COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. — The West Michigan Whitecaps held a news conference Thursday morning announcing future construction projects at the team's home, LMCU Ballpark.
After nearly 30 years, the 'Caps are set to make huge changes to the outdoor stadium, both on the field and in the stands.
“This ballpark is full of history, championships, and memories for so many West Michigan families, including my own,” said Joe Chamberlin, the team's CEO and Managing Partner. “Our primary objective in leading this franchise has always been to ensure that we are growing our fan base and that we are preparing to meet the needs of the next generation of Whitecaps fans, just as we have done for fans over the last 30 years."
Those projects are planned to take place across two phases. The first phase will include a revitalized Clubhouse with renovated space for players, weight rooms and more. The third base side visitors’ clubhouse will be completely rebuilt and will become the home clubhouse.
A state-of-the-art batting cage area will be added near the Whitecaps' new clubhouse, with a club space located above the batting tunnels also planned.
The grass and infield playing surface will be fully replaced, including the drainage system. Bullpens will be moved behind the right field wall, and the outfield walls will be adjusted to dimensions the club says match several Major League stadiums.
New LED field lights were installed last fall, allowing for greater customized lighting for special events, including during and after games.
Work on phase one is set to begin before the upcoming 2023 season, with the changes in place for 2024's Opening Day.
The second phase of plans includes a revamped front entrance, moving the CapSized Shop and ticket office into different spaces to allow a view of the field directly at the top of the stairways outside the stadium.
The concourse will be expanded to ring the field, with new seating options in the outfield. The Whitecaps say it will mimic a lakeshore boardwalk, with gathering spaces throughout to allow fans to stop and take in the game from multiple angles.
All of the existing suites will be renovated.
The family-friendly grass seating area is set to move to the outfield, taking up space behind the bullpens.
The 'Caps are also planning a new 400-seat hospitality club to sit in straight-away center field. This area will be available for special events year-round. It would replace the existing Pepsi Stadium Club, which is slated to disappear with the changes in phase two.
No part of phase two is expected to begin before 2025, and club officials are hopeful to finish work in roughly 5 years.
The Whitecaps say LMCU Ballpark is a privately finances stadium, one of the few Minor League facilities to be so in the nation. The team expects these projects to also be privately funded, although it did say targeted public support will be needed.
The Whitecaps contracted with the Detroit-based architecture firm ROSSETTI, a worldwide leader in the design of sports and entertainment facilities, for more than a year to develop the plans.
“These design renovations will enhance the experience for baseball fans and players alike, creating new social spaces and addressing player facilities to exceed MLB standards. " said Kirk Phillips, a partner at ROSSETTI. "When completed, the improved ballpark will surprise and delight this great community for many future seasons. It was important to us to go above and beyond when reimagining LMCU Ballpark because it is so well-known in the industry as a top-notch facility. We feel the improvements to this unique facility will be impressive at any professional level.”
Phase one work will be carried out by West Michigan-based companies Erhardt Construction and Progressive AE.
Watch the announcement here:
