VERO BEACH — The Annual Jackie Robinson Celebration Game is coming back to Holman Stadium on April 15, 2026, all in tribute to the groundbreaking icon who became the first Black player in the majors. They are mixing the thrill of baseball with a strong sense of community togetherness.
United Way of Indian River County is teaming up with Major League Baseball and the Jackie Robinson Training Complex to host this annual event on Jackie Robinson Day. The Jupiter Hammerheads will take on the Palm Beach Cardinals in a matchup that doubles as a fundraiser for local programs aiding health, education, and financial stability.
“Jackie Robinson’s legacy challenges all of us to lead with courage, compassion, and a commitment to progress,” said Meredith Egan, CEO of United Way of Indian River County. “This celebration brings people together through the power of sport while directly supporting the work that strengthens our community.”
Timeline
- Gates open: 5:00 pm
- Opening ceremony: 6:00 pm
- First pitch: 6:42 pm
Ticket cost
- Now through March 31st: $10
- April 1 onward: $12
- Game Day at gate: $15 (credit card only)
- Children 3 and younger enter free
How to purchase tickets
- United Way Center – Monday through Friday, 9:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Cash Only)
- Jackie Robinson Training Complex (Registration Office) – Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Tickets are also on sale at UnitedWayIRC.org.
Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Every dollar raised heads straight to United Way programs across Indian River County.
The tradition kicked off in 2014 to commemorate Robinson’s barrier-breaking debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. Holman Stadium, nestled in the Jackie Robinson Training Complex—a former integrated spring training site in the segregated South—adds historical weight. The venue hosted its first official spring training game on March 31, 1948, with Robinson on the field.
Want to be a Volunteer?
They are in need of volunteers for parking, gate duties, raffle sales, and crowd control. Shifts start at 4 pm and require a liability waiver and mandatory training. High school students are welcome. Sign up at UnitedWayIRC.org or call Amanda Morgan at 772-567-8900, ext. 120.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses and organizations looking to make a meaningful impact.
Presenting Sponsors
Morgan Petersen Rinchack Wealth Management, Merrill Lynch, and Shambo, Schwibner, Schwartz Wealth Management Group, Merrill Lynch
Concessions and food trucks will be on site. Organizers bill it as a can’t-miss for Treasure Coast baseball fans and United Way supporters. No refunds.
A special thank you to Triple Sponsor, AYS Employee Leasing, for their commitment to making this celebration possible. To learn more about sponsorships, contact Meredith Egan at (772) 567-8900, ext. 125.
United Way of Indian River County
United Way of Indian River County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, focuses on community health, education, and finances, partnering locally to provide immediate aid and long-term solutions. Call 772-567-8900 or visit UnitedWayIRC.org.
The Jackie Robinson Training Complex is an 80-acre MLB-operated site in Vero Beach that hosts youth programs, tournaments, and outreach. It is a national historic landmark, once known as Dodgertown, which emphasizes Robinson’s values of equality and sportsmanship. More at JackieRobinsonTrainingComplex.com.