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8 Best Baseball Stadiums in Michigan to Watch a Game

Few things signal the arrival of spring better than baseball, and there are so many great baseball stadiums in Michigan to watch a ballgame. A day spent at a ballpark during spring in Michigan is a day well spent.

Whether you’re a diehard baseball fan who hangs on every pitch, a casual fan looking for a reason to get to the ballpark, or you’re just looking to chow down on some ballpark food, a baseball game is something fans of all ages can enjoy.

Michigan is home to one professional baseball stadium, three Michigan minor baseball parks, an independent league ballpark, three summer collegiate baseball fields, and more than a dozen college fields. 

If you do a search for “baseball near me,” you’ll see that you don’t have to travel far to see a ballgame.

So, grab your favorite player’s jersey, your ball cap, and maybe even your glove before you head down to your local ballpark. Even if the home team doesn’t win, the best places to watch a baseball game in Michigan aren’t too far away.

Comerica Park-Detroit
Comerica Park | photo via garrettstadiumtravel

Comerica Park | Detroit

Comerica Park has been home to the Detroit Tigers since 2000 and is Michigan’s biggest baseball stadium. There’s a lot to see in downtown Detroit, but a trip to Comerica Park is a must in the spring or summer.

What makes this Major League Baseball park so great? Start with the food, where a trip to the Big Cat Food Court offers everything from deli sandwiches to ice cream to elephant ears to frozen adult beverages.

If you’re looking for more places to relax, eat, and drink, the park also has a beer hall and the Blue Moon Brewhouse.

If you’re a diehard baseball fan, travel to the left centerfield wall, where you can see stainless steel statues of Tigers’ greats Willie Horton, Hank Greenberg, Ty Cobb, Hal Newhouse, Al Kaline, and Charlie Gehringer.

Keep your eyes on the centerfield wall display when you’re in your seat, and you’ll see a cool liquid fireworks display. But, the history doesn’t stop here because the main concourse has a Tigers Walk of Fame that takes visitors all the way around the ballpark.

If you’re a fan of bells and whistles, Comerica has you covered.

For the kiddos, there’s the Comerica Bank Carousel, which features more than two dozen tigers and is handicap-accessible. Plus, there’s the Fly Ball Ferris Wheel, which has baseball-shaped cars that can seat up to five people.

And, don’t forget to stop by the retail shops around the park to pick up some Tigers swag.

Related: Best Metro Detroit Spring Things to Do

Lmcu Ballpark -Plainfield Township
LMCU Ballpark | photo via joshstewart78

LMCU Ballpark | Comstock Park

If you want the chance to see some potential future Detroit Tigers in action, make the journey to Comstock Park and LMCU Ballpark to watch the West Michigan Whitecaps, the Tigers’ minor league affiliate. There’s something for everybody here, and the park is easily accessible from US-131.

The food options include ballpark favorites like peanuts, hot dogs, and Cracker Jack, but there are also offerings like roasted corn on the cob.

Believe it or not, the ballpark is home to more than 200 annual events, and many of the most fun ones happen during the baseball season.

Past seasons have included a Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond series of games where players wore superhero jerseys, Star Wars Night, Made in Michigan Wednesdays with appearances by former Detroit athletes, bobblehead giveaways, Super Splash Day in mid-July, and alternate persona games where the team takes on a different name for a game.

In addition to team mascots and concourse events, fans have come to expect the unexpected (and fun) from the ballpark.

Dow Diamond-Midland
Dow Diamond | photo via adamkostus

Dow Diamond | Midland

Located in the heart of downtown Midland, Dow Diamond is home to the Great Lakes Loons, the Class A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The baseball games here are fun for the whole family, but fans return over and over for the overall experience.

The stadium is state-of-the-art and ranks as one of the best minor league parks in all of baseball. It’s the perfect spot for a night of family fun, a date night, a day with friends, or even a work event.

You can find your fill of peanuts, Cracker Jack, and hot dogs here. But, you can also find concession offerings like Philly cheese steaks, specialty sausages, and so much more.

After every home game, there’s a Loontacular fireworks display, and there are food specials during Friday home games. Additionally, kids can run the bases after Sunday home games, and they should keep their eyes peeled to get a team picture with the team mascot — Lou E. Loon.

Why Dow Diamond is Good Family Fun

by Kerrie Hinkle, Creator Team Writer

  1. Kids Eat Free
    Dow Diamond is extremely family-friendly for many reasons. Oh, let me count the ways! First (base 😊), every Sunday home game, children ages 12 and under get a voucher good for a free hot dog, chips, and 12 oz. soft drink.
  2. Kids Run the Bases
    Second (base 😉), after Sunday home games, children ages 14 and under get the opportunity to run the bases. If my 5-year-old and 3-year-old get to run the bases, that means I get to run the bases! EEK! So exciting!
  3. ‘Lou E’s Lookout’ Playground
    Third (base 😆), Dow Diamond has a playground called ‘Lou E’s Lookout’ just off of right field and behind the lawn seat section. What a game changer. In the future, I may consider getting lawn seats with my littles since it is conveniently located by the play area but of course, the downside would be having to haul a blanket and/or lawn chairs. Hmph.

Team Mascot, ‘Lou E. Loon’

‘Lou E’s Lookout’ is affectionately named after the team mascot and Ambassador of Fun, Lou E. Loon. He is a spirited bird who loves to dance at home games… and maybe even pick up chicks… after he caught me taking several pictures of him, I’m pretty positive he made hand gestures at me to give him a call! Indeed it was all in good fun! Still, I was a bit flattered. After all, Lou E. does lead fans in his signature cheer, the “Funky Feather,” which won “Best In-Game Promotion of the Year” in 2009 for Minor League Baseball.

Game Plan & Tips for Bringing Kids

Dow Diamond opens an hour before the first pitch and those Sunday home games start at 1:05 PM. If you do have kiddos in attendance and you really want to pay attention to the game, I recommend going early to get their free kid meal (picnic tables are located by the play structure) and use a clean plate as an incentive for them to get to ‘Lou E’s Lookout.’

This way, much of the playground hype is out of their system before the game even starts. We went this route and my kids were able to sit rather contentedly (other than a quick search for Dippin’ Dots) until the 7th inning stretch without pleading to return to the play area. Heads up, ‘Lou E’s Lookout’ does shut down by the top of the 9th inning.

‘Lou E’s Lookout’ can become packed full of children. Rest assured that 4 to 6 staff members are always dedicated to the play area. It’s nice having some extra eyes on that line for the tallest slide. DANG, kids can be ruthless! Thanks for the assist, Dow Diamond crew.

Jackson Field-Lansing
Jackson Field | photo via lansinglugnuts

Jackson Field | Lansing

This Lansing venue has undergone several name changes over almost three decades, but it’s been the home of the Lansing Lugnuts the entire time.

The Lugnuts are currently the High-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, and the ballpark seats more than 10,000 fans. Additionally, it’s one of the nation’s most handicap-accessible stadiums.

The views for a Lugnuts game are incredible, and ticket prices are very affordable — even for executive box seats.

Come and enjoy some ballpark goodies while watching some of the nation’s up-and-coming stars. If you love competition, come for the Crosstown Showdown, an annual matchup between the Lugnuts and the Michigan State University baseball team.

Related: Reasons a Lugnuts Game Is the Best Deal in Lansing

Jimmy John's Field-Utica
Jimmy John’s Field | photo via share.detroit

Jimmy John’s Field | Utica

Since 2016, Metro Detroit has been home to some of the most fun and affordable baseball tickets in Michigan.

Jimmy John’s Field is home to the United Shore Professional Baseball League, comprised of four Metro Detroit teams: The Utica Unicorns, the Eastside Diamond Hoppers, the Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers, and the Westside Woolly Mammoths. Lawrence Tech University plays home games here as well.

The ballpark has a total capacity of 4,000 people, and the league offers a chance for undrafted college players and those released from minor league contracts to play and stay in baseball shape.

The state-of-the-art ballpark is located in the heart of Metro Detroit and is, perhaps, the most affordable baseball ticket in all of Michigan.

The concessions menu features everything from burgers to hot dogs to pretzels to chips to popcorn to Dippin’ Dots and more. Watching a game here is a perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening, and the atmosphere is one that may have you coming back for multiple games over the summer.

Turtle Creek Stadium-Traverse City
Turtle Creek Stadium | photo via elfamous

Turtle Creek Stadium | Traverse City

This 4,660-seat stadium is located 3 miles south of Traverse City, adjacent to the Chums Village commerce park. Originally the home of the Traverse City Beach Bums, it’s now home to the Traverse City Pit Spitters.

The Pit Spitters play in the Northwoods League, a collegiate summer baseball league that showcases some of the best college players in the nation. The team was founded in 2018, but they have turned heads during their short existence with a pair of division titles and a pair of league championships.

Fans here will get a great view, and the grandstand and lower-level concourse are set up to resemble a beach resort and beach boardwalk. It’s the perfect setting for taking in a summer ballgame.

This is the ideal ballpark for some family-friendly fun. The prices are affordable, the food includes ballpark favorites, and the atmosphere is top-notch.

Related: Best Unique Things to Do in Traverse City, Michigan

C.O. Brown Stadium | Battle Creek

Another of Michigan’s Northwoods League teams is the Battle Creek Battle Jacks. The team has played at C.O. Brown Stadium — now known as MCCU Field at C.O. Brown Stadium in Bailey Park — since 2007. And, it shares a rivalry with the Kalamazoo Growlers and the two teams compete annually for the I-94 Rivalry Cup.

The ballpark has a capacity of just over 2,000 people, but it offers fans a more intimate place to watch a ballgame. Whether you’re watching from third base or center field, this is a fun spot to watch a game. As the home of Michigan’s largest outdoor sports bar, it has multiple playgrounds and multiple picnic areas.

Homer Stryker Field -Kalamazoo
Homer Stryker Field | photo via bengulleythinks

Homer Stryker Field | Kalamazoo

Last, but not least, in Michigan’s lineup of Northwoods League teams are the Kalamazoo Growlers. The Growlers began playing in Kalamazoo in 2014 and won their division and the Northwoods League during the 2022 season.

The ballpark holds up to 4,000 people and features the Bell’s Bear Cave, an indoor space with an attached patio.

In past seasons, the Growlers have been one of the most popular Northwoods League teams and have been among the league leaders in attendance. One reason for this is promotional nights — such as What Could Have Been Night where the team changed their name for a game, as well as the team wearing Emojerseys for a game.

Grab some ballpark staples, or live a little and try one of Homer Stryker Field’s unique offerings. The Growlers’ Home Plate Club includes delicious, premium food — bacon-wrapped shrimp kebabs, beef sliders, brats, and brownies.

If you’re really feeling hungry (or daring), order a Bear Claw Burger. It’s a half-pound Angus burger topped with pulled pork, coleslaw, and mac and cheese. All that deliciousness is sandwiched between two bear claw donuts from Sweetwater’s Donut Mill.

Related: Fun Facts About Kalamazoo Michigan You Probably Didn’t Know

Oestrike Stadium-Ypsilanti
Oestrike Stadium | photo via bball_mom72

10+ College Venues to Watch a Baseball Game

As you’ve read, the Mitten State has numerous great baseball sites for baseball enthusiasts to get their baseball fill. In addition to Minor League baseball parks, Major League baseball parks, and semi-pro parks, there are more than a dozen college baseball stadiums in Michigan to watch a game. Some favorites include:

Baseball Game

Catch a Ballgame at One of These Wonderful Baseball Stadiums in Michigan

Whether you want to travel to Detroit to watch the Tigers in action, make a road trip to watch some Michigan minor league baseball, or catch a game at your local college ballpark, the Mitten State has plenty of great spots to watch a game.

Search “baseball near me,” and plan your ballpark outing in Michigan today. The fun atmosphere, the food, and the games themselves all add up to a fun, affordable experience that you can enjoy with friends and family alike.

Let us know which is your favorite Michigan ballpark for a baseball game!

3 Comments

  1. You missed a great one…. Royal Oak Memorial Park at the corner of the busiest intersection in the state at 13 Mile Road and Woodward (M1) Avenue hosts the Royal Oak Leprechauns Summer Collegiate Baseball team. No ballpark gets closer to the action than at Memorial Park. This field was recently refurbished by current MLB All Star and New York Yankee DJ LeMahieu who resides in Birmingham when not playing with the Yankees. The park is beautiful and hosts great college baseball in June and July.

  2. These are cool locales but the best family-friendly atmosphere combined with great baseball is The Lucky Corner – Memorial Park in Royal Oak. This city park encompasses three fields, 29 acres of trees and a proposed War Memorial to honor veterans is also home to the Royal Oak Leprechauns who compete in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League. With a half-million dollar field turf infield, the Lucky Corner is the place to be in June and July to catch great baseball action with an MLB flair and combined with wallet-friendly ticket and food prices. Throw in the between-inning Barnum and Bailey spirited fun for the fans and you’ve got a Bucket List item for your summer ballpark trek list. Check out RoyalOakLeprechauns.com for the whole story and more!

  3. If your looking for great, competitive college baseball during the months of June and July, the place to be is at Memorial Park Field in Royal Oak, the home of the Royal Oak Leprechauns!
    The lucky corner is conveniently located at 13 Mile and Woodward.
    The Leprechauns draw college talent from all across the country in the Great Lakes Summer League and they supported by the MLB!
    Most games start at 7pm and there is entertainment for the whole family at a reasonable price.⚾️

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