⚾ Wichita State to Open Riverfront Stadium

WICHITA, Kan. – On April 10, 2021, the Wichita State baseball program will open Riverfront Stadium in downtown Wichita for a conference matchup with Houston. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. 

"To be the first team to play in this stadium is an honor and a privilege," said Wichita State head coach Eric Wedge. "This is fantastic for the city, fantastic for Wichita State and fantastic for the Wind Surge."

It will be the first game in the new, state-of-the-art stadium that was completed in March 2020. The Wichita Wind Surge, then a Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, was scheduled to open play in spring 2020, but the minor league season was canceled due to COVID-19. The Wind Surge, now a Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, will open at home on May 11, 2021.

"On behalf of the entire Wind Surge organization and the city of Wichita, we are beyond thrilled to be opening Riverfront Stadium for this great community," said Jared Forma, SVP/GM of the Wind Surge. "We could not have hoped for a more fitting partner to open this gorgeous stadium than Wichita State.  Eric and his staff run a truly first-class program and we are so excited to welcome them to Riverfront Stadium. April 10 will be one of those magical days Lou Schwechheimer dreamt of when we broke ground roughly two years ago!"

Wichita State baseball season ticket holders and Wichita Wind Surge season ticket holders will have an opportunity to buy tickets before the general public. Ticket details will be announced at a later date.

Stadium capacity will be limited due to COVID-19 guidelines.  

This game will become an annual tradition for Wichita State baseball similar to the men's basketball program playing at INTRUST Bank Arena every season.

"We are excited to be the first event in Wichita's new downtown stadium," Wichita State Director of Athletics Darron Boatright said. "We look forward to growing our partnership with the Wind Surge and having a game downtown every year."

The Wichita State baseball program played regularly downtown at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Overall the Shockers hold a 47-19 record downtown, all at Lawrence-Dumont. The last time the Shockers played downtown was March 21, 2000, a 6-5 win over Missouri.

"We are honored to be part of the inaugural game in the brand-new Riverfront Stadium," said Dr. Rick Muma, interim president of Wichita State. "The state-of-the-art facility is a symbol of the community's progress, and Wichita State is thrilled to be part of Wichita's story of prosperity."