Kansas to host Northeastern, Arkansas, Missouri State for NCAA baseball regional

The Kansas Jayhawks baseball team will host Northeastern, Arkansas, and Missouri State in an NCAA Tournament regional at Hoglund Ballpark in Lawrence, beginning Friday. This marks Kansas’ first time hosting a regional and their seventh NCAA appearance, following wins in 1993, 1994, 2006, 2009, 2014, 2025, and 2026. Kansas (42-16) will open the double-elimination tournament against Northeastern (38-20) at noon Central Time, while Arkansas (39-20) faces Missouri State (34-19) at 5 p.m. The Jayhawks earned the No. 15 seed despite their No. 13 national ranking, a surprise given their Big 12 championship and strong season. Hoglund Ballpark has undergone renovations, expanding seating and standing-room capacity from 2,500 to 4,000, including a new fan area called ‘The Backyard.’ Fans will be allowed to bring lawn chairs or stand during games, adding to the event’s energy. Kansas coach Dan Fitzgerald praised the team’s progress, crediting players, coaches, and university support for the program’s success. Athletic director Travis Goff called the regional ‘the best in college baseball this season,’ comparing its potential impact to past major events like ESPN’s *Game Day* and Fox’s *Big Noon on the Hill*. The tournament features 64 teams, with regional winners advancing to super regionals. Kansas’ seeding drew criticism, as higher-ranked teams like West Virginia (No. 9) received lower seeds, but Fitzgerald focused on the team’s preparation for strong opponents.