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Cards will play holiday road games on Easter (March 28 at Reds) and Independence Day (July 4 at Cubs). The Cardinals will play in San Diego on Jackie Robinson Day (April 15), host the Pirates on Lou Gehrig Day (June 2), and play in Pittsburgh on Roberto Clemente Day (Sept. 15).Here are the eight American League opponents for three-game home series: Royals (April 1, 3-4), Twins (April 19-21), Blue Jays (April 23-25), Athletics (May 11-13), Tigers (May 21-23), Yankees (July 9-11), Angels (Aug. 20-22) and Astros (Sept. 6-8).Here are the eight AL opponents for three-game road series: Rangers (April 16-18), Red Sox (April 30-May 2), White Sox (May 3-5), Rays (May 14-16), Orioles (May 18-20), Mariners (June (7-9), Royals (July 16-18) and Guardians (Au