The countdown to summer in Battle Creek officially begins today, the 2026 Battle Jacks schedule is here, and it marks the start of a bold new chapter at MCCU Field.

Under new ownership and a refreshed vision for what summer baseball can be, the Battle Jacks are rolling out 36 home games filled with new promotions, revamped game times, premium food experiences, and the launch of an all-new Summer Series. This season, fans won’t need to wait for a “special night.” Every night is a special night.

“We’re honoring Battle Creek’s baseball tradition while reimagining what it means to be part of this community,” said General Manager Sam Connell. “Whether it’s a Tuesday night or a Sunday afternoon, fans will walk into MCCU Field knowing something is happening; something exciting, something worth showing up for.”

The full printable schedule is now live on our website; time to start circling your summer.

Opening Week Sets the Tone

The Battle Jacks start the season on the road, but the moment they return home, MCCU Field is going to feel alive. Opening Week features three anchor games that set the table for what 2026 is all about:

Wednesday, May 27: Homecoming Night & Border Battle (7:05 PM)

The home opener brings the first-ever matchup against the league’s newest expansion team, the Richmond Flying Mummies. A brand-new rivalry is born.

Thursday, May 28: Education Day (11:05 AM)

One of the loudest days of the year. Thousands of students from across Southwest Michigan pack the stands for a morning of baseball, screaming, dancing, and memory-making.

Saturday, May 30: I-94 Rivalry Cup vs. Kalamazoo (7:05 PM)

It’s the Battle Jacks vs. Growlers under the lights for I-94 bragging rights. Enough said.

“Opening Week is going to set the tone,” said Field Manager Chris Fletcher. “From the first pitch on Homecoming Night to the roar of Education Day, fans are going to feel it immediately. This roster is full of guys who take pride in playing hard and connecting with the community.”

New Game Times. New Traditions. New Reasons to Come Early.

The 2026 season introduces game times designed around fan experience, premium food, and family convenience.

Evening Games → 7:05 PM
More time for pregame entertainment. More time to enjoy your new 9 and Dine meal experience. More time to ease into your night at the ballpark.

Sunday Games → 5:05 PM
We want Sundays to feel like Battle Creek’s weekly gathering — morning worship, afternoon chores, then an evening at MCCU Field filled with family and fun.

A Battle Jacks First: 9:00 AM Third-Shift Game
This one is special. We’re dedicating an early-morning game to the workers who rarely get to see live baseball:

factory + manufacturing teams
hospital + healthcare workers
parents up early with little ones
anyone who wants coffee and baseball at the same time

“We know there are fans who rarely get to experience a game live,” Connell said. “This is for them. It’s one small way we’re doing things differently.”

Every Game Is an Event, Full Summer Series Drops in January

Get ready as starting in January, we’ll roll out our complete 2026 Summer Series, featuring:

rotating theme nights
giveaways
specialty food nights
on-field entertainment
community spotlights
surprises throughout the summer

No more “just pick the big games.” In 2026, every game feels like a big game.

“You won’t have to wait for one of the 10 promo nights to get your money’s worth,” Connell said. “Every game is going to feel like an event.”

The New Battle Pack and 9 and Dine Are Already Changing the Game

The early buzz around the Meijer 5-Game Battle Pack and the new 9 and Dine food model has been incredible. Fans wanted better food, more flexibility, more fun — and this year, we’ve answered with all three.

Momentum is real. Energy is building. And 2026 is shaping up to be a turning point for Battle Creek baseball.

Start Planning Your Summer

You can start building your summer at MCCU Field right now:

✔ Lock in your 5-Game Battle Pack

✔ Pick your early-season games

✔ Book your group or corporate night

✔ Explore premium seating & hospitality options

Schedule + Tickets: BattleJacksBaseball.com

Visit us: 189 Bridge Street, Battle Creek
Call: (269) 962-0735
Email: tickets@battlejacksbaseball.com

“We’re raising expectations,” Connell said. “And we’re ready to exceed them, making Battle Creek the place to be next summer.”