Trash Pandas return to Toyota Field Friday to kickoff season
MADISON – The Rocket City Trash Pandas will open the 2026 season at Toyota Field with a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers’ Double-A affiliate, the Biloxi Shuckers, from April 3–5. Opening Weekend is packed with can’t-miss moments, including back-to-back fireworks shows (April 3–4), a special appearance by Paul Sidoti (lead guitarist for Taylor Swift) during “In My Trash Pandas ERA Night,” and Easter Sunday, featuring a postgame Easter Egg Hunt.
The first pitch of the Trash Pandas’ 2026 regular season is Friday at 6:35 p.m. at Toyota Field. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. The Trustmark VIP gates open at 5 p.m.
Opening night festivities to celebrate the start of the season includes performances from the Huntsville Drumline, pregame pyrotechnics featuring smoke, flames, and fireworks, and a flyover by the 37th Flying Training Squadron (Columbus Air Force Base) operating Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft.
Stick around after the game for a postgame fireworks show, presented by Courtyard by Marriott Huntsville-Madison.
The Trash Pandas will honor a local hero during the game. Fans can submit nominations at trashpandasfoundation. com.
On Saturday, the first pitch is at 6:35 p.m. Enjoy another postgame fireworks show will be held above Toyota Field.
Paul Sidoti will headline the evening with a pregame performance (5:35–6:00 pm at the Rock Porch), throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and sign autographs on the concourse following the performance.
Featured food items include “You Belong with Meat!” – Pulled brisket sandwich with Kansas City-style BBQ sauce and house-pickled red onions on a potato bun, served with seasoned tater tots (All Stars). “I Knew You Were Truffle Fries” – House fries tossed in roasted garlic, parsley, white truffle oil, and shaved parmesan (All Stars / Gravity Grill). “In Your ERA Helmet Sundae” – Vanilla soft serve with funnel cake fries, Oreo pieces, edible glitter, cotton candy, and strawberry coulis, served in a Halo Blue souvenir helmet (Sweet Space).
Also Saturday night, fans are encouraged to donate new or gently used prom dresses to benefit Lashay B’s Prom Dress Drive.
On Sunday the first pitch is at 1:05 p.m. Gates open at noon.
Easter Egg Hunt
Kids are invited onto the field postgame for an Easter Egg Hunt, presented by Food City. Age groups include under 4, 5–8, 9–12, and 13+. A total of 20 grand prizes will be hidden in eggs, including autographed baseballs, first pitch opportunities, game-worn jerseys, Trash Cash, and more.
Enjoy free face painting, presented by Mainstream Events, and inflatables in the Moonwalk Kids Zone.
Select Trash Pandas players will be available for autographs on the Bill Penney Concourse before the game.
Kids can run the bases after the game, presented by Listerhill Credit Union. Sprocket’s Kids Club members can skip the line with their ID.
Limited-edition souvenir helmet sundaes available exclusively at Sweet Space.
Featured Food Item of the Homestand: Eat Your Opponent – Biloxi Brat: Mango habanero brat topped with grilled peppers and onions, Old Bay-seasoned shrimp, and Cajun remoulade on a toasted bun. Available at Sprocket’s Grill.
For the latest on events taking place at Toyota Field, visit trashpandasbaseball. com/events. Game tickets are available at TPTix.com.
