Changes to Fifth Third ballpark
November 7, 2005 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release
COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps are announcing two major renovations to Fifth Third Ballpark for the 2006 season. The home of the Whitecaps will now feature a two-level indoor/outdoor structure in right-center field and outdoor seating for the suite level.
The new outfield group area will replace the bleachers that have been in existence since July of 1996. The structure will feature an indoor, climate-controlled stadium club on the first floor, which will accommodate approximately 200 guests. The stadium club will provide banquet-style seating, private restrooms and an exclusive bar area. This level will be available for employee outings, business meetings, family reunions and other functions year round. Individual eight-person tables in the facility will be available for rent during select games so that all fans will have access to this one-of-a-kind seating option.
The upper deck of the outfield structure will provide a rooftop atmosphere for fans to watch Whitecaps games. Groups of approximately 300 will be able to enjoy a unique seating option with food and a great view of the field. The upper deck will be partially covered so fans can find comfort in the shade or sun.
The suite level will also receive an entirely new look as outdoor seating will be added to the 24 existing suites. Each suite will receive approximately 11 outdoor seats and will provide a vantage point never before featured at Fifth Third Ballpark.
Lew Chamberlin, CEO and Managing Partner of Whitecaps Professional Baseball is excited about the additions to Fifth Third Ballpark. "These new seating options make Fifth Third Ballpark an attractive venue for businesses and groups to use any time, not just during baseball games. We are always looking to improve the experience for all people visiting the ballpark, and we think these changes will do just that," said Chamberlin.
Fifth Third Ballpark's capacity will move from 10,900 to 10,101, but will provide seating options to a wide variety of groups. In addition, the facility will now be able to accommodate large group functions throughout the year in the stadium club. The renovations are already under way and are scheduled to be ready for use by the spring.
The design and construction project, at a cost of approximately $1 million, is being handled by Wolverine Building Group. Wolverine was responsible for the ballpark's original construction in 1993 and has handled all updates since.
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