Pelican Causes Delay in College Baseball Game in Santa Barbara

A massive bird got caught in the infield netting, forcing a pause in the action between UC Santa Barbara and Loyola Marymount University.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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During a college baseball game between UC Santa Barbara and Loyola Marymount University, an enormous pelican flew onto the field and got caught in the infield netting, causing a delay in the action. A fan in the front row helped the bird break free, but it took further efforts from university staff to usher the pelican away from the field so play could resume.

Why it matters

Unexpected wildlife intrusions into sporting events, while rare, can create unusual delays and disruptions. This incident highlights the need for ballparks and stadiums to have protocols in place to safely remove animals that wander onto the field of play.

The details

In the top of the fourth inning, the massive pelican flew onto the field at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium and became entangled in the infield netting. A fan in the front row climbed up on a wall and helped the bird break free, but it remained on the field, prompting university staff to eventually wrap it in a towel and carry it away so the game could continue.

  • The incident occurred in the top of the fourth inning on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.

The players

UC Santa Barbara Gauchos

The home team that was playing Loyola Marymount University when the pelican incident occurred.

Loyola Marymount University

The visiting team that was playing UC Santa Barbara when the pelican incident occurred.

Fan

An unidentified fan in the front row who climbed up on a wall to help free the pelican from the infield netting.

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What they’re saying

“Happy to report that the pelican did (eventually) fly away safely.”

— UC, Santa Barbara Gauchos (X)

The takeaway

This unusual incident serves as a reminder that even professional and collegiate sporting venues must be prepared to handle unexpected wildlife intrusions, which can temporarily disrupt the action on the field.