Baseball, race cars, and boats, oh my! Summer in the Tri-Cities isn’t the same without the Dust Devils, Red Mountain Event Center, or the Water Follies. Jamie Council and Will Bradley preview this summer’s line-up. Plus, special guest Max Lucas, President of the Mid-Columbia Hockey Officials Association, joins the Sports Council in studio to talk about reffing classes this summer.
As the weather warms up in the Tri-Cities, so does the local sports scene — and if you love sunshine, speed, and community spirit, there’s no better place to be this summer. From the ballpark to the raceway to the Columbia River, local sports fans have plenty to cheer for in the months ahead.
Dust Devils Baseball is Back
The Tri-City Dust Devils, the High-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, kicked off their season April 4 and return to Gesa Stadium on April 15 to host the Everett AquaSox, the Mariners’ High-A squad. The Dust Devils roster is stacked with top Angels prospects including second-round pick Chris Cortez, fourth-rounder Austin Gordon, and tenth-rounder Ryan Nicholson.
Fans will also see a familiar local face: AJ Block, a former Washington State Cougar and Bellevue native, who returns to the Northwest after time in the Royals system.
“This team has a great mix of fresh talent and fan favorites,” said host Will Bradley. “Victor Mederos started here, made it to the bigs, and now you’re seeing guys chase that same dream.”
While the roster has new stars, the local charm remains unchanged despite the club’s new owners, Diamond Baseball Holdings. Fans will still find Eric the Peanut Guy roaming the stands and familiar staff keeping game day fun and family-friendly.
Gesa Stadium itself is also getting an upgrade: new plaza spaces and interior renovations promise an even better fan experience this season. Whether you’re watching tomorrow’s stars or catching a rehab assignment from a big leaguer, Dust Devils baseball is a must-see all summer long.
Tickets and info: dustdevilsbaseball.com
Racing Roars Back at Tri-City Raceway
Not far from the diamond, engines are roaring at the Tri-City Raceway at the Red Mountain Event Center. The historic track kicked off its season with the 56th running of the Apple Cup and has a full slate of high-octane events running into fall.
From the “Duel in the Desert” hobby and mini stocks on May 24 to the crowd-favorite “Thunder at the Mountain” monster truck show in June, there’s something for every motorsports fan.
Mark your calendar for August 9, when the NASCAR ARCA West Series returns, along with the Northwest Mini Stocks and Hobby Stocks, bringing top regional talent to the Tri-Cities.
Details and tickets: tricityraceway.com
Hydroplane Heaven: The Water Follies and Gold Cup
No Tri-Cities summer is complete without the roar of hydroplanes tearing across the Columbia River. This year is extra special as the H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Series celebrates 60 years of racing in the Tri-Cities — and hosts the prestigious APBA Gold Cup for the first time in decades.
Expect to see legendary names like Dave Villwock piloting Miss Apollo, J. Michael Kelly with Beacon Electric, and young talent like Gunnar Ferrell challenging for the top spot. The Water Follies race runs July 25–27, immediately followed by Seattle’s Seafair.
Boat racing fans can also get an early fix with spring testing May 17 and other regional events like the Moses Lake Spring Regatta (April 19–20) and the Norm Evans Apple Cup at Lake Chelan (May 3–4).
More hydro info: H1 Unlimited on YouTube // h1unlimited.com and apba.org
Cool Ice Amid Summer Heat
Even with the sun blazing, the Tri-Cities hockey community keeps the ice cold year-round. Max Lucas, president of the Mid-Columbia Hockey Officials Association, shared how local youth and adult leagues are thriving post-pandemic.
The association bounced back from losing 66% of its membership during COVID to a record roster currently — and they’re always looking for new officials. Officiating is not only a way for young people to earn money early but also a pathway to WHL and higher-level hockey careers.
Interested in learning more or becoming an official? Visit mchoa.com or find them on Facebook.
Local Sports, Local Stories
From baseball diamonds to race tracks, hydroplanes to hockey rinks, the Tri-Cities sports scene is bursting with local passion and talent.
Catch the full conversation and upcoming episodes of The Sports Council on demand at 1340espnradio.com or wherever you get your podcasts.