Cubs to host Cardinals in first-ever night opener at Wrigley Field

One of baseball's oldest and greatest rivalries will take center stage in MLB's standalone Sunday night opener on April 5. And no, we're not talking about Yankees/Red Sox or Dodgers/Giants for a change.

The back-to-back NL Central champion St. Louis Cardinals are scheduled to travel north to take on the Chicago Cubs in what will be a historic night at Wrigley Field. For the first time in the ballpark's 100-year history, the Cubs will play their home opener at night.

For a standalone opener, that historical note may not seem like enough to justify this game choice. In the past, this ESPN exclusive broadcast usually features the defending World Series champions like the San Francisco Giants, or the league's buzziest team, like the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. Well, don't look now, but the Cubs are quickly moving into the latter territory with Joe Maddon on board and a roster rebuild that will likely be accelerated this winter.

Throw in the Cardinals, the one rival Chicago is always chasing but rarely catches, and you have an interesting baseball storyline in place for opening night.

But it's far from the only interesting storyline. The Sunday opener will be a national showcase for Wrigley Field after an offseason of construction and renovations. They're only in phase one of a four-phase plan, but there will be plenty to see with expanded and restored bleachers in left and right field, new outfield group terraces, and two new video boards.

It also gives us a new angle to follow during the offseason: Who will Chicago acquire to oppose St. Louis ace Adam Wainwright under those bright lights? Nothing against Jake Arrieta, who had a remarkable season in 2014. But a big name with a big contract and reputation is likely coming via trade or free agency. Be it Jon Lester, Jordan Zimmermann, or someone not yet on the radar

Also, there's at least a chance Chicago's latest phenom, infielder Kris Bryant, could make his major-league debut here, nearly completing Chicago's puzzle of elite prospects. If so, we have all the ingredients for a very fun night under the lights on the north side.