The Thunder Bay Border Cats are excited to announce the home opener for the 2026 Northwoods League season is scheduled for Friday, May 29, versus the Eau Claire Express at Port Arthur Stadium. First pitch on opening night is at 7:05pm in the first game of a two-game set against the Express that concludes the following night on May 30.
Following a 40-win season under the direction of returning manager Joe Ellison, the Cats kick off the 72-game campaign with a four-game road trip beginning on Monday, May 25, in Waterloo, Iowa, against the Bucks. Thunder Bay also concludes the regular season on the road August 7-8 in Duluth against the Huskies.
The 2026 home schedule includes two “School Day” games beginning at 11:05am on Wednesday, June 3, against the Minnesota Mud Puppies and Thursday, June 18, versus Waterloo with a second game that evening against the Bucks at 6:35pm as part of a split doubleheader.
The Border Cats will be at home on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21, when they take on Duluth at 1:35pm and will also host their annual Canada Day game on Wednesday, July 1, against the Rochester Honkers at 1:35pm. Another date fans will want to circle on the calendar is Tuesday, July 14, at 7:05pm versus the La Crosse Loggers as the Border Cats and City of Thunder Bay celebrate the 75th anniversary of Port Arthur Stadium.
There are also four fireworks nights scheduled on May 29, June 30, July 14, and August 6.
For season tickets or group outing information please email info@bordercatsbaseball.com. Single game tickets go on sale May 4th at the stadium box office.
For the 2026 Border Cats schedule click here: 2026 Printable Schedule
The complete NWL schedule will officially be released on December 11.
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The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 32nd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 26 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, over 410 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and two-time World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (NYM).
Leveraging the 32-year success of the Northwoods League, the first for-profit Summer Collegiate Baseball League, Northwoods League Softball (NWLS) is the first for-profit Women’s Summer Collegiate Softball League that began play in the Upper Midwest in the summer of 2024. The purpose of the League will be to develop players for their college, Olympic and future professional play. Teams will be promoted similar to minor league baseball teams, playing games in front of fans in a fun, friendly, family-oriented environment.