With dozens of themed nights, special giveaways, new food/drink choices and a variety of entertainment options, families who attend a West Michigan Whitecaps game get so much more than a baseball game.

The Whitecaps have been a West Michigan summer tradition since 1994, when they first took up residence in what was then known as Old Kent Park in Comstock Park. (It’s now branded LMCU Ballpark.) Over the years, the ‘Caps have switched their major league affiliation from the Oakland Athletics to the Detroit Tigers, won seven championship titles and even garnered national attention for their food menu.

The Whitecaps’ seventh Midwest League Championship came just last year, as they went 92-39 for the season, the best record in franchise history, and were named Minor League Baseball’s 2025 Organization of the Year. The team and its fans are hoping to build on that historic success in 2026, the 33rd year they’ve been part of the West Michigan community.

The 2026 season starts April 2 with a road game against the Lake County Captains in Eastlake, Ohio. The home opener is April 7, when they’ll take on the Great Lake Loons for an evening game that will also include a championship celebration – the first 1,000 fans through the gate will get a replica championship ring – and post-game fireworks show.

The Whitecaps will play 132 regular-season games from April 2 through September 6 – 66 of then at home – so there are plenty of opportunities to come out and enjoy an afternoon or evening of good, old-fashioned fun.

We’re welcoming the ‘Caps back for a thrilling new baseball season by taking a look at what you can expect when you come out to LMCU Ballpark for a game.

Family at a Whitecaps game

Family members of all ages are sure to be entertained at a West Michigan Whitecaps game no matter how close, or how far, your seats may be.

Photo by Ideology for Experience GR

Fun Promotions

The ‘Caps strive to provide fun fan experiences as well as great baseball games. Every home game features some sort of giveaway and/or theme, including:

• Bobblehead giveaways on May 23, June 7, June 30, July 11, Aug 11 & Aug 27.

• Giveaways of replica championship rings (Apr 7), mini stress bats (May 7), and princess bow clips & pirate flags (May 22).

• Theme events such as Bluey & Bingo Night (May 8 & 9), Princess & Pirate Night (May 22), Toy Story Jersey Night (June 5), Star Wars Night (June 20), Super Splash Day (July 7), Peppa Pig Night (July 10) and If It Isn’t Neon, It Shouldn’t Be On (Aug 29).

• Dog Days (May 21 & June 19 & Aug 26) invite you to bring your pup to the park with you.

• BATTER UP! on July 10 is a chance for everyone to step onto the field and take a swing at a

ball – every batter wins a prize.

• The 30-Year Affiliation Celebration on July 9 looks back at the last 30 years of baseball between the Whitecaps and the Detroit Tigers, which opportunities to meet and greet Whitecap Hall of Famers Alex Avila and Fernando Rodney.

There’s much, much more in store for fans this year – check the promotions schedule for full details.

Fan-tastic Food

Ever since the ‘Caps garnered international attention for its 4,800-calorie Fifth Third Burger in 2009, they’ve made a habit of introducing fun new concessions each year. This year, a fan vote is determining which of five over-the-top food dishes – a mac & cheese waffle cone, fried pickle quesadilla, elephant ear topped with pulled pork and sweet apple filling, a ballpark version of the diner classic Fat Tommy, or an elote brat – will be added to the mix.

The winner will be joining a huge lineup of ballpark food favorites, from burgers and hot dogs to pizza, popcorn and ice cream. There are vegetarian and gluten-free options, and the park offers an allergy menu to let fans know which items contain soy, wheat, dairy, egg and peanuts. The team is also offering peanut-free games on May 19 and 20 for those who have severe peanut allergies – no peanuts will be anywhere in LMCU Ballpark for those games.

As you might expect from Beer City USA – aka Grand Rapids – there’s a vast selection of beers available, including national brands and local favorites from Founders Brewing Company, The Mitten Brewing Co. and more.

New Ballpark Improvements

The Whitecaps are in the midst of a multi-year project to modernize LMCU Ballpark into a state-of-the-art facility that will serve West Michigan for generations to come. A new Drink Rail Seating Section will debut along the third base line in 2026, offering breathable mesh swivel seats and a counter rail to set food and drinks atop. This section will have dedicated servers for expedited food and beverage service.

This year will also see the upgrading of all remaining reserved sections from traditional bleacher-style benches to individual box seat chairs, completing a multi-year process to replace the original stadium seating with more comfortable options.

New Manager

Major League Baseball veteran René Rivera, who played for the Seattle Mariners, New York Mets and San Diego Padres before starting his coaching career, is joining the Whitecaps as the 16th manager in club history. He comes to the team from the Detroit Tigers’ Single-A affiliate, Lakeland Flying Tigers, which he coached to the Florida State League Championship and earned FSL Manager of the Year in the process.

He arrives with a mix of fresh and familiar faces on the coaching staff. Pitching coach Dan Ricabal returns to West Michigan after a season with the Erie Seawolves, where the team came within one game of winning its third consecutive Eastern League title. Hitting Coach Matt Malott and Athletic Trainer Nick Wheeler return for their second seasons. Cole Roberts joins the team as its new bench coach, while Gabe Sanchez takes over as strength and conditioning coach.

Family at a Whitecaps game
Family at a Whitecaps game

Game On! Reserved seats available for $16 each at LMCU Ballpark.

Photo by Ideology for Experience GR

Same Affordable Family Fun

At $14 per person for lawn seating, it’s hard to find more bang for your buck in terms of family fun. If you prefer traditional seating, you can spring for reserved seats ($16 each), box seats ($20.50) or premium box seats ($24.50). New drink rail seats are $31 each. Children 2 and younger are free for all seating.

Barrier-free seating for wheelchair users and up to three companion seats are located in numerous areas throughout the ballpark, at the same prices as above.

Take advantage of April Dollar Days for even more savings. Each April home game offers a different food or ticket special, including $2 kids tickets (April 11 & 25), $5 Box Seats (April 10 & 24), $1 Grilled Cheeses (April 12) and $2 pretzels (April 25).

The ‘Caps also offer special group pricing in 13 hospitality areas located around the stadium. These sections can accommodate groups from 15 to 350.

There is a $10 fee to park your car at LMCU Ballpark during games (buses and oversized vehicles cost $12). Cash is not accepted for parking.

View the seating chart here.

Weekly Promotions

A set of new and returning weekly promos offers fans deals every homestand throughout the 2026 season:

• Joy99 Bulletin Tuesdays: get half off box seats when you show a worship or community bulletin at the ballpark box office.

• Silver Slugger Wednesdays: half off box and premium box seats for fans age 50 or older.

• Thrifty Thursdays: $3 hot dogs, $3 Pepsi products and $3 domestic draft beers. Plus, you can get a $10 box seat when you show an active college or military ID at the box office.

• Fireworks Saturdays: stick around for a spectacular fireworks show after every Saturday home game starting May 23.

• Family Sundays: the first 1,000 kids 12 and under eat FREE, and all kids can run the bases after the game.

Las Calaveras de West Michigan

The Whitecaps are transforming into Las Calaveras de West Michigan on three dates – June 7, July 11 and Aug 16 – to celebrate Hispanic/Latino culture and the influence it’s had on America’s pastime. There will be fun giveaways, food, special team uniforms and more.

Beer City Bung Hammers

The ‘Caps are changing their name to the Beer City Bung Hammers for one night only – Aug 14 – in honor of Grand Rapids’ decade-plus reign as Beer City USA. There will be beer, bungs and bung hammer-themed games all night long.

Cosmic Baseball

The Whitecaps are thrilled to welcome the Cosmic Takeover Tour to LMCU Ballpark Aug 6, 7 & 8. The Cosmic Chili Peppers, who blend traditional baseball with over-the-top fan engagement, music and mind-blending special effects, will play a glow-in-the-dark baseball game against the Glow Mojis. Add your name to the ticket lottery for the opportunity to purchase tickets.

Community Engagement

The Whitecaps are proud to help raise awareness and support great causes in the local community. Highlights include:

• Paint the Park Pink (May 10) for breast cancer awareness

• Military Appreciation Night (May 24), saluting veterans and active-duty service members

• Lou Gehrig Day (June 2), highlighting the fight against ALS, aka Lou Gehrig’s disease

• Pride Night (June 4), celebrating the LGBT community

• Black Sox Night (July 29), a tribute to the Grand Rapids Negro League team of the 1940s and ‘50s

Visit the West Michigan Whitecaps’ website and Facebook page for ticket information and opportunities to have fun throughout the season.

Reserve your tickets now and get in the swing of this fantastic summer tradition!