COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. — The season is over for the West Michigan Whitecaps, but the work hasn't stopped at LMCU Ballpark, where a major renovation continues.
Construction started immediately after this past season ended—about an hour and a half to be exact, according to CEO and managing partner Joe Chamberlain.
Chamberlain said that while 2024's renovations were focused on improvements for players—like a new clubhouse, weight room and batting tunnels—the upcoming projects will be about the fan experience.
There will be new group terraces in right and left fields, doubling the capacity for groups attending the game together. There will also be a full field replacement that Chamberlain hopes will make the field feel more dimensional.
The plan also includes a brand-new entrance to the park with a full view of the field.
He said fans will be surprised by the difference when they arrive on opening day next year.
"What fans are going to see is a more big league feel of a ballpark. You're going to get to the point where you can walk all the way around this place," Chamberlain said. "You're going to have the amenities and kind of bar areas and social hangout areas that we just don't have today. And so really, our vision for this place is getting it to be the ballpark that West Michigan deserves moving forward."
This is the second phase of the project, which is expected to cost $35 million.
One thing that Chamberlain wanted to emphasize is that the work won't be slowing down.
"You're going to look around and you're gonna see a different layout, a different configuration, and you're gonna know that we've been working this offseason," Chamberlain said.
Renovations are expected to be finished by the time the Whitecaps open the 2025 season on April 4 at home against Dayton.