The 2026 Big 12 Baseball Championship is doing more than deciding a conference champion, it’s inviting the next generation of players to share the field.
From May 19 through May 23, the conference, in partnership with the City of Surprise and Allstate, is offering two group experience packages that let youth teams and community groups take part in game-day moments rather than just watching from the stands.
One option places youth teams on the field alongside Big 12 student-athletes for the national anthem, while the other lets teams form a high-five tunnel as players run onto the field.
Both experiences are priced at $150 per team, a deliberately affordable way for local programs to be part of a major college championship week.
The anthem experience is scheduled for the first game of each session, games 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11, and participating youth receive free general admission.
Parents and coaches will still need to purchase standard tickets. The high-five tunnel is set for the second game of each session, games 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10, giving more teams a chance to be part of the pregame energy.
These packages are built to create a more active connection between the championship and the local baseball community.
Tournament schedule (All times MST)
| Date | Game | Matchup | Time | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, May 19 | Game 1 | No. 12 seed vs. No. 9 seed | 4:30 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Tuesday, May 19 | Game 2 | No. 11 seed vs. No. 10 seed | 8 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Wednesday, May 20 | Game 3 | Game 1 winner vs. No. 8 seed | 4:30 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Wednesday, May 20 | Game 4 | Game 2 winner vs. No. 7 seed | 8 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Thursday, May 21 | Game 5 | No. 5 seed vs. No. 4 seed | 9 a.m. | ESPNU |
| Thursday, May 21 | Game 6 | No. 1 seed vs. Game 3 winner | 12:30 p.m. | ESPNU |
| Thursday, May 21 | Game 7 | No. 2 seed vs. Game 4 winner | 4:30 p.m. | ESPNU |
| Thursday, May 21 | Game 8 | No. 3 seed vs. No. 6 seed | 8 p.m. | ESPNU |
| Friday, May 22 | Game 9 | Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner | 4:30 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Friday, May 22 | Game 10 | Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner | 8 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Saturday, May 23 | Game 11 | Championship Game | 4:30 p.m. | ESPN2 |
Surprise Stadium has become a familiar Southwest stage for high-level baseball, known for hosting spring training and postseason events. Letting youth teams step onto that same field turns the tournament into a community celebration as much as a neutral-site competition.
For young players, standing with college athletes during the anthem or greeting them in a tunnel is more than a photo op.
It’s a memory that can shape how they see the sport, a tangible reminder of what competitive baseball looks and feels like at the next level. For coaches and program directors, the packages offer a simple, low-cost way to reward players and build excitement around the season.
The move also fits a broader trend in college athletics toward community engagement. By tying the experiences to game-day rituals and keeping the price accessible, the Big 12 and its partners are making it realistic for neighborhood leagues, travel teams and school groups to participate without needing outside sponsorship.
Teams and groups interested in reserving a spot should contact the Big 12 at tickets@big12sports.com. With championship week running May 19–23, organizers encourage early planning so groups can coordinate travel, chaperones and any additional tickets they’ll need.
At its core, the Big 12 Baseball Championship will remain focused on the title race and postseason intensity. Adding youth experiences simply broadens the week’s appeal, turning Surprise Stadium into a place where competition and community meet, and where young players can walk away inspired to play a little harder next season.
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