CEDAR CITY, Utah – Southern Utah Softball has announced its full 2026 schedule, highlighted by the grand opening of the program's brand-new all-turf home field on March 1, when the Thunderbirds host Weber State for a non-conference doubleheader. This season will also mark Southern Utah's final campaign in the Western Athletic Conference before the program officially returns to the Big Sky Conference in July 2026.
Head Coach Don Don Williams Said
"This season represents an exciting new chapter for our program. Opening our new all-turf field on March 1 is a milestone our athletes, alumni, and community have been waiting for, and we're thrilled to finally share it with Thunderbird Nation. Our schedule is competitive by design, and we're embracing every challenge as we close out our time in the WAC and prepare for our return to the Big Sky. It's going to be a special year for Southern Utah Softball."
The Thunderbirds launch their spring slate on the road with a challenging month of tournaments and preseason competition across the Southwest and West Coast. SUU opens the season on February 5 with a doubleheader against national powerhouse Arizona in Tucson, followed by five additional games in Phoenix against Santa Clara, Grand Canyon, and Weber State.
Southern Utah then heads to San Diego (Feb. 13–15) for matchups with Omaha, San Diego, and Boise State before traveling to Tempe (Feb. 20–22) for one of its strongest tournaments of the year, featuring contests against Arizona State, Michigan, and WAC foe New Mexico State.
The Thunderbirds wrap up a packed February with three neutral-site games in St. George, facing Utah, Utah State, and the Utes again from Feb. 26–28.
Home Opener & Ribbon Cutting – March 1
The program's long-awaited home debut at the new all-turf field comes on March 1, when SUU welcomes in-state rival Weber State for a doubleheader at noon and 2:30 p.m., with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled prior to first pitch. Fans are encouraged to join the celebration as a new era of Thunderbird Softball officially begins. Stay tuned for upcoming ticketing information.
Following their home opener, the Thunderbirds hit the road for a midweek contest at Utah (Mar. 4) before heading to Idaho State's tournament in Pocatello (Mar. 5–7), featuring matchups against the Bengals and the University of Maine.
SUU returns to California for a two-day tournament (Mar. 13–14) against Portland State and Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles.
WAC Play Begins at Home – March 20
Conference competition opens on March 20–21, when Southern Utah hosts California Baptist for a three-game series in Cedar City. The Thunderbirds will also welcome Abilene Christian (Apr. 17–18) and Utah Valley (May 1–2) in their final three WAC home series.
Road conference slates include trips to Utah Tech (Mar. 27–28), Tarleton State (Apr. 10–11), and UT Arlington (Apr. 24–25).
WAC Tournament
Southern Utah concludes its WAC era at the 2026 Western Athletic Conference Tournament, held May 6–9 in Stephenville, Texas.
2026 Home Schedule (Cedar City, UT)
- March 1 – Weber State (DH) – Ribbon Cutting & Field Debut
- March 20–21 – California Baptist (WAC)
- April 17–18 – Abilene Christian (WAC)
- May 1–2 – Utah Valley (WAC)
With an upgraded home facility, a cohesive staff, and a schedule packed with high-level opponents, the 2026 season marks a major milestone for the Thunderbird Softball program as it closes its WAC chapter and prepares for its return to the Big Sky.
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