While a bit trivial, it’s worth asking if WVU Baseball can break the program attendance record in 2026. The Mountaineers are trending upward, coming off back-to-back NCAA Super Regional appearances. Plus, there are several opportunities on the schedule for the milestone to take place at Kendrick Family Ballpark. Read more: Can WVU Baseball break the program attendance record in 2026?
WVU has 25 chances to surpass the standing record of 4,629. Several games don’t stand a chance of rewriting the books, but a select few stick out as possibilities.
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The current record was set less than a year ago when Pitt came to town on a beautiful April evening.
No chance
Barring the best weather and the stars aligning, early non-conference bouts against Canisius, Radford, and Columbia won’t suffice.
I’d love to say a regional foe such as Maryland would qualify, but the standalone game is set for a 2 p.m. first pitch on a Tuesday. WVU holds a five-game winning streak over UM, dating back to the 2017 postseason.
There are a few other programs in the region you’ll see mentioned later, but they are heavier hitters.
Getting warmer
It’s safe to say weekends and favorable weather draw larger crowds than the aforementioned slate of early non-conference action.
Unless rain is dumping on the artificial grass of Kendrick Family Ballpark, expect large crowds for the majority of Big 12 Conference weekend contests. It’s not uncommon in the current era of WVU Baseball for the Mountaineer faithful to fill the standing room sections for those.
Senior Day weekend brings in the family crowd, but comes at the cost of WVU students being out for the summer. It typically evens out attendance. The Mountaineers won the regular season title against Kansas on Senior Day weekend, despite a loss.
Legit shot
One-off rivalry games against Penn State and Marshall always have a shot of selling out KFB. I’d say fans are hungry for it, too.
WVU played the Thundering Herd in the bitter cold in 2025, hindering the turnout. Penn State’s trip to Morgantown was outright cancelled due to Mother Nature.
Both matchups carry the weight of longtime competition, especially Marshall. The Herd is slowly building a respectable program while the rivalry heats up. It’s not a “gimme” game like it used to be on an annual basis.
Likely candidate
Of course it’s Pitt. The Panthers’ fanbase travels well, with help from close proximity.
More than anything, though, few things warm Mountaineer fans’ hearts like singing “Sweet Caroline” and “Take Me Home, Country Roads” in the same evening. Added lyrics (not) included.
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If weather permits and WVU is rolling, there’s a real chance that the Backyard Brawl on April 21 breaks its own record just over a year later.
Fans hate to give Pitt credit, and rightfully so, but the story writes itself. All eyes will be glued to Morgantown’s coveted baseball diamond at 6:30 p.m. on that Tuesday.
Wrap
Don’t be shocked if there’s a new record set in 2026. Tune into 100.9 FM The Torch and its nine affiliate stations for WVU Baseball coverage of every game that Learfield carries.
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