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 six championship titles and even garnered national attention for their food menu.
The ‘Caps are looking forward to an exciting 2025 season, the 32nd year the team has been part of the West Michigan community. The regular season opens April 4 with a home game against the Dayton Dragons and ends with a home game against the Fort Wayne TinCaps on September 7. In between, there are 130 games, 66 of them at home – giving you plenty of opportunities to come out for an afternoon or evening of good, old-fashioned fun.
We’re welcoming back a new season of baseball by taking a look at what’s new for 2025 – with a nod to some of the most popular features of the past.
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
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 24, June 17, July 3, July 8, August 19 and September 6.
- Giveaways of campfire mugs (April 4), push pop dice (May 8 & 21) and Hawaiian shirts (August 22)
- Theme events such as Bluey Nights (May 9 & 10), when you can take a photo with the famous Heeler; Princess & Pirates Night (May 23), featuring a post-game dance on the field; Star Wars Night (June 21), hosting your favorite Star Wars characters; Super Splash Day (July 30), which turns the ballpark into a waterpark; and “If It Isn’t Neon, It Shouldn’t Be On Night (September 5), a post-game “GLOW” Run the Bases for kids and adults.
- BATTER UP! on August 1 is a chance for everyone to step onto the field and take a swing at a ball – every batter wins a prize.
There’s much, much more in store for fans this year – check the promotions schedule for full details.
New 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. Special menu items for 2025 include fan food vote-winner The Walking Southern Porkie, a bag of corn chips bursting at the seams with pulled pork, slaw and crispy fried onions, smothered in BBQ sauce. You’ll need a forkie to eat this porkie!
You can also look forward to a Fire Roasted Flank Steak Rice Bowl, three fun new popcorn flavors, and some additional local beers, including Dope Boy IPA from Black Calder Brewing, Mortal Bloom and Michigan Pilsner from Founders Brewing Company (served in the new Founders Cap Room on the third base side), and Mitten West Coast Swing from The Mitten Brewing Co. (available in the Mitten Craft Clubhouse).
Even if you’re not a huge fan of baseball, the food – and the many local and national craft beverages available – will make for an enjoyable outing.
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. The entire playing surface, including the grass, infield and drainage system, has been replaced for 2025. Bullpens have been moved behind the right field wall, the outfield dimensions have been reconfigured and the lighting system has been upgraded.
Nine new hospitality areas include their own private bar/serving areas for groups: The Porch (accommodates 100 patrons); Custer Landing (180), The Deck (250), The Terrace (275), Planet Fitness Patio (85), Doeren Mayhew Corner (190), Pioneer State Mutual Insurance Cove (250), Centennial Securities Pavilion (75) and Family Fare Clubhouse (150). They join the existing Miller Lite House Deck (300), Pepsi Stadium Club (215) and The Rooftop (200).
Additional enhancements still to come include a concourse that wraps 360 degrees around the baseball field, a grander, revamped main entrance and exterior site options in the spaces outside the facility.
New Family Fun Park
The Whitecaps acquired the former AJ’s Family Fun Center, an iconic local attraction neighboring LMCU Ballpark in late 2024. Rebranded as GameTime Fun Park, it offers go-kart racing, mini golf, batting cages, bumper boats and arcade games.
New Coaching Staff
Tony Cappuccilli is back for a second season as Whitecaps manager in 2025. He heads a staff of both experienced ‘Caps coaches and newcomers to the organization, including pitching coach Nick Green, who spent last year with the Single-A Lakeland Flying Tigers, and hitting coach Matt Malott, who spent the last two seasons for the back-to-back Double-A Eastern League Champion Erie Seawolves. Nick Wheeler joins the Whitecaps from the Florida Complex League Tigers as its new athletic trainer, while Corey Fitzgerald takes over as strength and conditioning coach.
Game On! Reserved seats available for $16 each at LMCU Ballpark.
Photo by Ideology for Experience GR
Same Affordable Family Fun
At $12 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 ($18) or premium box seats ($22).
Children 2 and younger are free for all seating. Barrier-free seating is available. View the seating chart here.
Watch in Luxury
Hate standing in line? You can purchase Safeco 4Topps premium seating for games, which reserves a table for four and includes wait service, so you don’t have to join the queue for food and drinks. The tables run for $170 and sell out quickly, so grab one ASAP if you’re interested.
Weekly Promotions
A set of new and returning weekly promos offers fans deals every homestand throughout the 2025 season:
- Joy99 Bulletin Tuesdays: get half off box or reserved seats when you show a worship or community bulletin at the ballpark box office.
- Silver Slugger Wednesdays: half off box or reserved tickets for fans age 50 or older at the ballpark box office.
- Winning Wednesdays: claim a free original chicken sandwich through the Chick-fil-A mobile app before you leave the ballpark, If the Whitecaps win and you’re at the game.
- Thrifty Thursdays: $3 20 oz. domestic beers, $3 hot dogs and $3 Pepsi products, plus half off reserved seats when you show your active college or military ID.
- Saturday Fireworks: stick around for a spectacular fireworks show after Saturday home games.
- Family Sundays: the first 1,000 kids 12 and under eat FREE, and 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 8, August 2 and August 24 – 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 – August 8 – in honor of Grand Rapids (a.k.a. Beer City USA). There will be beer, bungs and bung hammer-themed games all night long.
Grand Rapids Dam Breakers
To help raise awareness of the Grand River restoration project, the ‘Caps will take the field as the Grand Rapids Dam Breakers on July 12. A portion of all sales will benefit the Grand Rapids Whitewater Project.
Banana Ball World Tour
The Whitecaps are thrilled to welcome the Banana Ball World Tour to LMCU Ballpark June 12, 13 and 14. In “Banana Ball,” players break into dance, trick plays and other antics for a fast-paced, rowdy version of America’s favorite pastime. Three games between the Savannah Bananas’ Party Animals and the Firefighters will mark the first time Banana Ball has been played in Michigan. Add your name to the ticket interest list 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:
- Peanut Free Games (May 20 & 21), when no peanuts will be served within the park, making it a safe venue for anyone with severe peanut allergies.
- Military Appreciation Night (May 25), honoring veterans, active-duty service members and their families.
- Pride Night (June 5), celebrating inclusion and showing support for the LGBTQ+ community.
- First Responders Night (June 18), saluting police, fire fighters and EMS providers.
- Paint the Park Pink (Jul 13), a team-up with Corewell Health Oncology Department to honor breast cancer survivors and fighters.
- Kids Can Conquer (August 6), supporting Helen DeVos children’s Hospital.
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!
