A Final Game at Hillsboro Ballpark
HILLSBORO, Ore. — The Hillsboro Hops closed a chapter in their history this week, playing their final home game at Hillsboro Ballpark, the team’s home since arriving from Yakima 12 years ago. For fans and players alike, the moment marked the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new one.
To honor the farewell, fans attending the game against the Vancouver Canadians received commemorative tickets, a keepsake celebrating more than a decade of memories at the park.
“We’ve had a tremendous 12 years, tons of great memories in this park,” said team president K.L. Wombacher. “We’ve built a really strong fan base since moving here from Yakima. To be able to celebrate with our fans today, it’s really a great day.”
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A New Stadium on the Horizon
The Hops are now turning their attention to the future. The team is set to debut its new home in April 2026, located just next door to the current facility. The state-of-the-art venue will seat 6,000 fans for baseball games and expand to accommodate 7,000 for concerts.
Planned features include:
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A wraparound concourse for easier movement around the stadium.
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A beer garden for social gathering.
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A dedicated food hall offering six unique dining options.
Wombacher emphasized that every detail of the new ballpark has been designed with supporters in mind. “We want to have the best fan experience in all of sports,” he said. “Everything has been very thoughtful, built with a fan-first approach.”
Building a Generational Fan Base
Since relocating from Yakima, the Hops have steadily built a loyal following in Washington County. Families have grown up watching games together, making the team an integral part of community life.
“We are so grateful for the fan base we’ve built here and the people who show up night after night, bringing their kids and their grandkids,” Wombacher said. “It’s truly a generational fan base that we’re building.”
For many fans, the farewell game was not only about saying goodbye to a ballpark but also about celebrating the memories created there — from dramatic wins to fireworks shows and family outings under the summer sun.
A Community Commitment
The team’s community involvement remains central to its identity. To celebrate the next step in its journey, the Hops will host “Lights On: A First Look” on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. The fundraiser will give fans an exclusive preview of the new stadium while raising money for the Hillsboro Hops Fund.
The fund supports initiatives in education, health, culture, and youth activities, with a special emphasis on programs for underprivileged youth in the Greater Hillsboro area.
Looking Ahead to 2026
When the new ballpark opens its gates in 2026, it will not only mark the next phase for the Hops but also for the city of Hillsboro. The facility is expected to serve as a hub for both sports and entertainment, drawing visitors from across the region.
For now, fans will hold on to their commemorative tickets and memories of the past 12 years while looking forward to a future filled with even more excitement.
As Wombacher summed it up: “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished here, but the best is yet to come.”
