If you are a baseball fan and live in the West Michigan area, you may think that you have to make the two and a half hour drive to Detroit to watch the Tigers. However, there is quality professional baseball right here in Grand Rapids with the West Michigan Whitecaps, which is a minor league baseball team that is affiliated with the Tigers. Fifth Third Ballpark is their home, which is located in Comstock Park, seven miles north of Grand Rapids. The stadium seats just under 10,000, and game day is always filled with fun events for families and kids. Tickets can always be purchased in person at the Whitecaps Ticket Office (4500 West River Drive Comstock Park, MI 49321), online, or by phone (616-784-4131 or 800-CAPS-WIN).
The team is famous for offering numerous culinary marvels at its concession stands. One of these is the Fifth Third Burger, a 4-pound, 4,800-calorie hamburger. It is a challenge to eat the whole thing, and only half the people who have attempted the challenge have eaten the whole thing. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine even requested a label on the burger stating that it was a “dietary disaster.” It has also been featured on Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food.” In addition to the burger, fans vote every year for a new item to be added to the menu. Past items have included deep-fried pickles, waffle pizza, and bacon-wrapped hotdogs, just to name a few.
This past winter there was a fire at the ballpark that destroyed half of the ballpark’s suites and the 1st base concourse. The crews worked tirelessly to repair the damages and the team was able to begin their season on time. They will be playing all summer, so if you like baseball or are looking for a family-friendly event, why not check out a game?
For ticket prices and information, visit the Whitecaps’ website: Go here.
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