Defending Triple-A National Champion Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp unveil packed 2026 home schedule

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The defending Triple-A National Champion Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are getting ready to return to VyStar Ballpark, and the 2026 home slate is packed with fireworks, giveaways, theme nights and family-friendly promotions all season long.

The Jumbo Shrimp will open the home portion of their title-defense campaign on Friday, March 27, against the Rochester Red Wings. Opening Day festivities will include Friday Night Fireworks, a magnet schedule giveaway for the first 2,000 fans, Friday Night Lites drink specials and Red Shirt Friday discounts at the box office for fans wearing red.

The opening weekend continues with a championship celebration theme. On Saturday, March 28, the first 2,000 fans through the main gate can receive a Triple-A National Championship replica ring, while Sunday, March 29, brings Sunday Family FUNday, Kids Round the Bases and Walk Off Charities Day.

From there, the Shrimp roll into a season loaded with signature promotions, creative theme nights and plenty of reasons for fans to keep coming back.

Championship season starts with big giveaways and fireworks

The first few weeks of the season feature some of the club’s biggest promotional items honoring last year’s championship run.

Fans can look forward to a Southpaw onesie giveaway on April 4 during Southpaw’s 30th Birthday, a championship replica jersey giveaway on April 18, championship socks on May 9, and a Jacob Berry bobblehead on June 6 celebrating the player who walked off the Triple-A Championship game.

Other notable giveaways throughout the year include a beach bag on June 13, a Jumbo Shrimp nutcracker on July 11, Santa hats on July 12, a water bottle on Aug. 1, and a safari hat on Aug. 15.

As always, fireworks remain a major draw, with Friday Night Fireworks and Firework Saturdays scheduled throughout the season, plus a Firework Sunday during Honey Drippers Weekend on May 24.

Theme nights range from nostalgic to downright quirky

The 2026 promotional calendar once again shows off the Jumbo Shrimp’s flair for fun.

Among the more unique nights on the schedule are Crayon or Crayon Night on March 31, Fantasy Football Punishment Night on April 2, 20 Years of “Getcha Head in the Game” Night on April 3, Love at First Pitch speed dating on May 7, Purr in the Park on May 19, Hair Band Night on June 5, Crowd Karaoke: Country Edition on June 11, Princess Day on June 14, AI Music Night on June 26, Local Cosplay Night on July 9, Christmas Eve in July on July 11, Sensory Night on July 28, and Who Stole Scampi Night on July 31.

The team is also bringing back popular identity weekends, including Honey Drippers Weekend on May 23-24 and again on Aug. 29-30, along with Red Caps Weekend on June 27-28, honoring Jacksonville’s Negro Leagues history.

Family favorites return all season

For families, Sundays remain one of the best days to head to the ballpark.

Each Sunday home game will feature Baptist Health Sunday Family FUNday, including pregame catch on the field, face painting and balloon animals. After the game, kids can once again take part in Kids Round the Bases.

Special family-focused dates include Easter at the Ballpark on April 5, complete with a pregame Easter egg hunt and brunch picnic, Education Day on April 14, Youth Sports Day on April 19 and July 7, Junior Jumbos Takeover on June 7, Girl Scout Night on Aug. 16, and Boy Scout Night on Aug. 29.

Pet lovers will also have several opportunities to bring their furry friends. Canines and Crustaceans dog-friendly games are scheduled for April 19, June 3, June 23, July 29, and Aug. 25, while the fan-favorite Bark n Brew returns on April 19. Even cats get their own moment with Purr in the Park on May 19.

Community nights and celebrations fill the calendar

The Jumbo Shrimp’s 2026 schedule also includes a wide range of nights dedicated to community causes and celebrations.

Highlights include Jackie Robinson Day on April 15, Military Appreciation Night on April 16, Mental Health Awareness Night on May 9, Filipino Heritage Night on May 21, Pride Night on June 4, Lou Gehrig Day on June 2, Celebrating Women in Sports on Aug. 11, Hispanic Heritage Night on Sept. 10, and First Responders Night on Sept. 11.

The club’s Charity Begins at Home series also returns, partnering with organizations throughout the year including First Coast Habitat for Humanity, Pink Tides of Hope, the JHW Scholarship Foundation, Challenge Enterprises, Fostering Hope, Dreams Come True, Jacksonville Humane Society, Goodwill Industries of North Florida and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida.

Weekly promotions stay in place

Fans can also count on several recurring weekly deals throughout the season:

• Two for Tuesday features two hot dogs for $2.
• Wear It Home Wednesday offers giveaway T-shirts for the first 500 fans at select games.
• Coors Light Thirsty Thursday includes discounted draft beer.
• Friday Night Lites brings drink specials on Fridays.
• Red Shirt Friday gives fans wearing red a $1 box office discount.
• Sunday Family FUNday and Kids Round the Bases continue as weekly staples.

Season wraps with fan appreciation and playoff hopes

As summer turns to fall, the Jumbo Shrimp will close out the regular season with Fan Appreciation Day on Sept. 12 and the home finale on Sunday, Sept. 13, teasing the possibility of another postseason run.

If 2025 was any indication, Jacksonville fans may not want to assume that final regular-season game is really the last one.

The defending champions open at home on March 27 at VyStar Ballpark, and with championship-themed giveaways, fireworks and one of the most entertaining promotional schedules in minor league baseball, the Jumbo Shrimp look ready to make another memorable run in 2026.

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