LMCU Ballpark

LMCU Ballpark

Map
Former namesOld Kent Park (1994–2000)
Fifth Third Ballpark (2000–2021)
Location4500 West River Drive
Comstock Park, MI 49321
Coordinates43°02′25″N 85°39′35″W / 43.040195°N 85.659832°W / 43.040195; -85.659832
OwnerWest Michigan Whitecaps Corp.
OperatorWest Michigan Whitecaps Corp.
Capacity8,942 (2018–present)[5]
9,281 (2016–2017)[6]
9,684 (2014–2015)
10,071 (2006–2013)[7]
11,000 (1999–2006)
10,700 (1997–1998)
5,701 (1994–1996)
Field sizeLeft field: 317 ft (97 m)
Center field: 402 ft (123 m)
Right field: 327 ft (100 m)
SurfaceGrass
Construction
Broke groundMay 1993
OpenedApril 12, 1994 (1994-04-12)
Construction cost$6.5 million
($13.4 million in 2023 dollars[1])
ArchitectRossetti Architects[2]
Services engineerProgressive AE[3]
General contractorWolverine Building Group[4]
Tenants
West Michigan Whitecaps (MWL/High-A Central) (1994–present)

LMCU Ballpark is a ballpark located in Comstock Park, Michigan, just north of Grand Rapids. Established as Old Kent Park in 1994, the stadium hosts a minor league baseball team, the West Michigan Whitecaps, and other sporting events. The ballpark's Fifth Third Burger was featured on an episode of Man v. Food. A fire damaged some of the first base side of the stadium on January 3, 2014, but the stadium re-opened in time to host the Whitecaps for the 2014 season.

  1. ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  2. ^ Wallner, Peter J. (January 4, 2014). "Fifth Third Ballpark Timeline: Key Dates, Events and Facts in Stadium's History Before Massive Fire". The Grand Rapids Press. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  3. ^ "Donald E Nolte II, PE Professional Resume" (PDF). Next Engineering and Design. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 27, 2013. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  4. ^ "Fifth Third Ballpark". Wolverine Building Group. Retrieved October 5, 2011.
  5. ^ "2018 Midwest League Media Guide". Midwest League. 2018. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
  6. ^ "2016 Seating Improvements at Fifth Third Ballpark" (Press release). Minor League Baseball. March 30, 2017. Retrieved April 9, 2017.
  7. ^ "By the Numbers". West Michigan Whitecaps. February 11, 2009. Retrieved February 11, 2014.