HOOKS, Texas — Texas A&M–Texarkana will host the Diamond Bank Invitational beginning Sunday, though not at home.
The three-day invitational, originally set for George Dobson Field in Texarkana, has been moved to Hooks High School because of lingering field conditions from last week’s ice storm.
The Eagles are scheduled to play three seven-inning games against Crowley’s Ridge College on Sunday and Monday before closing play Tuesday against No. 4 Hope International in nine innings.
Texarkana split its opening series last week, scoring 29 runs across two games. The Eagles are coming off a 34-win season, the best in program history in coach Chase Brewster’s first year, and return several key players, including Red River Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year Austin Kerns.
Hope International, ranked fourth in the NAIA preseason coaches poll, comes in unbeaten after a four-game sweep of LSU Shreveport. Crowley’s Ridge will be playing its first games under new head coach Spencer Adcock.
Avila and Mission universities were originally set to compete in the invitational, but withdrew because of weather-related travel issues.
All games are free to attend. Eagles’ first pitch for Sunday’s opener is set for 4 p.m.
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Tournament Information
Dates: February 1-3
Location: Hooks High School Baseball Field
Host: Texas A&M University–Texarkana
Participating Teams: Hope International University and Crowley’s Ridge College
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Eagles’ Schedule Overview
Sunday, Feb. 1: vs. Crowley’s Ridge – 4 p.m. (7 innings)
Monday, Feb. 2: vs. Crowley’s Ridge – 9 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. (7 innings)
Tuesday, Feb. 3: vs. No. 4 Hope International – 11 a.m. (9 innings)
All times are subject to change.
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What to Watch For
Crowley’s Ridge College: The Pioneers open their 2026 season at the Diamond Bank Invitational under first-year head coach Spencer Adcock, who joins Crowley’s Ridge from ASU–Mountain Home. The weekend presents an opportunity to build momentum and set the tone for a promising season under Adcock.
Hope International University: The Royals enter the tournament ranked No. 4 nationally in the NAIA Preseason Coaches Poll and carry a 4–0 record into the weekend. Before arriving in Texarkana, Hope International will play a four-game series at LSU Shreveport.
Note: Avila University and Mission University were scheduled to participate in the tournament, but weather-related changes prevented their participation this year.
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Diamond Bank Partnership
Texas A&M University–Texarkana Athletics is grateful for the support of Diamond Bank, the official sponsor of the Diamond Bank Invitational, stated a press release sent to the Gazette.
“We really wanted to get the community involved in our schedule this year and bring quality teams to play at home,” said Brewster. “Frank Halter and Billy Lavender have been staples in the Texarkana baseball community for as long as I can remember, so it was no surprise that Diamond Bank wanted to be part of our invitational. We’re very appreciative of their partnership in bringing this event to Texarkana.”
Diamond Bank Texarkana Market President Frank Halter echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to the region.
“At Diamond Bank, our commitment to Texarkana runs deeper than banking,” Halter said. “We’re invested in our community, our students, and the future we’re building together. Supporting events like the Texas A&M–Texarkana Diamond Bank Baseball Invitational reflects our dedication to Texarkana and the surrounding communities. When our community thrives–on and off the field–we all win.”
Halter and Assistant Market President Billy Lavender will throw out the ceremonial first pitches on Monday and Tuesday.