MADISON — There will be shouts of “hooah” and “roar Lions” echoing around Toyota Field in February.
And, it will all start with perhaps the most famous call in sports, “Play ball!” when the University of North Alabama hosts Army in a three-game weekend at Toyota Field.
It will be the third time the Lions will have played play at the home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas.
In 2023, the Lions took on Auburn and, last season, they hosted a weekend Atlantic Sun Conference series against Kennesaw State. It was moved to Toyota Field due to the threat of inclement weather at UNA’s home field in Florence.
“We like to believe that the Trash Pandas organization is one of the most patriotic in all of Minor League Baseball,” said Trash Pandas Executive Vice President & General Manager Garrett Fahrmann. “So, an opportunity to host members of our military in a Division I showdown with our great partners at North Alabama Athletics is an attraction we couldn’t wait to mark on our calendar.”
UNA head baseball coach Jad Prachniac said his team is excited to begin its 2025 season in Madison.
“We always appreciate the hospitality from the Rocket City Trash Pandas,” he said. “Toyota Field is a beautiful ballpark with a top-of-the-line playing surface. We are looking forward to having the opportunity to compete against Army. Playing against an opponent that has qualified for the last six NCAA Regionals will be a great test to start our 2025 schedule.
“I’m excited to see the community get behind this event for a memorable opening weekend.”
Toyota Field, according to UNA Director of Athletics Dr. Josh Looney, is the perfect venue for such a series and also another upcoming event.
“Our partnership with the Rocket City Trash Pandas has been tremendous over the years, and we look forward to hosting the reigning Patriot League champions here in North Alabama,” said Looney. “Toyota Field is a state-of-the-art facility and provides an excellent backdrop for this baseball series and for the Softball Showcase later that month.”
UNA is the host team for the three-game season-opening series Feb. 14-16.
Tickets start at $10 and are on sale at //TrashPandasBaseball.com/
