Southwest University Park is preparing for another busy spring as two of El Paso’s professional teams return to the field. Downtown’s ballpark will host the start of the 2026 seasons for both the El Paso Locomotive FC and the El Paso Chihuahuas, bringing soccer and Triple-A baseball back to the city in the coming weeks.
The Chihuahuas, the Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, enter the 2026 season after finishing second in the Pacific Coast League East Division in 2025 with an 81-68 record, just 2.5 games behind division leader Oklahoma City. Pete Zamora will be at the helm for his third year as manager.
Meanwhile, El Paso Locomotive FC returns after a fourth-place finish in the USL Championship Western Conference, earning a postseason berth before falling to Phoenix Rising in the opening round of the playoffs. Junior Gonzalez will lead the Locomotive this season as the squad’s new coach. He is the fifth coach in team history.
Here are some of the key upcoming games and themed nights scheduled at Southwest University Park as both teams launch their new seasons.
El Paso Locomotive Key Dates
Season Opener
El Paso Locomotive FC will open its 2026 season against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Southwest University Park. The match will include a celebration of soccer theme and a postgame fireworks show.
- When: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 7
- Where: Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza
- Cost: $17-$53
- Information: mlb.tickets.com
Kids Day
El Paso Locomotive FC will host Las Vegas Lights FC at Southwest University Park for a Kids Day match. The event will include family-focused activities and an Ozzy blanket giveaway while supplies last.
- When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 4
- Where: Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza
- Cost: $12-$45
- Information: mlb.tickets.com
Complete El Paso Chihuahuas 2026 schedule: milb.com
El Paso Chihuahuas Key Dates
Opening Day
The El Paso Chihuahuas open their 2026 home season at Southwest University Park with a matchup against the Albuquerque Isotopes, the Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. Fans attending the season opener can receive a rally towel at the gates and a magnet schedule giveaway after the game.
- When: 6:35 p.m. Tuesday, April 7
- Where: Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza, Downtown El Paso
- Cost: $19-$73
- Information: milb.com
First Day Game
The El Paso Chihuahuas will host the Albuquerque Isotopes in the first midweek daytime game of the season at Southwest University Park. Fans attending the game can receive a 2026 magnet schedule giveaway presented by Southwest University, available while supplies last.
- When: 12:05 p.m. Wednesday, April 8
- Where: Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza
- Cost: $19-$73
- Information: milb.com
Fireworks and Copa Night
The El Paso Chihuahuas will host Albuquerque in a game that doubles as a Copa Night celebration and a postgame fireworks show at Southwest University Park. The evening will highlight cultural themes associated with Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión initiative, which is designed to embrace the culture and values that resonate most with Minor League Baseball teams’ local Hispanic communities.
- When: 6:35 p.m. Saturday, April 11
- Where: Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza
- Cost: $19-$73
- Information: milb.com
Complete El Paso Locomotive 2026 schedule: eplocomotivefc.com/schedule
Other Events
Banana Ball Exhibition Games
Banana Ball — a fast-paced baseball format known for its entertainment-focused rules and fan interaction — will bring two exhibition games to El Paso as the Texas Tailgaters face the Firefighters at Southwest University Park.
- When: Friday-Saturday, May 15-16
- Where: Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza
- Cost: Prices start at $35
- Information: bananaball.com
SEE ALSO: When is spring break? El Paso area schedules, camps, events
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