COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. — Minor league baseball season is a little more than two months away and baseball fans will notice a few differences at LMCU Ballpark for Whitecaps games.
In a partnership with Erhardt Construction, the Whitecaps are currently in Phase 1 of remodeling the stadium. They are excited to see their plan on paper slowly come to life.
"The things that are happening between the addition, the reconstruction of the field that is coming this fall and how that is going to improve the stadium to make it better for the players, the client and the fan experience, that is the real exciting part," said Erhardt Construction Senior Vice President Ryan Forsma.
Phase 1 primarily consists of improving the amenities that the players will mostly see — the training room, dining area and locker rooms.
The Whitecaps have been in constant communication with the MLB and the Tigers to make sure everything is top-notch so their farm system can specially develop its players.
The Whitecaps aim to have the home clubhouse complete by the middle of summer.
"We hope to take it into the future and make this space meet the MLB facility standards and make it a great clubhouse for the team," said Whitecaps President Steve McCarthy.
However, many aspects of Phase 1 provide a benefit for fans.
There will be new suites and more space on the lawn slopes on the first and third base sides. There will also be access for the fans to see into the Whitecaps batting cage.
The netting will extend from foul pole to foul pole to protect fans from foul balls.
"We want to be a destination for West Michigan, an entertainment destination bot just for Whitecaps baseball but for other events where fans can come out and have a great time," McCarthy said.
Phase 2 of the plan is not expected to begin until 2025.
The Whitecaps open the 2024 season on the road, but the first game at LMCU Ballpark is scheduled for April 9 against Quad Cities.
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