May 1, 2026
Winterholter Field Returns as NAIA Opening Round Site for Fifth Consecutive Season
UPLAND, Ind. – For the fifth straight year, Winterholter Field will play host to NAIA postseason baseball. The NAIA announced Friday its 10 host sites for the 2026 Baseball National Championship Opening Rounds, with Taylor earning a return to the list.
The top-ranked Trojans (46-4, 33-3 CL) punched their ticket to the Opening Round by capturing the Crossroads League Regular Season Championship.
The full 48-team field and bracket assignments will be revealed live on the PlayNAIA YouTube channel on May 6 at 4 p.m. CT, when Taylor learns which programs will make the trip to Upland.
Four days of Opening Round action — May 11–14 — will narrow the field to 10 teams, each earning a trip to Lewiston, Idaho, and the NAIA Baseball World Series at historic Harris Field, beginning May 22.
Friday's announcement continues a run that now spans six all-time appearances as an Opening Round host for the Trojans (2018, 2022–2026), with the NAIA National Office and National Selection Committee again tabbing Winterholter Field based on facility quality, geography and host readiness.
With the postseason stage set, Taylor's immediate attention turns back to the Crossroads League Tournament, where the Trojans have already advanced in the winner's bracket as the top overall seed. TU returns to action with Friday's 2:30 p.m. matchup against No. 23 Marian.