The 2026 Season is Here!

by Chase Lio

The squirrels are restless. The acorns are stocked. And summer baseball is officially back in Raleigh.

The Raleigh Red Oaks are set to kick off the 2026 season on Wednesday, May 27, launching a summer packed with baseball, entertainment, community events, and an unhealthy amount of squirrel-related chaos courtesy of Carl the Squirrel.

This season marks an exciting new chapter for the Red Oaks as the team brings 20 home games to historic Wiley Warren Field in downtown Raleigh. Fans can expect fast-paced baseball, theme nights, giveaways, local food, family fun, and enough Carl appearances to make local wildlife officials slightly concerned.

“We wanted to build something Raleigh could truly rally around,” said the Red Oaks ownership group. “Great baseball, a fun atmosphere, and a place where families, friends, and the community can spend summer nights together.”

The Red Oaks compete in the Old North State League, featuring college players from across the country chasing their baseball dreams all summer long. But if you ask Carl, the real goal is simple: make Raleigh summers fun again.

Fans attending games this season can expect:

  • Big plays and future stars
  • Theme nights and giveaways
  • Affordable family entertainment
  • Downtown Raleigh summer vibes
  • Carl the Squirrel doing whatever Carl the Squirrel wants

The organization also wants to recognize and thank several incredible partners helping make Red Oaks baseball possible this summer, including Pro5+ powered by eiX, local Raleigh Jersey Mike’s Subs, and the downtown Raleigh hospitality partners Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown and AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown for their support of the team, players, and community vision behind the organization.

The season officially begins May 27, with the home opener coming shortly after at Wiley Warren Field. The Red Oaks encourage fans to grab tickets early, wear red, and prepare for a summer that’s going to be absolutely nuts.

For the full schedule, tickets, merchandise, and updates, visit Raleigh Red Oaks Official Website.