What's Hot with the Dragons and Day Air Ballpark in 2026

DAYTON, OHIO – The Dayton Dragons are set for their 26^th season at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. The Dragons will host 66 games in Dayton in 2026 against Midwest League opponents.

The Dragons provide a strong focus on affordable family entertainment as part of the experience at Day Air Ballpark. Dragons mascots Heater, Gem, Blaze, and the Green Team, along with team characters Roofman, and traditional favorites like the Retirement Village People are all back for the 2026 season. The Dragons schedule features a strong commitment to community involvement through memorable programs throughout the season. The Dragons tradition is also based on unsurpassed customer services on all levels of the operation.

Opening Night

The Dragons open their 2026 home season on April 7 at 7:05 pm. The Dragons (High-A affiliates of the Cincinnati Reds) will host the Lake County Captains (affiliates of the Cleveland Guardians) in the first game of a six-game series. The set will continue with night games Wednesday through Friday (April 8-10) each starting at 7:05 pm, and day games on Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12, both starting at 1:05 pm. Note that the Dragons officially open their season on the road in 2026, four days before their home opener, with a three-game series at the Lansing Lugnuts April 2-4.

Opening Night National Anthem performer

When the Dragons open their home season on April 7 at Day Air Ballpark, the season will be ushered in with the traditional singing of the national anthem. In 2026, that performance will be delivered by Stivers Chamber Choir, winner of National Anthem Tryouts, presented by Dayton Daily News. Stivers Chamber Choir was chosen from a group of more than 250 who auditioned in hopes of being selected to perform the national anthem at Dragons games this season.

Opening Day “Party at the Plaza” presented by Water Street District

Water Street District alongside community members will help the Dragons kick off the 2026 season in style during the Opening Day Party at the Plaza on April 7. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for this event from 5:30PM – 7:30 pm. There will be food trucks, Kona Ice, beer and more from Heidelberg Distributing, and live music from DJ Todd Banks. Water Street District will be joined by Dragons partners, Day Air Credit Union, Kroger, Rocky’s Ace Hardware, altafiber, Atherton Plumbing, and more. Water Street will be promoting their downtown properties and Pint Path program and will be joined community members; Winan’s, SOLEIL Movement, PINs Mechanical, and more. There will be Dragons fun and entertainment for the family including inflatables, carnival games, over-sized lawn games and more.

Opening Night and 2026 Game Broadcasts

All 132 Dragons home and road games in 2026 can be heard on the Dragons radio home, Fox Sports 980 WONE. The broadcasts are also available via the Dayton Dragons Mobile App and the iHeart App, or at wone.com. Additionally, 15 Dragons games will be televised this season on Dayton’s CW (channel 26; Spectrum Cable channels 13 and 1013). The first telecast is May 15.

The Dragons YouTube channel features great content all season long including “Around the Horn”, “Mic’d Up”, and “Extra Innings.” Follow the Dragons YouTube channel for the latest and exclusive online content.

Great Food in the Ballpark in 2026

Returning Favorites

• Gourmet Burgers

• Coney Cart (now also featuring Kielbasa sausage with Potato Straws, BBQ Sauce, and Maple Mustard Coleslaw)

• Donato’s Pizza

• Funnel Cakes

• Smokies Sausage Shack

• Philly Cheesesteak cart

• Mac & Cheese Cart (with various toppings including baked potato, burnt ends, buffalo chicken, bacon, shredded pepperjack cheese, chopped Cheetos, diced onions, tomatoes, and black and green olives)

• Chicken Tenders & Fries basket

• Burrito Bowls

• Grippo’s Chips

• Dippin’ Dots

• Graeter’s Ice Cream

• Bill’s Lemonade Stand (freshly squeezed lemonade and frozen coffee drinks)

• Pulled Pork and Brisket for purchase out of the Concession Stand

• Kona Ice

• Mar-Chele Pretzels

New Items on Suite Level

• Chicken Tender & Sauce Zone

• 5 sauces are (BBQ, Honey Mustard, Ranch, Garlic Parmesan, Bang Bang Sauce)

• Sliced Tender Beef

• Served with horseradish, Dijon mustard & slider rolls

• Apple Butter Bourbon Meatballs

• Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

Other New Food Additions in the Ballpark

• Dirty Soda Stand
• Sahlen’s – Premium Smokehouse Hot Dogs throughout the ballpark
• Kettle Corn – Blaze and Heater themed color popcorn, Oreo, Cheddar, and Caramel popcorn
• Hawaiian Burger at Dragon Fire Grill
• Oven-baked Cheese Stix
• Chicken Philly sandwich at Smokies
• Sweet treats including; funnel cakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls, Berry Tart, and Apple Turnovers
• Ruben Brat with Thousand Island Dressing at Smokies

TICKET OPTIONS

Season Ticket Plans

Dragons season ticket packages are available now. The most popular plans feature 8-game or 16-game packages. The Dragons popular Season Ticket Club returns in 2026. Members will receive a 10% gift card (10% of the total value of all tickets purchased), free gifts, and two free events (Meet the Team and Family Movie Night). Larger packages including half-season and full-season plans are also available.

Other season ticket benefits include, for all plans:

• • Free ticket exchange program for any missed games
  • 20% monthly discounts in the team store
  • Best pricing on rental suites, party decks, or any other group outings
  • A personal ticket rep to provide assistance all season
  • Opportunity to purchase parking passes
  • Discounted or free playoff tickets
  • First access to other events (concerts, exhibitions, comedians, etc.)

Go to this link for more information on season tickets: https://www.milb.com/dayton/tickets/seasontickets

Single Game Tickets

Single-game tickets for Dragons 2026 regular season games can be purchased at the Dragons Box Office located to the left of the main entry gates at Day Air Ballpark and through the following outlets:

• Online at daytondragons.com/tickets
• By phone by calling the Dragons Box office at (937) 228-2287
• Ticketmaster charge-by-phone at (937) 228-2323

Pricing for single game tickets for stadium seats and lawn tickets:

• Stadium

• April: $16

• May: $18

• June through September: $20

• Lawn

• April: $6

• May: $8

• June through September: $10

The Dragons Box Office will be open throughout the season from 9:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. On weekend game dates, the Dragons Box Office will open at 2:00 pm on Saturdays and 11:00 am on Sundays, and close in the seventh inning. The box office will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays when the team is on the road.

There is never a convenience charge for tickets purchased at the Dragons Box Office. There is also no convenience charge for tickets purchased from the Dragons by phone at (937) 228-2287.

The Dragons are scheduled to play 66 home games during the regular season. Game times are 7:05 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday games, and Sundays are 1:05 p.m. Exceptions include Saturday, April 11 at 1:05 p.m. and Saturday, April 25 at 1:05 p.m. The Dragons do not play on Mondays. Gates open one hour prior to game time unless noted.

Diamond Club Event Center

The Diamond Club is a brand-new, full-service space located on the suite level at beautiful Day Air Ballpark. This premium group hospitality space delivers an unforgettable game day experience from the moment you arrive. The all-inclusive ticket features access to a delicious ballpark buffet including grilled marked hot dogs, grilled brat with onions and peppers, barbecue pulled chicken, mac and cheese, fresh seasonal fruit, kettle chips, steakhouse pasta salad, fresh popcorn, and assorted cookies. Plus, it has a full-service bar available to keep the celebration going.

The 5,000-square-foot, climate-controlled space comfortably accommodates 150–250 guests and offers the best of both worlds: stylish indoor seating and private outdoor seating so guests can choose their preferred atmosphere while still enjoying a great view of the game. Whether networking inside or cheering from your seats outside, everyone enjoys an incredible vantage point and elevated hospitality experience. With a private entrance, dedicated hosts, premium amenities, and unbeatable views, the Diamond Club sets the stage for a memorable outing your group won’t forget.

Pricing for the Diamond Club game-day experience:

• April: $48
• May: $58
• June-September: $68

For additional information on the Diamond Club email the team at dragons@daytondragons.com or via phone at (937) 228-2287 ext 107 and visit https://www.milb.com/dayton/tickets/hospitality.

Group Outings & Hospitality Areas

UPDATE: Luxury Suites, Party Decks, and Kona Big Wave Dragons Lair are SOLD OUT for the 2026 season. To be added to a Wait List to be contacted in the event of a cancellation, go to this link: https://www.milb.com/dayton/tickets/hospitalityareas.

Group outings are available through the Dragons including luxury suites, Kona Big Wave Dragons Lair, Diamond Club Event Center, Pepsi party deck, Ace Home Services Café Deck, Centerfield Party Deck, and group seating in the seating bowl. Special benefits are available for groups of 10 to 1,000 fans.

The Kona Big Wave Dragons Lair is a full-service group hospitality area at Day Air Ballpark. The Dragons Lair experience features an all-inclusive ticket that includes a ballpark buffet and souvenirs. It comes with game tickets and a buffet featuring grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, smoked pulled pork, mac and cheese, kettle chips, pasta salad, fresh-baked cookies, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. A cash beer and wine bar can be added. Everyone in the group also receives a Dragons hat and shirt.

Group Packages:

The Dragons two group packages (Home Run and Grand Slam) are available for purchase. Home Run package groups of 50 and Grand Slam package groups of 100 or more will receive $5.00 per ticket in baseball bucks complimentary of the Dragons. Additionally, the group leader will receive either two or four parking passes.

Luxury Suites:

Bring your clients, friends, or family out to enjoy a great view of the game and VIP treatment. Our Luxury Suites are great for building relationships, entertaining prospects or clients, and showing your most loyal customers, family, and employees your appreciation. Each suite accommodates 20 guests, features lush furnishings, and offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

Double Suites:

Who said that business only gets done on the golf course? Bring your clients out to enjoy a great view of the game and VIP treatment. Our Luxury Suites are great for building relationships, entertaining prospects or clients, and showing your most loyal customers and employees your appreciation. Each double suite accommodates 40-50 guests, features lush furnishings, and offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

VIP Suite:

Bring your clients, friends, or family out to enjoy a great view of the game and VIP treatment in a climate-controlled indoor space. Our VIP suite is great for building relationships, entertaining prospects or clients, and showing your most loyal customers, family, and employees your appreciation. Each suite accommodates 50 guests and offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

Party Decks:

Are you looking to have a fun, casual group outing? Then have a real party at the ballpark on the Pepsi Party Deck or the Center Field Party Deck. Fifty guests or more can comfortably enjoy the game from our open-air, patio-style decks. Each guest will also receive a Dragons hat. And don’t forget to eat! Loads of catering options are available for your group.

Ace Home Services Café Deck:

Give your party an extra dimension with our Ace Home Services Café Deck seating option. Enjoy the deck and then the view of the game from Section 104. Various catering options are available to your group. Each guest will also receive a Dragons hat.

Barstool Seating:

The Dragons wildly popular seating will return in 2026. Single game tickets are $12.00 per seat. Season tickets are also available in this space.

Go to this link for more information on group outings and hospitality options:

https://www.milb.com/dayton/tickets/groupoutings

Special Ticket Dates

Kids Run the Bases presented by Graeter’s Ice Cream

Each Sunday the Dragons will host post-game Kids Run the Bases, presented by Graeter’s Ice Cream. Children can round the bases and receive a Graeter’s coupon to redeem outside of the ballpark. There will be post-game Kids Run the Bases on Saturday, April 11 and Saturday, April 25, as well.

Police and Fire Nights presented by LION

In partnership with LION and the Dayton Police Department, the Dragons will host Police Night at Day Air Ballpark on Thursday, June 25. Police Night presented by LION will highlight local enforcement members before and during the Dragons game against the West Michigan Whitecaps. Additionally, the Dragons partner with LION and Dayton Fire Department on Thursday, August 6 where local firefighters will also be highlighted before and during the Dragons game against the Great Lakes Loons.

Tickets to Dragons Police and Fire Nights are $17.50 with additional fees and will include an exclusive hat. $7.00 from every ticket sold for Police Night will be donated to the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and $7.00 from every ticket sold for Fire Night will benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

For more information on Police Night visit: https://www.milb.com/dayton/events/policenight

For more information on Fire Night visit: https://www.milb.com/dayton/events/firenight

National Entertainment Acts at Day Air Ballpark

This season, fans can see special entertainment acts including BirdZerk! on June 13 and ZOOperstars on June 14.

BirdZerk! is well-known for skits that revolve around pranks on players and umpires and acrobatic, synchronized dances. BirdZerk! has been named the top minor league baseball promotional act by sports business columnist Darren Rovell.

The ZOOperstars have become a fan favorite at Day Air Ballpark based on past performances. These hilarious inflatable characters are based on sports figures with an animal resemblance, such as Clammy Sosa, Cow Ripken, and Ken Giraffey, Jr.

The popular Team Zoom Canine Entertainment act will appear at Day Air Ballpark on June 12.

Star Wars characters will be in the ballpark on August 7.

More at Day Air Ballpark

The Dayton Dragons Kids Club presented by Hot Head Burritos returns for its 16th year in 2026. The full package of the Dragons Kids Club is just $34.99 per child carries a total value of over $100. There is a special price of only $29.99 during the month of April, and each purchase over (2) will receive an additional $5.00 discount.There are limited quantities and sizes, so be sure to buy now!

Each member will receive:

• Exclusive “Gem City” Dragons jersey

• Dragons Book bag

• Dragons “Gem City” hat

• Hot Head Burritos Kids Meal Voucher

• Dragons game tickets (2)

• Dragons Fun Zone Pass

• The chance to win various experiential prizes

• Secure your membership today in the Dragons Den Team Store or at www.daytondragons.com/kids club.

The Dragons Den Team Store is open on game days with extended hours to be announced throughout the season. Pickups are available for online orders through the Box Office during regular business hours (Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm).

The University of Dayton will play at Day Air Ballpark for the fifth straight year. The Flyers will host Wright State University on Wednesday, April 15 at 7:00 pm.

The Dragons will host 21 high school baseball games as part of the High School Baseball Showcase, presented by Bob Ross Auto Group, from April 14-May 9. A total of 42 area high schools will move a regular season game from their home field to Day Air Ballpark. The Dragons High School Baseball Showcase is in its 21^st year of giving high schools the opportunity to play at a world-class facility.

Other Major Events Date/s

Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts Overnighters May 29, July 24 (post-game)

Meet the Team Event June 13 (10:00 am)

Dragons 5K presented by Orthopedic Associates July 18 (8:00 am)

Donatos Movie Night July 31 (6:00 pm)

Great American Beer Tasting presented by Heidelberg Distributing August 1 (12:00 pm)

Reds Day at the Dragons August 9 (1:05 pm)

Family Movie Night August 15 (6:00 pm)

College Prep Night presented by Day Air Credit Union September 9 (6:00 pm)

DRAGONS IN THE COMMUNITY

The Dayton Dragons Foundation 50/50 Raffle occurs during Dragons home games where each raffle, the winner will take home 50 percent of the total pot. The other 50 percent will support the Dayton Dragons Foundation. The pot will start at $2,500 on opening night. Raffle tickets are available in person at Dragons home games. Fans can also play online at DaytonDragons5050.com.

Dragons MVP Program

The Dragons MVP School Program includes over 1,200 fourth and fifth grade classrooms across the Miami Valley. The program is in its 21^st year, impacting over 32,000 students. Teachers select five MVPs based on the criteria put in place by the teacher including performance, effort, citizenship, and improvement. The five MVPs receive four tickets to a Dragons game, access to an exclusive Dragons MVP Zone, an MVP certificate, and a Dragons MVP hat. The Dragons visit selected classrooms over the course of the program. The Dragons MVP Program is made possible by the generous support of Ohio 529 Plan CollegeAdvantage, Roosters, WDTN, Dayton’s CW and WDTN+.

Hometown Heroes program presented by the Dayton Development Coalition, Reynolds & Reynolds, HII Mission Technologies, Synergy Building Systems, and HNB

Five times during the 2026 baseball season, the Dragons will partner with the Dayton Development Coalition, Reynolds & Reynolds, HII Mission Technologies, Synergy Building Systems, and HNB for a season-long tribute to all service men and women past and present. There will be four special spotlights (April 23, May 14, June 11, and July 4) that will each highlight a different aspect or organization involved in the military. The season-long celebration will wrap up with American Celebration Night on August 22.

Home Run for Life presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dragons team up to provide kids battling serious medical conditions with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities during Dragons games. Each honoree takes an honorary homerun lap around the bases during a Dragons game and receives an engraved bat, along with other gifts. Dates for the 2026 season are May 27, June 24, July 22, and August 5.

Community All-Stars presented by Flying Ace Express Car Wash

The Dragons partner with Flying Ace Express Car Wash on the Community All-Stars Program, honoring Dayton’s best individuals and organizations that are improving the quality of life in the Miami Valley. From firefighters to first responders to volunteers and good Samaritans, the Dragons will honor five honorees that will be highlighted during a game with a tribute video telling their story. Dates for 2026 include May 13, June 9, July 3, August 4, and September 1.

Penn Station Athlete of the Year Award

Penn Station East Coast Subs and WDTN partner on the Penn Station Athlete of the Year, and will announce the winner of this year’s Athlete of the Year during a live ceremony during the game on May 12. The selected student athlete will win a $10,000 college scholarship to the university of their choice.

Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans

The Dragons Veteran Salute program, presented by CareSource Military & Veterans, highlights five veteran’s stories during each season. Veterans who are chosen are honored at a Dragons game with an in-game ceremony and provided with VIP treatment during their special night. Dates are April 26, May 31, June 28, July 26, and August 23.

Dream Big presented by CYMI Holdings

The Dayton Dragons will award the “Dream Big Award” presented by CYMI Holdings to three individuals in the greater Dayton area who exemplify a stellar entrepreneurial spirit. These individuals will be recognized for their determination and dedication to growing their own unique businesses and making the Miami Valley a better place to work and play. Dates are May 28, July 2, and August 18.