Oregon and Washington will meet for baseball classic in Bend

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The University of Oregon Ducks and the University of Washington Huskies baseball teams will play in the inaugural Northwest Elite Collegiate Classic presented by the Thomas Family Auto Group on Oct. 3, 2026, at Vince Genna Stadium in Bend, Ore. First pitch is scheduled for 12:05 p.m.

The neutral-site contest marks the first meeting between Oregon and Washington in any sport in Bend, as well as the city's first competition between two Big Ten Conference programs. The game follows an NCAA Division I rule change effective Aug. 1, 2026, which increased the allowable number of outside fall nonchampionship contests from two to four.

The rivalry between Oregon and Washington dates back to 1910. Oregon leads the all-time series record 164-142-1. Since Oregon reinstated its baseball program for the 2009 season, the Ducks hold a 32-27 record against the Huskies. The series continues following both programs' move from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten Conference.

Michael Hirko serves as general manager of the Bend Elks, the host organization at Genna Stadium. “Genna Stadium has been part of Bend's baseball history for nearly 80 years and hosting two programs with the tradition of Oregon and Washington is an exciting next chapter for this ballpark and our community,” Hirko said. “The Northwest Elite Collegiate Classic is about more than one baseball game—it's about continuing to bring high-level baseball to Central Oregon and showing that Bend can be a destination for major collegiate sporting events. We believe this event can be the beginning of something really special for Bend and an experience our community can look forward to for years to come.”

Mark Wasikowski is the head coach of Oregon baseball. “This is a great opportunity to bring Oregon baseball to Central Oregon, compete against an excellent program we know well and give fans in Bend a chance to see Big Ten baseball up close,” Wasikowski said. “We're excited to be part of this important event. We have great fans in Central Oregon and our players, coaches and staff are looking forward to being with them at Genna.”

Eddie Smith serves as head coach of Washington baseball. “This will be a great day for baseball in the Northwest,” Smith said. “Matching up two flagship institutions at a historic venue like Central Oregon's Genna Stadium is a great way for us grow the game and bring excitement to all Husky fans and alumni in the area and to baseball fans of all ages.”

The exhibition in Bend joins a national schedule of fall collegiate showcases. Other fall contests around the country include Oregon's 2026 Super Regional opponent Texas facing Texas Tech in Round Rock, Texas. Additional programs competing in nonchampionship fall games include Penn State, Fla. State, Miss., LSU, Ohio State and Michigan.

Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m. Online purchases are available at BendElks.com, and in-person sales are available at the Genna Stadium ticket office.