4-24-26-Danville Visit Center INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Danville Dans, a collegiate summer baseball team, are gearing up for their 2026 season under new head coach Cameron Gross. The team will open the season May 26 in Danville, Ill., with the Danville Area Visitors Bureau promoting the game a nd highlighting Vermilion County as a tourism destination. The Danville Dans compete in the Prospect League, a collegiate wood-bat league spanning the Midwest and Great Lakes region known for developing top-tier talent. The league has produced more than 800 professional players, including more than 175 who have reached the major leagues. Home games are played at historic Danville Stadium, built in 1946 and capable of seating more than 5,000 fans, offering a classic ballpark atmosphere for summer baseball. The modern Danville Dans franchise was established in 1989 and has been a part of the community for 38 years, building a strong local following over the decades. The team spent years competing in the Central Illinois Collegiate League before becoming a founding member of the Prospect League in 2009. The Dans have captured nine league championships, all during their time in the CICL, underscoring a long tradition of success on the field. “We’re really excited about having the guys report on May 21,” Gross said. “It’s a lot of guys I’ve had previously at other places, so I’m really excited to get them back and have a passionate, fun summer.” Gross described the Prospect League as a 20-team circuit featuring top collegiate talent. “It’s a 20-team league, and it’s a culmination of some of the best talent in the country,” he said. “We’re excited to show fans some of the best ballplayers in the country, and hopefully some of these guys will be on TV in a few years.” He also emphasized the team’s atmosphere. “We’ve got a fun, family atmosphere here,” Gross said. “You’re going to see an exciting brand of baseball. It already feels like a family before the season starts because of the chemistry we’ve built.” Beyond baseball, the Danville Dans offer family-friendly games, affordable tickets, and themed promotions throughout the summer. The team partners with local nonprofits and youth organizations for community events and fundraising nights. Tracy Fentem, representing the Danville Area Visitors Bureau, highlighted the city’s character. “Danville is one of those little cities made up of 21 villages, and we sit in about 16,000 acres of parkland,” Fentem said. “We’re about an hour and a half from Indy, but what we have is a genuine, authentic community.” Fentem said recent events, including NJCAA basketball championships, reflect the community’s involvement. “We just hosted the NJCAA championships,” she said. “It brings together a community of 350 volunteers. Everybody comes together.” The Danville Area Visitors Bureau promotes tourism, conventions and sporting events throughout Vermilion County. It highlights local attractions through advertising, digital outreach and visitor guides, and operates visitdanvillearea.com. The Danville Dans will open their 2026 season May 26, offering fans a key summer Game Day in Danville. ...read more read less