The Regina Red Sox are ready to begin their defence of the 2025 Western Canadian Baseball League championship this week — and there’s plenty of excitement surrounding both the team on the field and the upgrades taking place around Currie Field.
Regina opens the 2026 campaign Thursday night in Medicine Hat before heading to Moose Jaw to face the Miller Express on Friday. The Red Sox then return home for a weekend set against Medicine Hat on Saturday and Sunday at Currie Field.
General manager Gary Brotzel says preparations for opening weekend have created a hectic atmosphere around the ballpark.
“There must have been 50 cars at the park today,” Brotzel said. “Just workers getting stuff finished before home openers, just a flurry of activity before we hit the field.”
Fans will notice several changes at Currie Field this season under new ownership from Queen City Sports and Entertainment. Construction work has included new cladding around the bleachers, upgrades to the video board, and renovations to the concessions and merchandise areas.
“There’s going to be a keg system installed, lots of activity,” Brotzel said. “The merch trailer was getting filled, the new beer shack — lots of changes this year.”
One tradition that isn’t going anywhere is the popular “beer batter” promotion.
“Yes, it’ll still be sponsored, and I believe it’ll still be the two-for-$12 that we did last year,” Brotzel said with a laugh. “Can’t mess with tradition.”
On the field, Regina appears to be in much better shape to begin the season than last year, when the club opened short-handed because players were still competing in college playoffs. Brotzel said the roster is nearly full heading into opening weekend and includes a strong group of returning veterans from last season’s championship squad.
“Lots of leadership returning,” Brotzel said, listing players including Brady Bye, Daniel Castellanos, Jalen Meyers, Justin Simard, Zander Oudie-Senger, Colton Bank and Daniel Crabtree among the returnees.
Regina is also expecting Vittorio Iacobucci to join the club later in June, while local products such as Rhett Hodgins are also back for another season.
“We’re hoping to have a quick start, get out of the gate quick and win some ball games,” Brotzel said.
The Red Sox are also hoping to build off the strong fan support they received during last year’s championship run. Brotzel said the family-friendly atmosphere at Currie Field will remain a priority, while new additions such as the video board are expected to improve fan interaction during games.
“There’s still a youth ticket for $5,” Brotzel said. “With the video board, there’ll be a lot more fan interaction with the games. It should be awesome.”
Additional features this season are expected to include an autograph alley for fans and expanded concession options, including food trucks alongside traditional ballpark fare.
“I think you’re still going to see the ballpark fair for the most part,” Brotzel said. “But I believe there’s going to be one or two food trucks as well, so a little different variety.”
Brotzel also reflected on the recently announced inaugural Jesse Lubinicki Memorial Scholarship at Taft College, calling it a meaningful tribute.
“It was awesome to see the Lubinicki family get behind that,” Brotzel said. “There’ll be a scholarship in Jesse’s name at Taft College going forward, so yeah, just an awesome tribute.”
