Go Big or Go Home.
That’s what the Weiland Jackfish have dubbed their upcoming season as they released their 2026 schedule on Monday.
And 2026 will be the first in the CBL – Canadian Baseball League – for the Jackfish.
Yes, the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) is no more.
Same teams, but new league name and more games.
Welland will in fact play three more home games in 2026, bringing to the total to 24 played at the park affectionately known as ‘The Pond.’ Meaning 24 more days of donut races, beer bats, undie tosses, live music, entertainers, and all the fun you love at the ballpark!
The defending league champion Jackfish will open their season on Saturday May 16 against the Guelph Royals.
The Jackfish and Royals will be joined by the Hamilton Cardinals Brantford Red Sox, Kitchener Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, London Majors and Chatham-Kent Barnstormers.
League officials have hinted expansion is a strong possibility in the future.
“We are excited to bring our ‘Go Big or Go Home’ Tour to the FINatics in 2026,” said Team President and Director of Fun Ryan Harrison.
“When Niagara’s Greatest Show returns in May, the fans are in for a whole new show.”
While the 2026 promotional schedule is still in the works, there are a few key other dates to mark on your calendar: the Canada Day Celebration on July 1st, and Fan Appreciation Day on August 29th, during Weiland’s final home game of the regular season.
And of course, fans can expect popular promotions like the CAA Pack the Park, Firework Super Shows, and Thirsty Thursdays to be back at the ballpark this summer.
Field Manager Brian Essery is ready to defend the Dominico Cup and become the first Canadian Baseball League Champions.
“We’re really looking forward to another great season at the pond and defending our championship,” Essery proclaimed.
“With the league rebranding, designated professional and the added imports, I expect a very competitive season from all the teams. We’ll be ready.”
The CBL will in fact allow eight imports on each team, up from five in 2025.
Want to secure your seat for 24 parties in the Rose City? Season tickets for the 2026 season memberships are still available and can be purchased at www.wellandjackfish.com/2026.
2026 single-game tickets will go on sale on Monday, March 2 at 10:00 am. Here’s the Welland Jackfish 2026 schedule.
Keep up with all the latest news on promo schedules, ticket sales, and player signings by following us on social media @wellandjackfish
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
