
By Jason Young
•
October 16, 2026
WINNIPEG, MB – Banana Ball will make a stop in Winnipeg as part of its first Canadian appearance in August 2027. The Winnipeg Goldeyes & Winnipeg Blue Bombers announced the historic visit Thursday in conjunction with Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism, and Travel Manitoba. The Party Animals and Texas Tailgaters will meet August 26 at Blue Cross Park and August 28 at Princess Auto Stadium. The event will bring a distinctive blend of baseball, entertainment, and fan participation to Manitoba’s capital, giving local fans an opportunity to experience Banana Ball in person while offering visitors another reason to make Winnipeg part of their summer travel plans. Created by the Savannah Bananas owner Jesse Cole, Banana Ball is a fast-paced version of baseball that combines athletic competition with music, choreographed dances, trick plays, and comedy. The experience puts fans at the centre of the action, with entertainment woven throughout the game. Its unconventional rules keep play moving and give spectators a role in the outcome. No new inning begins after two hours, bunting is prohibited, and a foul ball caught by a fan counts as an out. Instead of a traditional walk, ball four sends the batter sprinting around the bases while the defence races to relay the ball among its fielders. A points-based scoring system rewards teams for winning individual innings. “Attracting Banana Ball for part of its first Canadian appearance is the culmination of three years of hard work by the Winnipeg Goldeyes and represents a significant achievement for Winnipeg and an exciting opportunity to showcase our city,” said Goldeyes Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Regan Katz. “Winnipeg fans have an incredible passion for sports and entertainment, and Banana Ball offers an opportunity to celebrate that enthusiasm on an entirely new stage. We're excited to welcome visitors from across Manitoba, Canada, and the United States for an unforgettable experience that will bring new energy to our city and provide a meaningful boost to local businesses.” The confirmed games will showcase two of Winnipeg’s premier sports venues, bringing Banana Ball to both the Goldeyes’ downtown home at Blue Cross Park and the Blue Bombers’ iconic Princess Auto Stadium. “We are incredibly excited to welcome Banana Ball to Princess Auto Stadium and be part of its historic Canadian debut,” said Wade Miller , President and Chief Executive Officer of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. “Winnipeg has a tremendous passion for sports and live entertainment, and this is exactly the kind of unique, high-energy experience we love bringing to our city.” The announcement brings together partners from professional sports and tourism, reflecting the opportunity to connect a memorable fan experience with broader benefits for Winnipeg and Manitoba. “We’re delighted to welcome the Canadian premiere of Banana Ball to Manitoba,” said Angela Cassie , Travel Manitoba’s Interim President & CEO. “Working with our partners to bring incredible sporting events to communities across our province, we’re giving visitors more reasons to visit, strengthening Manitoba’s $2.4 billion tourism industry, supporting businesses and creating jobs.” With its mix of baseball skill, showmanship, and audience interaction, Banana Ball offers an experience for devoted baseball followers, families, and fans discovering the game for the first time. Winnipeg’s Canadian debut will give those audiences an opportunity to be part of a milestone in Banana Ball’s growth. “We’re proud to work alongside Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism, Travel Manitoba, and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to help bring this event to our community,” Katz added. “There is tremendous enthusiasm for sports and entertainment here, and we look forward to welcoming Banana Ball fans and sharing that energy with them.” “Bringing Banana Ball to Winnipeg is an exciting win for our city and another opportunity to showcase Winnipeg on the North American stage,” said Natalie Thiesen, Vice President of Tourism, Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism. “With an estimated total economic impact of $3.4 million, this event is a home run for Winnipeg’s tourism economy, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and generating excitement throughout our community. Events like this put Winnipeg in the North American spotlight, reinforce our reputation as a destination for unique, world-class experiences and give visitors and residents alike another reason to discover all our city has to offer.” Fans interested in attending must join the Ticket Lottery List before it closes on October 31, 2026, at 10:59 p.m. Central Daylight Time. Joining the list does not guarantee an opportunity to purchase tickets. A random drawing will take place before the event to determine who will have the chance to purchase available tickets. Those selected will be contacted directly with instructions on the next steps. For ticket information and to join the Ticket Lottery List, visit BananaBall.com/Tickets.

By Jason Young
•
October 8, 2026
WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced their 2027 regular season schedule Thursday, featuring 51 home games at Blue Cross Park, beginning with the Home Opener Friday, May 14 against the Sioux City Explorers. The team’s return to Blue Cross Park will come after a memorable summer in 2026, when they tied the franchise record with 34 home wins. That success included a team-record 12 consecutive home victories from July 25 through August 13, giving fans plenty to celebrate at the ballpark. The American Association will feature two five-team divisions in 2027. The Goldeyes will join the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, Lincoln Saltdogs, Sioux City Explorers, and Sioux Falls Canaries in the West Division. While the East Division will include the Chicago Dogs, Gary SouthShore RailCats, Kansas City Monarchs, Lake Country DockHounds, and Milwaukee Milkmen. Winnipeg opens the 102-game season Friday, May 7 on the road against Kansas City. Following three games against the Monarchs and three in Fargo against the RedHawks, the Goldeyes return to Blue Cross Park for their Home Opener Friday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m. The Home Opener launches a schedule featuring nine full weekends of baseball in downtown Winnipeg. Each Friday home game will conclude with a fireworks display, giving fans nine opportunities to enjoy Fireworks Fridays throughout the summer. “Opening night is always a special occasion, and starting our home schedule on a Fireworks Friday will make it even more memorable,” said Goldeyes General Manager Andrew Collier . “With nine full weekends at home, games on Father’s Day and Canada Day, and fireworks after every Friday home game, there are plenty of opportunities for families, friends, and groups to plan a summer visit to Blue Cross Park.” The 2027 Fireworks Fridays are May 14 and 21, June 4 and 18, July 9, 23, and 30, August 13, and September 3. Standard home game times are 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Friday, 6:00 p.m. Saturday, and 1:00 p.m. Sunday. Three school-day matinees are scheduled for 11:00 a.m.: Thursday, May 20 against Sioux City, Thursday, June 10 against Kansas City, and Wednesday, June 16 against Gary SouthShore. The Goldeyes will once again celebrate Canada Day at home, hosting Sioux City Thursday, July 1 at 4:00 p.m. Winnipeg also welcomes Sioux Falls for a Father’s Day afternoon game Sunday, June 20 at 1:00 p.m. All nine American Association opponents will visit Blue Cross Park for at least one series in 2027. Winnipeg will play 72 games against West Division opponents and 30 against East Division clubs. Winnipeg’s longest homestand runs May 14 to 23, featuring nine games against Sioux City and Fargo-Moorhead. The club’s longest road trips also span nine games, taking place May 25 to June 3 and August 20 to 29. The Goldeyes conclude the regular season with six home games against Lincoln from August 31 to September 5. The finale is scheduled for Sunday, September 5 at 1:00 p.m. 2027 Winnipeg Goldeyes Schedule Breakdown Total Games: 102 Home Games: 51 Away Games: 51 Home Games by Day of the Week Sunday: 9 Monday: 0 Tuesday: 8 Wednesday: 8 Thursday: 8 Friday: 9 Saturday: 9 Home Game Times Tuesday–Thursday: 6:30 p.m. Friday: 7:00 p.m. Saturday: 6:00 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 p.m. Home Game Time Exceptions Thursday, May 20: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 10: 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 16: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 1: 4:00 p.m. Games vs. West Division Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks – 18 Lincoln Saltdogs – 18 Sioux City Explorers – 18 Sioux Falls Canaries – 18 Games vs. East Division Chicago Dogs – 6 Gary SouthShore RailCats – 6 Kansas City Monarchs – 6 Lake Country DockHounds – 6 Milwaukee Milkmen – 6 The complete schedule can be accessed at Goldeyes.com/Schedule . All home game times are Central Daylight Time and are subject to change. For information about season tickets, group outings, and 10-game mini packs, visit Goldeyes.com/Tickets .

By Jason Young
•
October 1, 2026
WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Goldeyes have been named the American Association’s Best Overall Fan Experience of the Year, the club announced Thursday. Team directors, general managers, and broadcasters selected the winner in a league-wide vote. The award recognizes the work that goes into a night at Blue Cross Park, from the baseball on the field to the entertainment, food, and service fans enjoy throughout their visit. The Goldeyes’ game-day experience includes a wide selection of local food and beverage options, activities for families, and postgame fireworks. “Affordable family entertainment has always been at the heart of what we do,” said Goldeyes General Manager Andrew Collier . “We want people to enjoy the game, discover something they love at the ballpark, and leave already looking forward to their next visit. Every department has a hand in making that happen, and I’m proud that the efforts of our entire staff have been recognized by our colleagues around the league.” The club’s average attendance per opening has grown by more than five per cent compared to 2025 and is approaching pre-pandemic levels. Including the September 11 postseason game, the Goldeyes welcomed an average of 4,019 fans per opening in 2026, compared with 3,807 last year. For the Goldeyes, delivering a strong fan experience means paying attention to both the big moments and the small details. A close game or fireworks show may be the highlight of an evening, while a friendly welcome, an enjoyable meal, and entertainment between innings help make the whole visit memorable. “There are a lot of moving parts to a game day, and our staff cares about getting each of them right,” said Goldeyes Manager of Group Sales & Game Presentation Ed Doiron . “We’re always looking for ways to keep the experience fresh while making sure Blue Cross Park feels welcoming to fans who have been coming for years and those attending their first game. It means a great deal to see that work acknowledged.” The Goldeyes thank their fans for making Blue Cross Park a place to gather throughout the baseball season and for continuing to support the club. The honour caps a week of recognition for the Goldeyes. Earlier this week, the club was named the American Association’s Social Media Team of the Year for the second consecutive season, while play-by-play voice Trevor Curl was awarded Broadcaster of the Year.

By Jason Young
•
September 30, 2026
WINNIPEG, MB – Winnipeg Goldeyes play-by-play voice Trevor Curl has been named the American Association’s Broadcaster of the Year, the club announced Wednesday. The award was decided by a vote of directors, general managers, and broadcast personnel from each of the league’s 12 teams. Curl completed his third season behind the microphone for the Goldeyes in 2026. His calls are heard on CJNU 93.7 FM and cjnu.ca, and he also hosts The Inside Pitch, the club’s offseason radio program. “Trevor brings preparation, energy, and a genuine love of baseball to every broadcast,” said Goldeyes President and Chief Executive Officer Sam Katz . “He has a gift for making listeners feel as though they’re right there at the ballpark, and he has built a strong connection with our fans in a short time. We’re delighted to see his work recognized by his colleagues across the league.” “Trevor puts a tremendous amount of work into every game, and we’re pleased to see that commitment recognized,” said Goldeyes General Manager Andrew Collier . “He knows our players, understands the game, and makes each broadcast engaging for our fans. Whether they’re listening from home or following the team on the road, he helps them feel connected to the Goldeyes.” Curl’s work has also taken him beyond Winnipeg. He handled broadcasting duties for the Baseball Champions League tournament in Mexico City this March and the Arizona Fall League last October. He will return to the Arizona Fall League broadcast booth again this year. Before joining the Goldeyes in 2024, Curl was the voice of the Auburn Doubledays of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League in 2023 and the Swepsonville Sweepers of the Old North State League in 2022. A graduate of Eastern Oregon University, he played two seasons as an infielder for the Mountaineers and called basketball, volleyball, soccer, and football games while attending the school. The most recent Goldeyes broadcaster to receive the award was Steve Schuster , who was honoured in 2022.




