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Tag: Minor League Baseball

  • What the Approved Stadium Design Means for AquaSox Fans and Everett Sports Visitors: A 2026 Guide

    What the Approved Stadium Design Means for AquaSox Fans and Everett Sports Visitors: A 2026 Guide

    For AquaSox fans and Everett sports visitors: City Council approved the design package April 29. The stadium is targeted for Fall or Winter 2027 — in time for the AquaSox 2027 season. What’s approved so far: 5,000 seats, ADA throughout, covered premium club, multi-use for baseball, USL soccer, concerts, and community events. What’s not yet decided: construction authorization and the $110M+ in financing needed to build it.

    If you’ve been following the downtown Everett stadium story, the April 29 City Council vote is a real milestone — the design phase is now funded and moving forward. Here is what it means for the fan and visitor experience being planned, and what the realistic timeline looks like.

    What Kind of Venue Is Being Designed

    The Everett Outdoor Event Center is designed as a true multi-use sports and events venue — not a single-purpose ballpark. The design calls for 5,000 seats with ADA accessibility throughout the facility, including a premium club seating 200 fans with 400 additional standing capacity on a covered deck. Public park space is built into the site design.

    The primary tenant anchor is the Everett AquaSox — the Seattle Mariners’ Single-A affiliate that has played in Everett since 1984, currently at Funko Field (Everett Memorial Stadium). The AquaSox would move into the new downtown venue when it opens.

    Two Everett teams in the United Soccer League (USL) are also planned as tenants — part of the professional soccer league’s Pacific Northwest expansion. Everett would host both baseball and professional soccer in the same facility.

    Downtown Location vs. Current Funko Field

    The current Funko Field sits on Oakes Avenue in the Bayside neighborhood — accessible but not embedded in Everett’s downtown core. The new Everett Outdoor Event Center is planned for a downtown location, positioning it within walking distance of Everett Station, the waterfront district, and the Broadway corridor.

    That downtown location is what gives the stadium broader event potential: concerts, festivals, and community programming that can draw on foot traffic from the waterfront and transit connections from Everett Station. The Waterfront Place restaurant district and the transit network changes underway make the downtown location stronger over the next few years.

    What the 2027 Timeline Means in Practice

    The city has been targeting Fall or Winter 2027 for the stadium opening — timed to be ready before the AquaSox 2027 season. That timeline requires design completion (now funded), followed by construction authorization, financing commitment, and construction itself.

    The design is the prerequisite. Without a completed design package, you cannot break ground, you cannot get final construction bids, and you cannot secure project financing. Wednesday’s vote clears that gate. What comes next — the construction decision and how the remaining $110 million-plus gets financed — is the harder sequence.

    The AquaSox Question

    The AquaSox have played in Everett since 1984, making them one of the longest-running Minor League Baseball affiliates in the Pacific Northwest. The new stadium is explicitly designed to keep them in Everett — the city has publicly noted that without a new facility, the team’s continued presence is at risk. Funko Field, built decades ago, does not meet modern Minor League Baseball facility standards.

    The April 29 vote moves the ball forward on keeping the AquaSox in downtown Everett through the 2027 season and beyond.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many seats will the new Everett stadium have?

    The Everett Outdoor Event Center design calls for 5,000 seats with full ADA accessibility throughout, plus a premium club with 200 seated and 400 standing capacity on a covered deck.

    When could the AquaSox move to the new stadium?

    The city is targeting a Fall or Winter 2027 opening timed for the AquaSox 2027 season. This depends on construction authorization and financing being secured after the design package is complete.

    Where will the new Everett stadium be located?

    The Everett Outdoor Event Center is planned for a downtown location, distinguishing it from the current Funko Field on Oakes Avenue in Bayside. The downtown site puts it near Everett Station and the waterfront district.

    What sports will be played at the new Everett stadium?

    Minor League Baseball (Everett AquaSox, Seattle Mariners Single-A affiliate) and professional soccer (two United Soccer League teams). The venue is also designed for concerts, festivals, and community events.

    Has construction been authorized?

    No. The April 29 vote funds completing the design. Construction authorization and the $110 million-plus in construction financing are separate decisions that have not been made.

  • AquaSox Hit the Road to Tri-City: Celesten Is NWL Player of the Week — Here’s What to Watch in the 6-Game Series

    AquaSox Hit the Road to Tri-City: Celesten Is NWL Player of the Week — Here’s What to Watch in the 6-Game Series

    Featured Snippet: Q: What are the Everett AquaSox doing in late April 2026? A: The AquaSox opened a 6-game road series at Gesa Stadium in Pasco, WA against the Tri-City Dust Devils on Tuesday, April 28. First pitch is 6:30 PM. Felnin Celesten was named the Northwest League Player of the Week for his performance against Spokane.

    AquaSox Hit the Road to Tri-City: Celesten Is NWL Player of the Week — Here’s What to Watch

    After six games at Funko Field against the Spokane Indians — a series the Frogs split 3-3, including a late walk-off win and a tough extra-inning loss on Sunday — the 2026 Everett AquaSox are on the road. They opened a 6-game series Tuesday night at Gesa Stadium in Pasco, Washington against the Tri-City Dust Devils, with first pitch at 6:30 PM.

    This is a rematch of an early-season series that Everett won 4-2 at Funko Field in April. The road version could look different — Tri-City has been one of the more competitive teams in the Northwest League, and they’ll have their home crowd behind them in the Columbia Basin.

    Here’s what to watch over the next six games.

    The Big News: Felnin Celesten Is Your NWL Player of the Week

    Before we get into the matchup, let’s talk about Felnin Celesten. The 20-year-old shortstop was named the Northwest League Player of the Week on April 27, 2026 — and it wasn’t hard to see why. Against the Spokane Indians, he hit .471 (11-for-17), scored five runs, and played his usual standout defense at short.

    Celesten is one of the youngest players in the NWL and carries a legitimate buzz as one of the Mariners’ top prospects. Watching him this April has been a reminder that the pipeline from Funko Field to T-Mobile Park is very much alive in 2026. He’s been the engine of this offense during winning stretches.

    He’s also in good company: Colton Shaw was named NWL Pitcher of the Week for April 6–12 earlier this month after that dominant early-season stretch. Two AquaSox earning weekly NWL hardware in the same month is a great sign for where this team can go.

    The Tri-City Matchup

    The last time these two teams played, Everett won 4 of 6 in the home series. Road ball is a different story. Gesa Stadium in Pasco is a fine park, but it’s 3+ hours from Everett and the Frogs will be without the Funko Field faithful in their corner.

    Tri-City fields a roster filled with Rockies prospects — Colorado’s High-A affiliate has had some talented arms in 2026. The AquaSox will need their lineup to stay hot (especially Celesten, Carlos Jimenez, and Noah Caron, who’s been swinging a hot bat at home) and their pitching staff to limit the walks that have occasionally undone promising outings.

    The series runs Tuesday April 28 through Sunday May 3, with a schedule of evening games Tuesday through Saturday and a Sunday afternoon finale.

    Prospect Watch: The Names to Track

    Felnin Celesten (SS): The NWL POTW award just confirmed what AquaSox fans have been watching all month. Can he keep this level of contact and production on the road?

    Carlos Jimenez (1B/OF): Remember his 6-RBI explosion in the Spokane series? He’s been one of the most dangerous bats in the lineup when locked in. The Columbia Basin outfield dimensions should suit his pull-heavy approach.

    Noah Caron: Caron’s 418-foot homer earlier in the homestand was a reminder that he has legitimate power that shows up in the box score when he makes contact. More of that, please.

    Colton Shaw (SP): The April Pitcher of the Week and arguably the most consistent starting arm the Frogs have had this season. If he lines up for a start in this series, expect a quality outing.

    Why This Series Matters

    The AquaSox have been above .500 for stretches of this early-season schedule, which matters for the Northwest League first-half standings. The first half determines playoff seeding, and every road series win is a step toward putting distance between Everett and the rest of the NWL.

    If you can’t make it to Pasco, follow along on the AquaSox social channels and mlb.com/everett for game updates. The Frogs return home for a 6-game homestand against Hillsboro starting May 5.

    Kill-threshold note: The April 28 series opener result is not yet confirmed from a verified primary source at run time; this article is framed as a series preview per Tier 0 protocol. The next run will recap the opening game result.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where are the AquaSox playing this week?

    The Everett AquaSox are playing a 6-game road series at Gesa Stadium in Pasco, WA against the Tri-City Dust Devils. Games run April 28 through May 3, 2026, with most games at 6:30 PM PT.

    Who won NWL Player of the Week for the AquaSox?

    Shortstop Felnin Celesten was named Northwest League Player of the Week on April 27, 2026. He hit .471 (11-for-17) with five runs scored in five games against the Spokane Indians.

    Who are the top AquaSox prospects to watch in 2026?

    Felnin Celesten (SS), Colton Shaw (SP), Carlos Jimenez (1B/OF), Noah Caron, and Axel Sanchez are among the key names on the 2026 Everett roster. Celesten in particular is drawing attention as a top Mariners prospect.

    When do the AquaSox return to Funko Field?

    The AquaSox return to Funko Field in Everett for a 6-game homestand against the Hillsboro Hops starting Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

    How did the Bryce Miller rehab assignment go?

    Mariners starter Bryce Miller completed his 2-start rehab assignment with the AquaSox earlier in April. His final outing was 3 IP, 6 K, 0 R, 1 H. He has since been activated back to the Mariners roster.

  • AquaSox Fall to Spokane 6-2: Frogs Couldn’t Climb Out of an Early Hole, but Sunday Finale Could Still Lock the Series

    AquaSox Fall to Spokane 6-2: Frogs Couldn’t Climb Out of an Early Hole, but Sunday Finale Could Still Lock the Series

    Q: Did the AquaSox win or lose Saturday night against Spokane?
    A: The Spokane Indians beat the Everett AquaSox 6-2 on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Funko Field at Everett Memorial Stadium in front of 1,532 fans. Spokane jumped on Everett early with a three-run first inning and added three more in the second, and the AquaSox could only get back single runs in the second and sixth.

    Some nights you score 11 runs and your 6-RBI guy carries the lineup home. Other nights, the visiting team gets a three-spot before you have your second sip of beer.

    Saturday at Funko Field was the second kind. The Spokane Indians cracked open the AquaSox 6-2 in front of 1,532 fans, snapping Everett’s three-game winning streak and evening this six-game series with one to play. So before we get into the prospect watch and what to expect for Sunday Fun Day, let’s just call it: the first inning is what cost the Frogs this one.

    How Spokane Did It

    The Indians came out swinging. Ethan Hedges doubled in a run, Alan Espinal singled in a run, and Kelvin Hidalgo grounded into another RBI before the AquaSox had stepped to the plate. 3-0 Spokane after a half-inning is the kind of hole that’s tough to climb out of in a six-inning High-A pitcher’s duel — and once Tevin Tucker added an RBI single in the second, Hedges grounded another one in, and Espinal doubled up with his second RBI single of the night, it was 6-0 before most of the crowd had finished their nachos.

    Everett got on the board in the bottom of the second. Carlos Jimenez — who had a 6-RBI night Thursday in this same series — drove in Josh Caron with an RBI groundout. The AquaSox didn’t score again until the sixth, when Felnin Celesten came home on a Spokane fielding error after Caron reached base.

    The Bigger Picture: Series Heading to Sunday

    This homestand has been the AquaSox’s best stretch of 2026 so far. They opened with a 5-2 Taylor Dollard gem on Tuesday, took the Wednesday game 7-5 with Eike’s 418-foot blast and Caron’s go-ahead knock, blew out the Indians 11-3 on Thursday behind Jimenez’s 6 RBIs, and walked Spokane off 2-1 on Friday on Axel Sanchez’s sac fly to cap Bryce Miller’s rehab assignment.

    Saturday’s loss drops the homestand to 3-2. The series ends Sunday with a 4:05 PM first pitch — Sunday Fun Day with kids running the bases after the game and the usual postgame catch on the field. A series win is still on the table; the AquaSox just need to take the finale to lock it down.

    Prospect Watch: What We Saw Saturday

    This is the part where the fan voice has to balance against the fact that High-A is a development league. The night didn’t go Everett’s way on the scoreboard, but the kids we’re watching are still on the path.

    Felnin Celesten got into scoring position and came around — small thing, but the M’s top-50 prospect has been trending the right direction in the early going of the homestand. He needs to find his power stroke; the singles will keep the OBP up.

    Josh Caron is showing the catcher-power profile the system has been waiting for. He scored both AquaSox runs Saturday — one driven in, one on the error — and his bat keeps appearing in the recap copy.

    Carlos Jimenez, fresh off a 6-RBI Thursday, drove in the only run the AquaSox would push across in the early innings. Production with runners in scoring position is the through-line for him this homestand.

    What’s Next

    Sunday wraps the series at 4:05 PM at Funko Field. After that, the AquaSox hit the road for a six-game set at Hillsboro Hops starting Tuesday, then come back home in early May. The Mariners’ Northwest farmhand watch continues — the Funko Field crowd has been treated to a lot of Bryce Miller buzz the last two weeks, and the next big-league rehab assignment that drops in this clubhouse will draw the same camera click that Friday’s did.

    For now: 3-2 homestand, a series finale to play, and a roster full of names worth knowing.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What was the final score of the AquaSox-Spokane game on April 25, 2026?
    Spokane Indians 6, Everett AquaSox 2. The Indians scored three runs in each of the first two innings and the AquaSox couldn’t recover.

    How did Spokane score so quickly?
    Three first-inning RBIs from Ethan Hedges, Alan Espinal, and Kelvin Hidalgo, then three more second-inning runs driven in by Tevin Tucker, Hedges, and Espinal.

    Who scored for the AquaSox?
    Josh Caron scored both Everett runs — one driven in by Carlos Jimenez in the second, the other on a Spokane fielding error in the sixth that allowed Felnin Celesten to come around.

    What time is the Sunday April 26 AquaSox game?
    4:05 PM first pitch at Funko Field at Everett Memorial Stadium. It’s the series finale and Sunday Fun Day, with kids running the bases postgame.

    Did the AquaSox win the series?
    The series finishes Sunday April 26. Heading into the finale, the AquaSox lead the homestand 3-2 — Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday wins, Saturday loss. A Sunday win would clinch the series win.

    Where can I watch AquaSox games?
    Home games are at Funko Field at Everett Memorial Stadium, 3802 Broadway. The MiLB First Pitch app and milb.com/everett carry video and audio for most games.

    Who is Carlos Jimenez?
    An infielder in the Mariners’ farm system whose bat has come alive during this homestand against Spokane — he had a 6-RBI night on Thursday and drove in the only AquaSox run in the early innings of Saturday’s loss.

  • Bryce Miller Threw 3 Scoreless With 6 Strikeouts: AquaSox Walked Off Spokane 2-1 to Cap His Rehab

    Bryce Miller Threw 3 Scoreless With 6 Strikeouts: AquaSox Walked Off Spokane 2-1 to Cap His Rehab

    How did Bryce Miller’s AquaSox rehab start go? Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller threw 3 scoreless innings on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Funko Field, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out six on 47 pitches (35 strikes). The AquaSox then walked off the Spokane Indians 2-1 on an Axel Sanchez sacrifice fly to cap Miller’s two-start minor-league rehab assignment.

    Bryce Miller Walked Out of Funko Field With Six Strikeouts. The AquaSox Walked Off Spokane 2-1.

    Friday night at Funko Field had the kind of energy you only get when a Mariners big-leaguer is on the mound for the AquaSox. Bryce Miller — recovering from oblique inflammation that cost him spring training — made his second and final minor-league rehab outing, and he pitched like a guy who’s about to be back at T-Mobile Park: three scoreless, six punchies, 47 pitches, 35 strikes. Then the Frogs went out and walked it off 2-1 against the Spokane Indians on an Axel Sanchez sac fly. Fireworks Friday delivered the rare combination of major-league rehab work, a tense one-run nightcap, and an actual walk-off in front of a sellout-energy Funko crowd.

    The Bryce Miller Line

    Miller did exactly what a healthy 27-year-old big-league starter on rehab is supposed to do at High-A: he was too good for the league. Three innings, one hit, one walk, six strikeouts, no runs. Through the first two innings he didn’t allow a single baserunner. The one moment of trouble came in the third when he had two runners in scoring position with two outs — and he punched out Indians first baseman Kevin Fitzer on four pitches to escape it. That’s the kind of inning that tells the Mariners’ player development staff everything they needed to see.

    Compare that to his first rehab outing the week before in Tacoma — 1.2 innings, four hits, three runs, two strikeouts, one walk on 33 pitches. Friday at Funko was a clear escalation: more pitches, more strikes, more strikeouts, no damage. Two scoreless innings to start, a tough spot navigated cleanly, and a clean exit. The Mariners now have to decide whether Miller is ready for a Triple-A finishing touch in Tacoma or whether he goes straight back to the big-league rotation.

    The Walk-Off

    The AquaSox didn’t waste Miller’s start. Locked in a 1-1 game late, Everett got runners moving in the bottom of the inning that mattered, and Axel Sanchez delivered the sacrifice fly to center field that ended it. Final: AquaSox 2, Spokane 1. Sixth straight loss for the Indians, which tells you Spokane’s not having a great early-season trip through the Northwest League — but Friday wasn’t about Spokane. It was about a homegrown Mariners arm in front of an Everett crowd, and a Frogs roster that keeps finding ways to win one-run games.

    That’s three straight wins now for Everett, on the heels of the Carlos Jimenez 6-RBI Thursday-night blowout. The Frogs are still climbing toward .500 territory but the run differential is back in the green and the offense is finally chaining at-bats together. Saturday and Sunday wrap the homestand against Spokane — Saturday at 7:05 PM and Sunday at 1:05 PM at Funko Field — and the Frogs have a real chance to take five of six in the series before they head out on the road.

    Prospect Watch

    Friday wasn’t just a Bryce Miller showcase — it was also a chance for the AquaSox prospects to share a clubhouse with a guy who’s already done it. The fan-eye view from Funko Field this week:

    Carlos Jimenez — 6 RBI on Thursday is the kind of night that pulls scouts. Power-and-RBI profile is what the system needs after the Lazaro Montes promotion conversation cooled off.

    Axel Sanchez — Walk-off sac fly Friday. Not a stat-line player but a guy who keeps showing up in late-game spots. The kind of A-ball at-bat that grades up scouting reports.

    The pitching staff behind Miller — Whoever gets handed the ball after a big-league rehab outing has to keep the lead. Friday’s bullpen got the result. That’s a quiet thing, but it matters when you’re tracking who’s developing.

    What’s Next for Bryce Miller

    Two rehab starts down. The natural next step is either a Triple-A Tacoma tune-up or activation off the IL and back into the Mariners rotation. Friday’s outing makes the case for the latter — three scoreless against pro hitters, six strikeouts, fastball back where it needs to be after his April 18 Tacoma outing reportedly clocked at 98+. The Mariners haven’t said publicly which way they’re leaning. Either way, his time at Funko Field this spring is done, and the AquaSox roster goes back to being all about the prospects.

    Saturday and Sunday at Funko Field

    The homestand wraps with Saturday’s 7:05 PM game and Sunday’s 1:05 PM matinee. If you missed Friday, those are the last two chances to see this Spokane series at Funko before the AquaSox hit the road. Tickets are still available through milb.com/everett. Funko Field on a sunny April Sunday afternoon is one of the better cheap-date afternoons in Snohomish County.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What was Bryce Miller’s line in his April 24 AquaSox rehab start?

    3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K on 47 pitches (35 strikes). It was Miller’s second and final minor-league rehab start.

    What was the final score of Friday’s AquaSox game?

    Everett AquaSox 2, Spokane Indians 1, walk-off win at Funko Field on April 24, 2026, on an Axel Sanchez sacrifice fly.

    Why was Bryce Miller pitching for the AquaSox?

    Miller is a Mariners right-handed starter rehabbing oblique inflammation that sidelined him in spring training. The AquaSox start was the second outing of his minor-league rehab assignment after a brief Triple-A Tacoma appearance the week before.

    When are the next AquaSox home games?

    Saturday April 25 at 7:05 PM and Sunday April 26 at 1:05 PM at Funko Field, closing the homestand against Spokane.

    Will Bryce Miller pitch for the AquaSox again this season?

    Friday was Miller’s final rehab outing with Everett. His next appearance will likely be either Triple-A Tacoma or back with the Mariners, depending on the team’s decision on activation.

    Where do the AquaSox play and where can I get tickets?

    The AquaSox play at Funko Field in Everett (formerly Everett Memorial Stadium). Tickets are available at milb.com/everett.

  • AquaSox Ride Carlos Jimenez’s 6-RBI Night to an 11-3 Win Over Spokane — Three Straight at Funko Field

    AquaSox Ride Carlos Jimenez’s 6-RBI Night to an 11-3 Win Over Spokane — Three Straight at Funko Field

    What happened with the AquaSox Thursday night? Everett beat the Spokane Indians 11-3 at Funko Field on April 23, 2026, with Carlos Jimenez driving in six runs. It was the AquaSox’s third straight win in their six-game homestand, and it set up a Friday night start that Everett fans have been waiting for all season — Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller on the mound on a rehab assignment.

    The Everett AquaSox are putting together the kind of week that changes how a season feels. Three straight wins. Back-to-back-to-back multi-homer nights. And a Mariners rehab start arriving Friday at Funko Field with the weekend still to go.

    Thursday at the ballpark belonged to Carlos Jimenez. The AquaSox first baseman drove in six runs in an 11-3 beatdown of the Spokane Indians, a Northwest League game that turned into a highlight reel after the middle innings. Everett is now 6-4 on the young season with the series win secured and two more games left on the homestand.

    The Jimenez night

    Jimenez has been the story of the AquaSox offense through the first two weeks of the season, but Thursday was something else. Six RBIs in a single game is the kind of line that gets a player Northwest League Player of the Week consideration, and Everett fans who were at Funko Field on a Thursday night in April got to watch it happen in person. The AquaSox scored multiple runs in multiple innings and never let Spokane back into it after the middle of the game.

    This now makes three straight AquaSox wins after Brandon Eike and Josh Caron powered Wednesday’s 7-5 comeback with home runs — Eike’s a 418-foot game-tying two-run shot in the second inning, Caron’s the go-ahead solo shot that put the Frogs up 5-4. Tuesday’s series opener went to Everett 5-2 behind a stellar Taylor Dollard outing. Three nights, three wins, and the offense finally showing up behind the pitching that has carried the start of the year.

    Spokane’s four-game slide

    The Indians have now dropped four straight coming into Everett. This is not the same Spokane team that dominated the AquaSox in the season opener — it is a team getting beat up in the middle innings, with Everett’s bats finally breaking out against a pitching staff that was supposed to be the Northwest League’s best at the top of the rotation.

    Bryce Miller arrives Friday

    Friday night at Funko Field is circled. Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller makes his first rehab appearance with Everett at 7:05 p.m. PT, the second stop of a rehab assignment that started last Saturday with Triple-A Tacoma. Miller threw 1.2 innings for the Rainiers, touched 98 mph on his fastball, and is expected to stretch to roughly 45 pitches or three innings Friday against Spokane.

    Miller is working back from an oblique injury suffered in Spring Training. If he looks healthy Friday, he is one start away from a Mariners activation. If he doesn’t, Everett becomes a longer stop. Either way, AquaSox fans get to see one of Seattle’s most important starting pitchers throw a real game on a Friday night in Everett — and the Funko Field Friday Fireworks show comes after, which makes Friday’s ticket the best value of the homestand by a wide margin.

    Prospect watch

    The young Mariners bats are finally showing signs of life alongside the veteran presence. Felnin Celesten remains the highest-ceiling prospect in the lineup. Josh Caron is making the most noise at the plate after Wednesday’s go-ahead shot. Eike’s opposite-field power looks real. And Jimenez, who entered the week on nobody’s top-prospect radar, is now the hottest bat in the Northwest League.

    What’s next

    The Spokane series wraps with games Friday (7:05 p.m.), Saturday (7:05 p.m.), and Sunday (1:05 p.m.) at Funko Field. Friday’s Bryce Miller rehab start is the marquee. Saturday brings another prime-time atmosphere. Sunday wraps the homestand before the AquaSox go back on the road.

    Tickets are available at aquasox.com, the Funko Field box office, or at the gate. The Friday fireworks night is already the hottest single-game ticket of April. If you have been waiting for the right night to bring the family to a High-A game in Everett, Friday at 7:05 against Spokane with a Mariners starter on the mound is it.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What was the AquaSox score Thursday?

    Everett beat the Spokane Indians 11-3 on April 23, 2026 at Funko Field. Carlos Jimenez drove in six runs.

    When does Bryce Miller pitch for the AquaSox?

    Friday, April 24 at 7:05 p.m. PT at Funko Field against Spokane. He is expected to throw around 45 pitches or three innings.

    Why is Bryce Miller pitching for the AquaSox?

    He is on a Major League rehab assignment from the Seattle Mariners, recovering from an oblique injury. This is the second stop of his rehab after Triple-A Tacoma.

    Are AquaSox tickets still available for this homestand?

    Yes for Saturday and Sunday. Friday’s Bryce Miller start with Funko Field Fireworks is selling quickly — check aquasox.com for availability.

    Where is Funko Field?

    Funko Field at Everett Memorial Stadium is at 3802 Broadway in north Everett, about five minutes from downtown.

    What is the AquaSox record?

    Everett is 6-4 on the season after three straight wins over Spokane, and the team is now second in the Northwest League standings.

  • Bryce Miller Is Pitching at Funko Field Friday Night — And the AquaSox Are Quietly Putting Together a Pretty Good Homestand

    Bryce Miller Is Pitching at Funko Field Friday Night — And the AquaSox Are Quietly Putting Together a Pretty Good Homestand

    Q: Is Bryce Miller pitching for the AquaSox?
    A: Yes — Seattle Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller is scheduled to make a rehab start for the Everett AquaSox on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 7:05 PM PT at Funko Field. He’s working back from a spring training oblique injury and his fastball has already touched 98 mph during his Tacoma Rainiers rehab outing on April 18.

    Bryce Miller Is Pitching at Funko Field Friday Night — And the AquaSox Are Quietly Putting Together a Pretty Good Homestand

    Two pieces of good news from down at Everett Memorial Stadium this week, and they line up perfectly. The AquaSox just took the series opener from the Spokane Indians 5-2 on Tuesday night behind a vintage Taylor Dollard pitching line. And on Friday night, the headliner: Seattle Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller is starting his rehab assignment for Everett, with first pitch at 7:05 PM at Funko Field.

    If you’ve been on the fence about which game in this six-game homestand to grab tickets for, the schedule just answered the question for you.

    Bryce Miller’s Rehab Start: What to Know

    Mariners EVP Justin Hollander confirmed Miller’s Friday rehab assignment with the AquaSox earlier this week. The 27-year-old right-hander is working his way back from an oblique injury sustained in spring training. He made his first rehab outing on Saturday, April 18 with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers — 1.2 innings, two strikeouts, one walk, three runs on four hits, but more importantly, his fastball touched over 98 mph. The arm is fine. The body just needs reps.

    Friday night is his second rehab outing, this time at the High-A level. The reason for moving him down to Everett rather than keeping him in Tacoma: the AquaSox affiliate gives him a chance to get reacclimated to PNW pitching conditions before bumping him back up. His rehab assignment will continue to fluctuate between the Rainiers and AquaSox until he’s ready for a Mariners rotation slot.

    For Everett fans, this is the rare night where you can watch a current major-league starter on the mound at Funko Field. Miller has been with Seattle since 2023, holds a career 24-21 record with a 4.01 ERA, and his best season came in 2024 when he went 12-8 with a 2.94 ERA across 31 starts. He also pitched for Everett in 2022 — 3-3 record, 3.24 ERA across 15 starts — so this is a homecoming of sorts.

    Tickets for Friday night are available through AquaSox.com, the MiLB app, or by calling the AquaSox Front Office at 425-258-3673. Expect a crowd.

    The Series Opener: Taylor Dollard Was Filthy

    Tuesday night the AquaSox got the kind of starting pitching performance they’ve been waiting on all season. Right-hander Taylor Dollard — who’d been working through some early-season struggles — fired five shutout innings, allowed just two hits, struck out seven, and walked one. It was his best start of 2026 and the kind of outing that resets a season.

    “He definitely set the tone with really good momentum throughout that game,” manager Ryan Scott said after the win.

    Dollard himself was characteristically measured: “The process is right, and we’re kind of getting there. Baby steps.”

    The bullpen kept the shutout intact. Wyatt Lunsford-Shenkman threw one hitless inning with two strikeouts. Christian Little added two scoreless frames and three more strikeouts. Closer Brock Moore allowed a two-run homer to Spokane’s Jacob Humphrey in the ninth but locked down the save.

    The Offense Is Finally Showing Up Late

    The AquaSox played five scoreless innings on Tuesday before catcher Josh Caron pushed across the first run with a sacrifice fly in the sixth. Then they exploded for four in the eighth — sparked by walks, RBI hits from Luke Stevenson and Axel Sanchez, a Curtis Washington Jr. sacrifice bunt, and a Luis Suisbel sac fly.

    And here’s the trend worth tracking: the AquaSox have now scored 16 runs in the eighth inning over their last six games. Whatever they’re doing in the dugout between innings six and eight is working. They’re 8-8 on the season and heating up at the right time.

    The Rest of the Homestand

    The Spokane series runs through Sunday. Here’s what’s left:

    • Wednesday, April 22: Game 2 vs Spokane, 7:05 PM PT — Student Discount Night, GESA Credit Union Military Pride Offer, Tulalip Bingo & Slots Baseball Bingo
    • Thursday, April 23: Game 3 vs Spokane, 7:05 PM PT
    • Friday, April 24: Game 4 vs Spokane, 7:05 PM PT — Bryce Miller rehab start, Fireworks Night
    • Saturday, April 25: Game 5 vs Spokane, 7:05 PM PT
    • Sunday, April 26: Game 6 vs Spokane, 1:05 PM PT

    Friday is the headliner, but Saturday’s a 7:05 PM PT start with the weekend energy at Funko Field, and Sunday’s afternoon game closes the series — a good fit for families who don’t want to be out late on a school night.

    Spokane Has Been Tougher Than Their Record Looks

    The Indians come into this series at 6-10 but they’ve been competitive game-by-game. Their April 5 walk-off 10-9 win over Everett earlier this season was one of the wilder games of the High-A West season so far. Tuesday’s Jacob Humphrey ninth-inning homer kept the comeback flame alive even in defeat. The High-A West has been chaotic top to bottom this April, and any series with Spokane has the potential to swing on a single inning.

    Prospect Watch on the Roster

    The four Mariners prospects to keep your eye on this homestand:

    • Luke Stevenson — Catcher, opening to do real damage. Had the RBI double in the eighth inning Tuesday.
    • Felnin Celesten — The shortstop the Mariners signed for $4.7 million in 2023. Premium tools, still finding his rhythm at High-A.
    • Lazaro Montes — Big-bodied corner outfielder with massive raw power. The kind of prospect Funko Field crowds notice immediately.
    • Colton Shaw — Right-hander who already had a standout 6IP/7K/0BB performance in the home opening series two weeks ago.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What time is Bryce Miller pitching for the AquaSox?
    First pitch is 7:05 PM PT on Friday, April 24 at Funko Field (Everett Memorial Stadium).

    How long will Miller pitch?
    Rehab outings typically build pitch count gradually — expect Miller in the 50-65 pitch range Friday based on his Tacoma outing length and his place in the rehab schedule.

    Who won the AquaSox-Spokane series opener?
    Everett won 5-2 on Tuesday, April 21. Taylor Dollard threw five shutout innings with seven strikeouts.

    What was Taylor Dollard’s pitching line?
    5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K. His best start of 2026.

    Where are tickets for the AquaSox?
    AquaSox.com, the MiLB app, or call the AquaSox Front Office at 425-258-3673.

    What’s the AquaSox record this season?
    8-8 after Tuesday’s win.

    Are there fireworks Friday night?
    Yes — Friday, April 24 is fireworks night at Funko Field.

    Who else is on the AquaSox roster worth watching?
    Luke Stevenson (C), Felnin Celesten (SS), Lazaro Montes (OF), and Colton Shaw (RHP) are the headline Mariners prospects on the current roster.

    What is Bryce Miller coming back from?
    An oblique injury sustained during 2026 spring training.

    How fast is Miller throwing?
    His fastball touched 98+ mph in his April 18 Tacoma rehab outing.

  • AquaSox Host Spokane Indians for Six-Game Homestand: April 21-26 at Funko Field

    AquaSox Host Spokane Indians for Six-Game Homestand: April 21-26 at Funko Field

    When is the AquaSox home series against Spokane Indians?
    The Everett AquaSox host the Spokane Indians at Funko Field for a six-game home series running Tuesday, April 21 through Sunday, April 26, 2026. Game times are 7:05 PM PT Tuesday through Saturday and 1:05 PM PT on Sunday. It’s the first time these two Northwest League rivals meet at Funko Field in 2026 after the AquaSox opened the season on the road in Spokane.

    Rivalry week at Funko Field. The Everett AquaSox and Spokane Indians are back in each other’s faces for a six-game home series that runs Tuesday, April 21 through Sunday, April 26, 2026 — and if you’ve been waiting for the AquaSox to come home for a long homestand, this is the week to get to Broadway.

    The Indians took the season-opening series in Spokane at Avista Stadium earlier this month, which gives this homestand an instant edge. Short-season High-A baseball doesn’t always generate grudge series, but this one has the bones of one.

    Series Schedule

    • Tuesday, April 21 — Spokane at Everett, 7:05 PM PT
    • Wednesday, April 22 — Spokane at Everett, 7:05 PM PT
    • Thursday, April 23 — Spokane at Everett, 7:05 PM PT
    • Friday, April 24 — Spokane at Everett, 7:05 PM PT (Fireworks Friday)
    • Saturday, April 25 — Spokane at Everett, 7:05 PM PT
    • Sunday, April 26 — Spokane at Everett, 1:05 PM PT

    All six games are at Funko Field, 3900 Broadway in Everett. First pitch times are subject to change in the event of weather; check the AquaSox site the day of the game if the forecast looks rough.

    Why This Series Matters

    Early-season Northwest League baseball sets the tone for the rest of the summer. The AquaSox are a Mariners High-A affiliate, which means the names you see in the lineup card this month are the names you’ll see in Seattle lineups in 2028 and 2029. The Indians are a Colorado Rockies affiliate — and the same rule applies. These are the prospects both organizations want to evaluate under Northwest League lights, and every inning counts against the prospect-on-prospect matchups that make High-A ball worth watching.

    It’s also the first real test of the AquaSox’s home field advantage in 2026. Funko Field is one of the most fan-friendly parks in the Northwest League, and the AquaSox front office has put together what looks like a strong early-season promotional calendar around this homestand.

    AquaSox Prospects to Watch

    The 2026 AquaSox roster is loaded with Mariners farm-system names worth keeping tabs on as the season builds. The front-office goal of a High-A affiliate is to keep the pipeline moving, and this group is built to do exactly that.

    Watch how the starting rotation handles a full six-game series against the same opponent — it’s a different test than opening against a fresh team every week, and how the AquaSox adjust game-to-game against Spokane’s lineup is worth paying attention to. On the position-player side, at-bats against the same pitching staff over six games will separate the guys who are making real adjustments from the guys who are getting by on talent alone.

    Funko Field: The Fan Experience

    If you haven’t been to Funko Field in a while, it’s still one of the most underrated fan experiences in the Puget Sound region. The ballpark seats about 3,500, which means there isn’t a bad seat in the house. The concessions lean hard into the “local” side of minor league baseball: Everett-brewed beers from Scuttlebutt and other Snohomish County breweries, a solid food lineup, and the general atmosphere of a small ballpark where the players’ families are in the stands and you can hear the infield chatter from behind home plate.

    The downtown stadium conversation continues to build around the AquaSox’s long-term future home, but for 2026, Funko Field is the show. And the show is very much worth your Tuesday night.

    Getting to Funko Field

    Funko Field is at 3900 Broadway in Everett. Parking is free on site. If you’re coming from downtown Everett, it’s a 10-minute drive or a 15-minute bus ride on Everett Transit. Gates typically open an hour before first pitch. Tickets are available through the team’s website, Ticketmaster, or the box office on game day.

    Kids under 5 are free, and the AquaSox’s family-friendly atmosphere — on-field games between innings, in-game contests, post-game autographs on select nights — makes this one of the best affordable family outings in Snohomish County.

    Spokane Indians: Who’s Coming to Town

    The Indians are the Rockies’ High-A affiliate and bring a handful of top-30 organizational prospects into Everett for this series. They were strong in the season-opening set in Spokane and will want to keep that momentum rolling into this homestand. The Indians and AquaSox see each other several more times in 2026, but early-season head-to-head sets up the pecking order for the rest of the summer.

    What to Watch For This Series

    • Tuesday: Which rotation arm the AquaSox send out to open the homestand — early-season starting-pitcher usage tells you a lot about organizational plans.
    • Wednesday-Thursday: How both lineups adjust after seeing each other’s top arms. Minor league scouting reports evolve fast.
    • Friday (Fireworks): The marquee night of the series. Expect the biggest crowd of the homestand and the best atmosphere at Funko Field so far this season.
    • Saturday-Sunday: Bullpen usage and depth. Six games in six days asks a lot of the relief corps in both organizations.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When does the AquaSox-Spokane series start?

    Tuesday, April 21, 2026, first pitch at 7:05 PM PT at Funko Field.

    Is the whole series at Funko Field?

    Yes. All six games, April 21-26, are home games for the AquaSox at Funko Field.

    What time are the games?

    7:05 PM PT Tuesday through Saturday, 1:05 PM PT on Sunday.

    Is there a fireworks night?

    Friday, April 24 is the traditional Fireworks Friday night, typically the most-attended game of each home series.

    Where is Funko Field?

    3900 Broadway, Everett, WA. Parking is free on-site.

    How can I get tickets?

    Through the AquaSox team website, Ticketmaster, or the Funko Field box office on game day.

    Who are the AquaSox affiliated with?

    The Seattle Mariners. The AquaSox are the Mariners’ High-A affiliate in the Northwest League.

  • AquaSox Open Six-Game Homestand vs. Spokane Indians: Prospect Watch, Schedule and Why This Series Matters

    AquaSox Open Six-Game Homestand vs. Spokane Indians: Prospect Watch, Schedule and Why This Series Matters

    Quick answer: The Everett AquaSox open a six-game home series against the Spokane Indians on Tuesday, April 21 at Funko Field. First pitch is 7:05 PM. The series runs Tuesday through Sunday, April 26, and features Sunday’s popular Family Day doubleheader wrap. Tickets start in the low teens and every game offers the classic Funko Field experience — kid-friendly, affordable, and some of the best prospect-watching in the Pacific Northwest.

    The Rematch Everett Has Been Waiting For

    The AquaSox opened the 2026 season on the road at Avista Stadium in Spokane back on April 3. Everett dropped the opener 4-1. They came back the next night behind three solo home runs to take their first win of the year. And they nearly completed a historic eight-run comeback before losing the series finale 10-9 in 10 innings. Three games against Spokane, and all three were memorable.

    Now the Indians come to Funko Field for the rematch, and the vibe is completely different. Everett has settled in. The pitching has started to look the way Mariners farm-system watchers thought it would. Colton Shaw went six innings with seven strikeouts and zero walks in the first Tri-City home series. The lineup is figuring out where it needs to be. This six-game stretch is going to tell us a lot about what the AquaSox actually are in 2026.

    The Schedule: Six Games in Six Days

    • Tuesday, April 21 — First pitch 7:05 PM
    • Wednesday, April 22 — First pitch 7:05 PM
    • Thursday, April 23 — First pitch 7:05 PM (Thirsty Thursday)
    • Friday, April 24 — First pitch 7:05 PM (postgame fireworks)
    • Saturday, April 25 — First pitch 7:05 PM
    • Sunday, April 26 — First pitch 1:05 PM (Family Sunday)

    Friday and Saturday nights are the ones that will feel the most electric. April in Everett is finally giving us the kind of evenings where you can walk out to Funko Field without three layers. The fireworks show after Friday’s game is one of the best events of the minor-league year in the Pacific Northwest.

    Prospect Watch: Who to Watch This Week

    The Seattle Mariners’ player development system has made Everett one of the best prospect stops in affiliated baseball. This series against Spokane is a great chance to see the names who are going to be at T-Mobile Park in a year or two.

    Felnin Celesten, SS

    One of the Mariners’ premier international signings. Smooth actions at shortstop and a bat that’s starting to come alive in his first extended taste of High-A pitching. Watch him in the 5-6 hole against Spokane right-handers.

    Lazaro Montes, OF

    The big left-handed power bat the entire Mariners farm system has been talking about for two years. Montes is here, he’s healthy, and Funko Field’s dimensions are going to get wrecked a few times this week if he connects.

    Michael Arroyo, 2B

    A disciplined middle-infield bat who’s been running into barrels early this year. Arroyo’s plate discipline is the kind that shows up at the big-league level first. Worth an at-bat-by-at-bat watch.

    Colton Shaw, RHP

    Shaw’s command has been the best thing about the early Everett pitching staff. His start this week is going to be one of the ones to plan your trip around.

    Why Funko Field in April Is the Move

    A week-night AquaSox game is a three-hour, $25-for-two-people experience where the parking is easy, the food is affordable, you can actually hear your kid yell when a ball gets put in play, and you walk out the gate at 10 PM into a 60-degree April night with the Port of Everett lights across the bluff. That is the case for showing up to Funko Field as a local.

    This isn’t Mariners baseball. But it’s real baseball. The kind where you can tell who’s going to be great before the rest of the country finds out. The Mariners of the next few years — the guys who’ll be on the 40-man roster when the AL West race tightens up in 2027 and 2028 — are hitting in Everett right now. Get out to a game before the Funko Field era ends and the new downtown stadium takes over.

    What the AquaSox Need This Week

    Look — Spokane is a tough draw. They swept the early-season series in their building. The Indians’ pitching is deep, and their lineup is aggressive in counts. Everett needs to win the starting-pitching matchup two out of six nights, they need their bullpen to stop giving up two-out hits, and they need at least one big series from the middle of the order.

    Four out of six at home is the realistic goal this week. Anything less than that and the AquaSox come out of the stretch under .500 on the year. Anything more and this team starts looking like the Northwest League playoff contender we expected.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When do the AquaSox play Spokane at home?

    Tuesday, April 21 through Sunday, April 26 at Funko Field. First pitch is 7:05 PM Tuesday through Saturday, and 1:05 PM on Sunday.

    What’s the AquaSox’s record so far this season?

    Everett has been on a mixed early-season run, splitting series with Spokane, Tri-City, and Eugene. The Tri-City home series went 4-2. The most recent trip to Eugene produced some tough losses, including a 10-inning walk-off. The team is right around .500 entering this week.

    Is there a fireworks night this week?

    Yes — Friday, April 24 will feature postgame fireworks. This is typically the highest-attended game of the homestand, so plan to arrive 45 minutes before first pitch for parking.

    Who are the top prospects to watch?

    Lazaro Montes, Felnin Celesten, Michael Arroyo, and right-handed starter Colton Shaw are the four names to circle this homestand.

    Where is Funko Field?

    Funko Field at Everett Memorial Stadium is located at 3900 Broadway in Everett. Parking is plentiful and free on the surrounding streets, and the concourse opens 90 minutes before first pitch.

    How much are tickets?

    Tickets start in the low teens for outfield seating and range up through premium box and club seats. Group and family pack pricing is available through the AquaSox ticket office.

  • AquaSox Drop a 10-Inning Heartbreaker to Eugene: What We Saw in a 6-5 Walk-Off Loss

    AquaSox Drop a 10-Inning Heartbreaker to Eugene: What We Saw in a 6-5 Walk-Off Loss

    Did the AquaSox win at Eugene on April 15, 2026? No. The Everett AquaSox fell 6-5 to the Eugene Emeralds in walk-off fashion on April 15 at PK Park. Emeralds right fielder Lisbel Diaz hit a game-winning sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th inning after Everett rallied from a two-run deficit to tie the game 5-5 in the top of the eighth.

    AquaSox Drop a 10-Inning Heartbreaker to Eugene: What We Saw

    Wednesday nights in Eugene are not supposed to feel like this. The AquaSox had twice clawed back from a deficit, had extra innings on the road against a quality High-A opponent, and still walked off the field on the wrong end of a 6-5 final thanks to a Lisbel Diaz sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th. That is the kind of loss that lingers on the bus ride.

    But if you are a fan who has followed this team for more than a week, you already know the truth about baseball: you learn more from a 10-inning one-run road loss in April than you do from a 7-1 beatdown. Here is what the AquaSox showed us in Game 2 of this Eugene series.

    How the Game Went

    Carlos Jimenez got the Frogs on the board with a first-inning RBI single, scoring Carter Dorighi, who had walked and stolen second. Everett took a 3-2 lead in the top of the sixth when Dorighi drove in a run with an RBI single of his own and Curtis Washington Jr. followed with an RBI groundout.

    Eugene answered immediately. In the bottom of the sixth, Diaz — the eventual walk-off hero — knocked an RBI single to tie it 3-3. The Emeralds then strung together a Cohen single, a Gavin Kilen RBI double, and a Dakota Jordan RBI single to open up a two-run lead.

    To Everett’s credit, they did not fold. The AquaSox answered in the top of the eighth, tying the game 5-5 and pushing it to extras. In the bottom of the 10th, Gutierrez stole third base with no outs, and Diaz ended it with a sacrifice fly. AquaSox lose 6-5.

    Three Things That Matter

    1. The Offense Is Finding Its Legs

    Last week was ugly. The Opening Night 17-2 blowout at home was not indicative of this team, but the offense had also been quiet in the series opener at PK Park. Wednesday was the first full game we saw the lineup string together at-bats in multiple innings, take extra bases on the bases (Dorighi’s stolen base in the first, Carter Dorighi’s RBI single in the sixth), and refuse to go away after falling behind. That is the template for this team’s offense in 2026 — it will not overwhelm you with power, but it should be a nuisance every inning.

    2. Carter Dorighi Is Who We Thought He Was

    Dorighi’s fingerprints were all over Wednesday’s scoring. Walked in the first, stole second, came around on Jimenez’s single. Drove in his own run in the sixth. The Mariners’ farm system values high-contact, on-base-skill bats up the middle, and Dorighi is turning into exactly that.

    3. The Bullpen Needs to Close the Door

    Coming back twice to force extras and then losing on a sac fly in the bottom of the 10th is the part that sticks. It is one game. But in the Northwest League, you cannot win a weekend series if your relievers cannot hold a tie on the road. Worth watching how the pitching staff handles the back half of this Eugene series.

    The Bigger Picture: Prospect Watch

    The 2026 AquaSox roster is loaded with names Mariners fans should be tracking. Felnin Celesten, Colt Emerson, and Lazaro Montes remain the headline prospects across the Mariners’ High-A system, and Everett is the best place in the Pacific Northwest to watch the next wave develop in person. If you missed Julio Rodriguez when he played here in 2019, this is the same front-row seat to the next generation.

    Home games resume at Funko Field later this month. Tickets are a fraction of a Mariners game, the hot dogs are good, and you will know every player’s first name by the sixth inning. That is AquaSox baseball.

    What’s Next

    The AquaSox continue their road series at the Eugene Emeralds through the weekend before returning home to Funko Field. Game times and broadcast info are posted on the official AquaSox schedule at milb.com/everett.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What was the final score of the AquaSox vs. Emeralds game on April 15?

    Eugene won 6-5 in 10 innings at PK Park. Lisbel Diaz hit a walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th inning.

    Where do the AquaSox play their home games?

    The Everett AquaSox play their home games at Funko Field, located at 3900 Broadway in Everett. Funko Field holds roughly 3,700 fans and is one of the most intimate ballparks in all of Minor League Baseball.

    Who are the AquaSox affiliated with?

    The Everett AquaSox are the High-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The roster is made up of prospects one or two promotions away from Double-A Arkansas or Triple-A Tacoma.

    Who were the standout AquaSox players in Wednesday’s game?

    Carter Dorighi had multiple offensive contributions, including a walk, a stolen base, and an RBI single. Carlos Jimenez drove in the game’s first run. Curtis Washington Jr. added an RBI groundout.

    When do the AquaSox come back to Funko Field?

    The AquaSox finish the road series in Eugene before returning to Funko Field in Everett. Check the team’s schedule at milb.com/everett for exact dates and start times.

    Which Mariners prospects are on the current AquaSox roster?

    The 2026 AquaSox roster features several top Mariners prospects including Felnin Celesten, Colt Emerson, and Lazaro Montes. Watching them at Funko Field is one of the best ways to track the farm system in person.

  • Everett’s $120M Stadium Gap: A Clear-Eyed Look at What Must Happen Before Ground Breaks

    Everett’s $120M Stadium Gap: A Clear-Eyed Look at What Must Happen Before Ground Breaks

    Q: Will the Everett downtown stadium actually get built?
    A: It is not guaranteed. The city council has not given final approval, and a $38 million funding gap must be closed first. Mayor Franklin is pursuing private investment and additional public funding. The city’s stated goal is 2027 construction start and 2028 opening for both the AquaSox and a prospective USL soccer team.

    Everett’s $120M Stadium Gap: A Clear-Eyed Look at What Has to Happen Before Ground Breaks

    The Everett Outdoor Event Center has a big number attached to it — $120 million — and an equally big problem: a $38 million gap between what the project costs and what the existing funding plan covers. Before a single parcel is acquired downtown, before DLR Group finalizes the design, and before the AquaSox or a USL soccer team signs a lease, that gap has to close.

    Here is exactly what the funding structure looks like, what needs to happen next, and what would cause the project to stall or fail.

    The Funding Stack as of April 2026

    The existing funding plan divides the $120 million roughly as follows: the City of Everett is responsible for approximately 45 percent of the total cost — about $54 million — funded through municipal bonds to be repaid by stadium revenue from baseball, soccer, and year-round events. The Everett AquaSox ownership group contributes approximately 9 percent, the prospective USL men’s and women’s soccer ownership groups contribute approximately 9 percent combined, the State of Washington contributes approximately 7 percent, and Snohomish County contributes approximately 4 percent.

    Those percentages add up to approximately $82 million of the $120 million. The $38 million gap is the difference between that figure and the full project cost — a gap that grew from an earlier estimate because construction costs across the Pacific Northwest have risen significantly since the original financial model was built.

    What Mayor Franklin Is Doing About the Gap

    At her March 5, 2026 State of the City address at the New Everett Theater on Colby Avenue, Mayor Cassie Franklin addressed the funding situation directly. The city’s strategy, as she described it: pursue private investment first — regional corporations and businesses whose brands would benefit from association with a new downtown anchor venue — then layer additional public bonds if the private raise falls short.

    The Everett Chamber of Commerce and the Everett Herald editorial board have both publicly backed the effort. The Herald’s editorial position is that the stadium’s role as a downtown economic catalyst justifies the funding effort; the Chamber’s is that a year-round event venue generates economic activity that benefits the entire business corridor along Hewitt Avenue and beyond.

    Three Things That Must Happen Before Council Votes

    City staff have been explicit about the sequencing. The council cannot vote to approve the project until: (1) a viable funding package is finalized and the $38 million gap is closed or credibly committed; (2) lease agreements with the AquaSox and USL tenant are executed; and (3) property acquisition is completed or under contract for the 28 privately owned parcels that make up the stadium footprint — everything except the buildings fronting Hewitt Avenue.

    The design-build team — DLR Group as designer, Bayley Construction as builder — is operating under a Progressive Design-Build contract. As of early 2026, the design is approximately 60 percent complete. The final design and budget package, which is what goes to council, is expected soon.

    The AquaSox Situation

    The AquaSox have been operating at Funko Field — formerly Everett Memorial Stadium — since 1984. Funko Field does not meet the updated MLB facility requirements that have been phased in for minor league affiliates. A new stadium is not optional for the team’s long-term future as a High-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The AquaSox ownership group has committed to the downtown site and is actively engaged in lease negotiations.

    The USL expansion is an additional economic driver — two professional soccer teams (men’s and women’s) would use the stadium for additional dates, increasing the annual event count and the revenue used to service the city’s bonds. USL expansion decisions are pending the stadium’s approval, creating a chicken-and-egg dynamic that requires both the stadium deal and the franchise award to proceed together.

    What Would Cause This to Fail

    The project is genuinely at risk if the private investment raise comes up significantly short and the city is unwilling to absorb additional bonding capacity. With a 2027 construction start already the revised target (pushed from the original 2026 plan), any further delay compresses the timeline and risks the AquaSox’s MLB compliance window. Construction cost inflation remaining elevated also puts pressure on the $120 million estimate itself — if costs move higher before contracts are signed, the gap grows again.

    Frequently Asked Questions About the Everett Outdoor Event Center

    Q: Where is the Everett stadium going to be built?
    A: Downtown Everett, on a city block excluding the buildings fronting Hewitt Avenue. The site requires acquisition of 28 privately owned parcels.

    Q: Who is designing the Everett stadium?
    A: DLR Group is the design architect; Bayley Construction is the builder. They were selected through the city’s Progressive Design-Build process.

    Q: When would the Everett stadium open?
    A: The revised target is 2028, for both AquaSox baseball and USL soccer. Construction would start in 2027 if the funding and approvals land on schedule.

    Q: What sports teams would play at the new Everett stadium?
    A: The Everett AquaSox (High-A, Seattle Mariners affiliate) and prospective USL men’s and women’s soccer expansion teams.

    Q: How much is the City of Everett contributing to the stadium?
    A: Approximately 45 percent of the $120 million total, or about $54 million, funded through municipal bonds repaid by stadium revenue.

    Q: Is the stadium replacing Funko Field?
    A: Yes. The AquaSox would move from Funko Field (formerly Everett Memorial Stadium) to the new downtown venue, which meets updated MLB facility requirements. The future of Funko Field after the AquaSox depart has not been publicly determined.

    Related: Everett’s Downtown Stadium Price Tag Climbs to $120M | AquaSox 2026 Season Preview | Exploring Everett