Marietta College will welcome students, alumni, community partners, local families and fans to campus this month for its annual Community Days, featuring a series of events centered on the Pioneer baseball and softball teams.
Organized by students in the Sport Management Program, Community Day has grown into a longstanding campus tradition that brings the College and the Mid-Ohio Valley together for fun, fan-focused experiences. The 2026 schedule includes multiple events leading up to the scheduled games.
“Community Day acts as the culminating academic program for graduating seniors in the Sport Management Program,” said Rick Smith, associate professor of sport management. “Alumni frequently ask about it and pinpoint this event as one of their Landmark Experiences and best academic memories.”
Marietta College junior Adisson Heath, a player on the softball team and a member of this year’s event planning staff, sees firsthand how the event connects the College with the community.
“Signing autographs for kids, getting to talk to them and their parents, it’s really a highlight of the day for the student-athletes,” said Heath. “As a team, we love seeing hundreds of people at our games, but it’s more fulfilling for us to see the kids smile, have them lined up with us for starting lineups, and then giving us high-fives before and after the game. This is really what the event is all about, community and the College interacting.”
On Thursday, April 16, the Pioneer Activities Council (PAC), a student-led organization, will partner with the Sport Management Program to host Ballpark on the Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the College’s students and employees. The event will feature free ballpark-style snacks and yard games, including corn toss, wiffle ball, and Kan Jam®, creating a festive, family-friendly atmosphere ahead of the weekend games.
Pizza and Pios will take place Friday, April 17, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The Original Pizza Place in downtown Marietta. Members of the Pioneer baseball and softball teams will be on-site to sign autographs and connect with community members. The event offers fans of all ages the opportunity to engage with Marietta’s student-athletes in a friendly, welcoming setting that extends the College’s connection beyond campus.
The festivities continue with Softball Community Day on Saturday, April 18, at Jeanne Arbuckle Field. Gates open at noon, with a doubleheader against the Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets beginning at 1 p.m. Admission is free, and fans can take part in a full slate of game-day experiences, including in-game contests during inning breaks for prizes and giveaways. First-time attendees at a Marietta College game will receive commemorative keepsakes, while youth are invited to participate in starting lineups and run the bases following the game. Fans can also enjoy complimentary ballpark-style food and beverages while supplies last.
Baseball Community Day follows on Saturday, April 25, at Don and Sue Schaly Field at Pioneer Park, with gates opening at noon and a doubleheader against the Capital Comets starting at 1 p.m. Admission is free, and fans will again enjoy the full slate of game-day activities, including in-game contests for prizes and giveaways, commemorative keepsakes, opportunities for youth participation, and complimentary food and beverages.
Each year, students in the Sport Management Program lead the planning, fundraising, and execution of Community Days, bringing the event to life for the campus and fans alike. The event has become embedded in the history and traditions of Marietta College, giving students the chance to put classroom knowledge into practice while creating a memorable experience for fans.
Annually, Community Days are the largest-attended games for both the Pioneer baseball and softball teams, welcoming as many as 2,000 fans. The event reflects Marietta College’s commitment to learning through experience, uniting Pioneers and the greater Mid-Ohio Valley for a fun-filled day rooted in teamwork, tradition, and celebration.
All events are free and open to the public. Fans are encouraged to arrive as early as 11:15 a.m. to enjoy the full range of pre-game activities. To learn more about Community Day 2026 events, contact Rick Smith at rcs003@marietta.edu.