Grand Junction Considers New Pecos League Baseball Team for Suplizio Field

City Council to vote on proposal for 18-game season starting in 2026 after JUCO World Series

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:39pm

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The Grand Junction City Council is considering a proposal from the Pecos League to bring a new baseball franchise, the Grand Junction Cliffhangers, to play at Suplizio Field starting in 2026. The proposal comes after the departure of the previous team, the Grand Junction Jackalopes, leaving the facility vacant. The Pecos League plans to focus on community-based operations, hiring local staff and having players stay with host families during the 18-game season that would take place after the JUCO World Series.

Why it matters

The return of professional baseball to Suplizio Field would bring renewed energy and interest to the sport in the Grand Junction community, which is described as a town that loves baseball. The new team could help fill the void left by the Jackalopes' departure and provide an affordable, family-friendly entertainment option.

The details

The Pecos League, a rookie-level professional baseball league, has proposed bringing the Grand Junction Cliffhangers to play at Suplizio Field starting in 2026. The 18-game season would take place after the JUCO World Series, utilizing local staff and host families for the players. The league has connections to various professional teams and has seen seven former players move on to play in the Major Leagues.

  • The Grand Junction City Council met in a special workshop on Tuesday to discuss the proposal.
  • The council is scheduled to deliberate and vote on the proposal next week on Feb. 4.
  • The proposed 18-game season would take place annually after the JUCO World Series period.

The players

Grand Junction City Council

The governing body of the city of Grand Junction, Colorado, which is considering the proposal for a new baseball franchise at Suplizio Field.

Pecos League

A rookie-level professional baseball league that has proposed bringing the Grand Junction Cliffhangers to play at Suplizio Field starting in 2026.

Andrew Dunn

The president of the Pecos League, who presented the proposal to the Grand Junction City Council.

Cody Kennedy

The mayor of Grand Junction, who expressed enthusiasm for the potential return of professional baseball to Suplizio Field.

Ken Sherbenou

The Parks & Recreation Director for the city of Grand Junction, who provided details on the logistical elements of the Pecos League proposal during the council workshop.

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What they’re saying

“We don't know how that's going to go, but we're going to be there to run the games. We're only hiring local staff to help us run the games. We'll be having the players in host families for that month.”

— Andrew Dunn, President, Pecos League

“This is a great opportunity for them. And I think we have a community that wants to come around that and celebrate baseball in our community.”

— Cody Kennedy, Mayor, Grand Junction

What’s next

City staff will present a formal proposal to the Grand Junction City Council in the coming days, which will include specific details on the number of games and payment rates for field use. The council is scheduled to deliberate and vote on the proposal next week on Feb. 4.

The takeaway

The potential return of professional baseball to Suplizio Field in Grand Junction represents an exciting opportunity for the community to rally around the sport and provide an affordable, family-friendly entertainment option. The Pecos League's focus on community-based operations and connections to professional teams could help revitalize the local baseball scene after the departure of the previous team.