Idaho Falls Chukars 2026 Season Tickets Go on Sale This Week as Team Welcomes New Manager
IDAHO FALLS — Baseball fans across Southeast Idaho and beyond will have their chance to secure seats for the upcoming Idaho Falls Chukars season beginning Wednesday morning, when single-game and season tickets go on sale at 10 a.m.
The Chukars open their 2026 home schedule on May 19 at Melaleuca Field, hosting the Billings Mustangs in what promises to be a well-attended opener following a strong 2025 campaign. Last season, Idaho Falls advanced to the Pioneer Baseball League Championship Series, a run that energized the local fan base and raised expectations heading into the new year.
New Manager Takes the Helm at Melaleuca Field
The Chukars head into 2026 with a new face in the dugout. Les Lancaster, formerly the manager of the Rocky Mountain Vibes, has been hired to lead Idaho Falls this season. Lancaster brings three seasons of Pioneer Baseball League experience with the Vibes, compiling a record of 139 wins and 144 losses during his tenure there.
The managerial change comes after Troy Percival departed to take over the PBL’s expansion franchise in Long Beach. Percival guided the Chukars to the Championship Series last season, making his exit a notable transition for the organization. Lancaster now inherits a club with championship-caliber expectations and a fan base eager to see continued success at Melaleuca Field.
The Pioneer Baseball League, which operates as an independent professional league, has seen steady growth in recent years, including the addition of expansion teams. The Chukars have remained one of the league’s more established franchises, drawing consistent community support in Idaho Falls.
How to Get Your Tickets
Tickets officially go on sale Wednesday at 10 a.m. Fans have several options to purchase seats for the 2026 season. Tickets are available online through the team’s official website, by phone at (208) 522-8363, or in person at Melaleuca Field, located at 900 Jim Garchow Way in Idaho Falls.
Melaleuca Field has long served as a community gathering point for Idaho families looking for affordable, family-friendly entertainment during the summer months. With the season opener falling on May 19, fans have roughly five weeks to secure their preferred seats before the first pitch.
The full 2026 schedule is available on the Chukars’ official website for fans planning to attend multiple games throughout the season.
For Bannock County residents in Pocatello, Chubbuck, and surrounding communities, the short drive up I-15 to Idaho Falls has made Chukars games a popular summer tradition for decades. Independent professional baseball continues to offer one of the more affordable live sports experiences in the region, making the Chukars a consistent draw for families across Southeast Idaho.
As the community looks ahead to summer — though concerns over this year’s water supply following East Idaho’s warmest winter on record have tempered some seasonal optimism — the return of Chukars baseball offers residents a reliable reason to gather and enjoy the warmer months. And for fans of local institutions with deep roots, the Chukars join a list of Pocatello-area staples that have weathered the years. Some businesses, like Jumbos in Pocatello, have built six-decade legacies on the same principle the Chukars embody: show up, serve your community, and deliver consistently.
What Comes Next
With tickets going on sale Wednesday morning, fans are encouraged to act early, particularly for the May 19 home opener against Billings. Manager Les Lancaster will get his first look at the Idaho Falls faithful as the Chukars aim to build on last season’s deep playoff run. The full 2026 schedule is posted on the team’s website, and the box office at Melaleuca Field is available for in-person purchases. For additional sports coverage from across Idaho, visit Idaho News and the Idaho News Network.