After hurricane damage, Blue Wahoos rally to host Alabama-Georgia Tech

On Saturday, the Blue Wahoos hosted an Alabama-Georgia Tech baseball exhibition game at Blue Wahoos Stadium in Pensacola, Florida. The purpose of the event was to provide relief and entertainment for the community after Hurricane Isaias caused significant damage. The team distributed free tickets to employees of Florida Power & Light, the City of Pensacola, Escambia County, Santa Rosa County, and the Escambia County Utilities Association.

The tickets are available to the general public as well, and can be purchased through the team's website, by phone, or at the stadium box office.

Originally, the exhibition game was part of a series of Fall Ball showcase games at Blue Wahoos Stadium. However, Hurricane Isaias, which made landfall on October 9th, cancelled the scheduled Florida State vs. Auburn game and caused wind damage to the stadium. Despite the damage, the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets agreed to play the exhibition game on schedule.

Both teams had historic seasons in 2026, with the Crimson Tide making it to the Men's College World Series for the first time since 1999 and the Yellow Jackets setting the best record in school history (48-9) and winning the ACC regular season and tournament championship. Many of the top players on both teams are returning for the 2027 season, including several Major League Baseball prospects.

To make the event possible, the Blue Wahoos staff, along with city employees, worked to repair the damage caused by the hurricane. The outfield panels and padding were destroyed, an oak tree crashed into the field, and the batter's eye and banners were torn apart. Temporary fencing has been installed, and the black screen has been replaced. Minor repairs were made throughout the stadium.

Blue Wahoos president Jonathan Griffith stated that the event provides a way for people to find relief and entertainment during the exhausting efforts of hurricane recovery. Groundskeeper Willie Lawrence emphasized the impact of events like this in helping the community recover from traumatic experiences.