​Celebrity softball is making its return to Cheney Stadium, bringing a star-studded lineup and family-friendly fun to Tacoma. Seattle Seahawks standouts Rashid Shaheed and Uchenna Nwosu are set to host the fifth annual Seattle All-Star Classic on Saturday afternoon, a celebrity home run derby and softball game organized in partnership with South Sound nonprofits.
The event is designed for all ages and features a thriving vendor area, live music, a dedicated children’s play zone, a beer and wine garden, and private suites, according to SASC’s website. The All-Star Classic follows the earlier format launched by former Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf, who hosted the inaugural event in 2022. Since then, the showcase has welcomed a variety of notable athletes, including Geno Smith, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Kam Chancellor.
Festivities are scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. on July 11, with tickets available through Ticketmaster starting at $26.95 for standard admission. Shaheed expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming showcase, saying, “I’ve heard a lot about the energy around this event, and I’m ready to experience it firsthand. It’s going to be a fun, competitive matchup, and I’m looking forward to getting out there and putting on a show for the fans.”
The Seattle All-Star Classic is part of SASC’s “Filling the Gap” initiative for 2026, a community program focused on partnering with local nonprofits to address inequities in education, youth sports, academic leadership, economic empowerment, and food or family insecurity. The event aims to bring together athletes, entertainers, and community advocates to raise funds and awareness for these important issues.
Confirmed participants for Saturday’s All-Star Classic span a wide range of sports and entertainment, highlighting both local and national figures. Roster highlights include Rashid Shaheed and Uchenna Nwosu of the Seattle Seahawks, Lofa Tatupu—the Seahawks legend—and Myles Gaskin, an NFL running back and UW Huskies alumni. Baseball connections are represented by Casey Sadler, a former Seattle Mariners pitcher. Additional athletes, entertainers, and media personalities complete the lineup, illustrating the event’s broad appeal beyond football alone.
Other notable participants and guests come from diverse backgrounds, including Gary Gilliam, a former Seahawks tackle; Nate Jackson, a comedian and actor; Zaydrius Rainey-Sale, a UW Huskies linebacker; Xe’ree Alexander, a UW Huskies linebacker; and Rebel Kel, known for work in WWE/AEW. The event also features Matt Gotel, a former Seahawks defensive tackle, and Angela Rye, a prominent social justice advocate and lawyer. In addition, Devin Short, a former Seattle Seawolves flanker who gained attention on Married at First Sight, is planned to appear.
The roster expands with a mix of athletes from local teams and national franchises, including Dan Kriel of the Seattle Seawolves, Eric Duechle, and Gerald Smiley, who bring a blend of professional sports experience and mental performance coaching to the event. Kid Sensation, a renowned Seattle hip-hop artist, is slated to perform, while Terry Hollimon brings Emmy-nominated broadcasting and coaching expertise, including past work with the UW Huskies. Malcolm “Phlex” Evans, the SOS Professional Wrestling Champion, and Infamous Kayce, a Seattle influencer, are also part of the program.
Entertainment and media coverage are expected to be provided by DJ Roscoe, the official DJ for the Seattle Seahawks, with Norris Frederick, a former Team USA track and field medalist, contributing to the weekend’s energy. Additional performances and appearances are anticipated from Rocky Sandoval, a noted R&B singer and songwriter, and Bender, a radio host known for “Mornings with Jodi and Bender” on 95.7 The Jet. Rounding out the lineup are several other athletes, entertainers, and media personalities who reflect the event’s broad appeal.
As fans prepare to enjoy baseball-inspired competition and a celebratory afternoon of sports and entertainment, the Seattle All-Star Classic promises a memorable experience for families, sports enthusiasts, and supporters of South Sound nonprofits. Tickets, starting at $26.95, remain available through Ticketmaster, and organizers encourage attendees to join the celebration of community impact and athletic excellence in Tacoma’s own Cheney Stadium.