Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Open 2026 Season as Defending Triple-A National Champions

The defending Triple-A National Champion Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp bring their title back to VyStar Ballpark next weekend, opening the 2026 home slate March 27-29 against the Rochester Red Wings with a three-day championship celebration built around giveaways, fireworks, and family events.

Friday's opener gets an early start before the first pitch. A street carnival at VyStar Ballpark kicks off at 4 p.m., featuring a climbing wall, interactive vendors, and street games. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. ahead of a 7:05 p.m. first pitch, and the team will honor the 2025 Triple-A National Champions during a pre-game ceremony. The first 2,000 fans through the gates receive a schedule magnet. Opening Day, presented by Ascension St. Vincents and Rolland Reash Plumbing, also includes Friday Night Fireworks, Friday Night Lites drink specials, and Red Shirt Friday box-office discounts for fans wearing red in support of the military.

Saturday brings the marquee giveaway of the weekend. The first 2,000 fans through the Main Gate on Georgia Street will receive a Triple-A National Championship replica ring, presented by Birken Construction. The distribution rules are specific: one ring per person, not per ticket, and the giveaway is only available to fans entering through the Main Gate on Georgia Street. Gates open at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday rounds out the homestand as Baptist Health Sunday Family FUNday, presented by Baptist Health. Gates open at 1 p.m. for a 2:05 p.m. first pitch, and for the first 20 minutes after gates open, fans can play catch on the field at the Baptist Health Centerfield Plaza. Kids Round the Bases and Walk Off Charities Day are also scheduled, and each Sunday home game this season will feature complimentary pre-game face painting and balloon animals.

The championship theme extends well beyond opening weekend. The first months of the season are stacked with title-related giveaways: a Southpaw onesie on April 4 during Southpaw's 30th Birthday celebration, a championship replica jersey on April 18, championship socks on May 9, and a Jacob Berry bobblehead on June 6 honoring the player who walked off the Triple-A Championship game. Later in the year, fans can look forward to a beach bag on June 13, a Jumbo Shrimp nutcracker on July 11, Santa hats on July 12, a water bottle on August 1, and a safari hat on August 15.

Fireworks remain a constant throughout the schedule, with Friday Night Fireworks and Firework Saturdays running all season, plus a Firework Sunday during Honey Drippers Weekend on May 24. Tickets for all 75 Jumbo Shrimp home games are on sale now. The Rochester Red Wings are the Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals.