SPORTS
Text and photos courtesy of Northwest Arkansas Naturals
Enjoy a Summer Full of Family Fun With Naturals Baseball at Arvest Ballpark
Northwest Arkansas Naturals baseball season is just around the corner as the Double-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals gears up for another exciting season at Arvest Ballpark. The team will begin its 18th season with a road series in Wichita from April 2-4, before returning to Arvest Ballpark for its home opener April 7 against the Amarillo Sod Poodles, the Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Premier Destination for Family and Sports Entertainment
The Naturals strive to make Arvest Ballpark Northwest Arkansas’ premier destination for family and sports entertainment, delivering unforgettable ballpark experiences for fans with exceptional value. This season will be no different as the Naturals have a jam-packed promotional schedule that fans of all ages will love.
A Naturals game offers a little bit of everything for everyone from baseball enthusiasts to the casual fan, with a home schedule consisting of 69 games beginning April 7 and ending Sept. 13. Baseball fans can enjoy the big-time Texas League action on the field that will feature some of the MLB stars of tomorrow, while casual fans can plan trips around weekend events or take advantage of daily promotions. Regardless of the reason, the Naturals offer low-cost summer fun for all to enjoy.
Photo by Gabby Woodie
Theme Nights for the Whole Family to Enjoy
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The Naturals are bringing plenty of excitement to Arvest Ballpark this season. Fans can look forward to the following theme nights that are sure to be a home run:
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April 26, June 16 and Aug. 30 – Bark in the Ballpark
May 2 – Too Early for Halloween
May 16 – Bluey Appearance
June 6 – STAR WARS Night
June 20 – Faith & Family Night Pre-Game Concert with Post-Game Fireworks
July 25 – Harry Potter Night
Aug. 7-8 – Growlin’ Chickens Weekend
“We have a lot of fun and memorable promotions planned this season that we think families will love,” said Justin Cole, Naturals vice president and general manager. “This year, we have added some new theme nights to our promotional schedule, like Too Early for Halloween and a Bluey Appearance in May to go along with some returning favorites.”
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18 Spectacular Post-Game Fireworks Shows
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The best in sight and sound will once again be on display as the night sky will fill up with fireworks following 18 home games during the 2026 season. All 12 Friday night games will feature fireworks, plus six Saturdays including the Fourth of July.
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For the first time since the 2017 season, the Naturals will be home on both July 3 and July 4 to celebrate Independence Day weekend at Arvest Ballpark with two of the largest fireworks shows in Northwest Arkansas.
Photo by Gabby Woodie
Photo by John Owen
One-of-a-Kind Giveaways Available Only at Arvest Ballpark
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Fan giveaways are always part of the fun, and this season will be no different. Make plans to arrive early and you will receive these special giveaway items on the following nights:
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April 7 – Wiffle Bat and Ball Set (Opening Night)
April 25 – Naturals Dri-Fit T-Shirt
June 21 – Father’s Day Pickleball Paddle Giveaway
July 18 – Jac Caglianone Bobblehead
July 25 – Harry Potter House Cap
Aug. 7 – Naturals Jersey Cooler Lunch Box
Aug. 8 – Bobby Witt Jr. Bobblehead
Aug. 29 – Carter Jensen Bobblehead
Daily Values and Affordable Baseball
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While big events highlight the schedule, the daily promotions can add value to every Naturals game. Arvest customers get a special ticket deal on Tuesday nights while all fans can grab $1 hot dogs every Wednesday night and enjoy $2 16 oz. drafts and peanuts and $1 small Coca-Cola fountain drinks on Thirsty Thursdays. For the adults, Bullpen Parties on Friday and Saturday offer ‘Happy Hour’ specials prior to the game. The popular Family Sundays are back as each series finale will feature Kids Run the Bases (except for a post-game catch on June 21), plus a Kids Snack Giveaway.
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Single-game tickets for most games are $20 or less, and fans can save even more with discounted Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Flex Packs and by building your own 3-5 Game Ballpark Pass. There is also a variety of group packages, party areas and suite rentals available for special events and outings throughout the summer. For more information on tickets, discounted ticket packages or groups, call (479) 927-4900. All game dates and promotions are subject to change.
Photo By Beau Bice
Photo by Jared Sullivan
Next Wave of Royals Prospects Headed to Northwest Arkansas
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The Naturals are in line to have another strong roster of highly touted Kansas City Royals prospects for fans to keep an eye on this season. After finishing last season with the High-A Quad Cities River Bandits, Kansas City’s No. 2 prospect and MLB’s No. 62 overall prospect in 2025 according to MLB Pipeline, Blake Mitchell, may soon be calling Arvest Ballpark home. Mitchell, a 21-year-old left-handed hitting catcher, was the eighth overall pick by the Kansas City Royals in the 2023 draft and is viewed as a future impact player for the Royals.
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Other top-rated prospects in the system, such as pitchers David Shields (#3), Drew Beam (#8) and Felix Arronde (#11), could all make their debuts with the Naturals this season. In addition to those names, players such as outfielder Carson Roccaforte (#13) along with pitchers Steven Zobac (#14), Hunter Patteson (#24), Dennis Colleran Jr. (#27), Frank Mozzicato (#28) and Henry Williams (#30) could all return to Northwest Arkansas in 2026.
With a veteran- and prospect-laden roster and a coaching staff led by manager Brooks Conrad, the Naturals are primed to compete for another league crown.
The talent-rich Texas League won’t be easy though, and fans will get a chance to see a number of future MLB stars not only from the Kansas City Royals but also from the following clubs: Seattle Mariners (Arkansas Travelers), St. Louis Cardinals (Springfield Cardinals), Los Angeles Dodgers (Tulsa Drillers), Minnesota Twins (Wichita Wind Surge), Arizona Diamondbacks (Amarillo Sod Poodles), Houston Astros (Corpus Christi Hooks), Texas Rangers (Frisco RoughRiders) and the Athletics (Midland RockHounds).
Join The Fun by Securing Your Tickets Now
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It is shaping up to be another unforgettable season at Arvest Ballpark, filled with affordable, family-friendly entertainment. Single-game tickets are already on sale, and you can check out the full promotional schedule and get your tickets at www.nwanaturals.com. Make plans to join in on the fun, as the Naturals are excited for another great season that will be full of competitive baseball, exciting moments and plenty of memories for all fans.
