HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University baseball program will gain some national television exposure this season, as ESPN and the Southland Conference jointly announced Tuesday that the Lions series opener against UTRGV, scheduled for April 17, at 6:30 p.m. in Edinburg, Texas will air on ESPNU.
 
The nationally televised matchup marks a milestone moment for the league, representing the first regular-season Southland baseball conference game to air on an ESPN linear platform.
 
"Great job by Commissioner Chris Grant to secure this national exposure," SLU athletics director Jay Artigues said. "Southeastern baseball has been one of the most consistent mid-major programs in the country and we look forward to having this national stage. Southland Conference baseball is extremely competitive on the national level and we look forward to showing this to the entire country. This gives our conference a chance to showcase two of the perennial Southland conference championship contenders on the national scene."
 
The contest features the conference's 2025 co-regular season champions, with Southeastern Louisiana finishing 38-16 overall and 22-8 in league play, while UTRGV posted a 36-18 record and an identical 22-8 Southland mark. Both programs were firmly in the NCAA postseason conversation a year ago, with Southeastern narrowly missing the NCAA Regionals as the first team out of the field.
 
That Southeastern squad was a well-balanced ballclub. The Lions led the league in home runs, ERA, double plays turned and allowed the fewest stolen bases in the Southland. In addition, SLU tied the program's single-season record for home runs (86) established just a year prior.
 
Southeastern also won last season's three-game series against the Vaqueros in Hammond, opening with a 5-2 win before clinching the series with a 12-1 victory in the second game.
 
"We look forward to playing on national TV against UTRGV this year," coach Bobby Barbier said. "It's a great matchup, with two good teams that finished atop the conference standings in 2025, and showcases how strong the competition in the Southland is year in and year out."
 
The matchup further underscores the strength of Southland baseball on the national stage. In 2025, the league ranked ninth nationally in Baseball RPI Rankings, reinforcing its status as one of the premier mid-major baseball conferences in the country.
 
The ESPNU selection further elevates the Southland's national visibility, with conference contests across football, men's and women's basketball, and baseball showcased on a national stage during the 2025–26 season.
 
In addition to linear broadcasts, every Southeastern baseball game and select Southland baseball contests will air on ESPN+ throughout the season.
 
UP NEXT
SLU will host a Fan Fest at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field this Saturday. Following a 1 p.m. intrasquad scrimmage, the Lions will sign autographs and host a kids' home run derby. Fans will also have a chance to time their base-running skills and check out their pitch speed.
 
Current season ticket holders will be able to pick up their printed tickets and the athletics ticket office will be on hand to sell new season ticket packages.
 
This year, one lucky season ticket holder will be chosen to receive an autographed team jersey, an autographed centennial bat, a tour of the facility with a student-athlete of your choice and the opportunity to sit in the athletics director's seats for one game.
 
All season ticket holders will receive a calendar magnet and a concessions punch card with their purchase. Family Pack ticket holders will receive one free drink per game. The limit is one per customer and concession vouchers are valid only at Southeastern-run concession stands.
 
Season tickets are currently on sale through the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office. Fans can purchase tickets by calling (985) 549-5466 or stopping by the office in West Strawberry Stadium. Office hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Fridays.
 
The Lions open their 2026 season with an intriguing eight-game homestand. The defending Southland champs host the defending MAC champions, Kent State, opening weekend (Feb. 13-15) at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field in a three-game series.
 
DIAMOND CLUB / S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the baseball program are encouraged to join the Diamond Club. Lion baseball alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners.
 
All membership fees and donations to both the Diamond Club and the S Club (baseball) are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern baseball program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or by visiting www.LionUp.com.
  
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow the Southeastern Baseball social media accounts (@LionUpBaseball) on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to stay engaged with the program.
 
The latest updates are also available at www.LionSports.net and the Lions Gameday Experience app. Available for both Android and iOS devices, the Gameday app can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play.