West Michigan Whitecaps Games are a Blast
A beautiful summer night with the West Michigan Whitecaps is a great way to get in some family fun in Grand Rapids.
(The West Michigan Whitecaps are Grand Rapids’ minor league baseball team and are affiliated with the Detroit Tigers.)
Basically, a day at LMCU Ballpark with the Whitecaps is the ultimate baseball experience. Watch the pros give their all for a win, and enjoy a whole lot of perks on the side.
You don’t even need to be into baseball to enjoy an afternoon or evening at LMCU Ballpark. Fair warning, though: You might just be a fledgling baseball fan by the time you leave.
12 Ways to Amp Up a West Michigan Whitecaps Baseball Experience
This is not your grandpa’s ballpark! From spacious green lawns to on-field games to a robust menu – complete with craft local beers – the Whitecaps know how to entertain.
They even have a manual scoreboard! And, you can sign up to run the bases before and after select games.
Fireworks make an appearance after some of their home games, too.
Here are a few of the extra-special things you can do to add even more flavor to your next Whitecaps game:
1 – Get a Group Together
Groups get special attention at Whitecaps games! Get together your favorite crew for a special night at LMCU Ballpark.
Think social clubs, co-workers, church groups, Scouts, teams, and more. 
Group outings come with perks like preferred block seating, ticket discounts, discounts at the shop, and of course – a shout-out from the announcer on the night of the game!
2 – Pick a Theme Game or Promo Night
If you have a fan of Star Wars, Bingo and Bluey, or even Princesses and Pirates in your family, find good company at one of the many theme nights that take place throughout the season at Whitecaps games.
Bringing the dog to one of the Dog Days games is always a fun time, too.
3 – Take the Kids to Sunday Family Day
Sundays are Family Days at LMCU Ballpark! Kids have a chance to play catch on the field before the game and run the bases after the game is done.
And, if you get there early – the first 1,000 kids through the gate eat for free!
4 – Get Yourself in an On-Field Promotion
If you want your 15-minutes of fame, look for the big orange Biggby coffee cup located on the concourse behind home plate. 
The Biggby Coffee Crew can let you know what games are available that day and help you sign-up for some on-field fun!
5 – Join the River Rascals Rookies
Calling all baseball fans age 14 and under! Come be a part of The River Rascal Rookies and enjoy the experience with the West Michigan Whitecaps.
River Rascal Rookies receive a custom jersey, ID badge, one free ticket to every Sunday game, special discounts and more.
6 – Stay for the Fireworks
Periodically throughout the season, you can catch the Farm Bureau Insurance Fireworks after a game. Nothing says VIP quite like your own fireworks show! 
Check the schedule to see when you can enjoy a game and a fireworks show.
7 – Get VIP Seats That Include Table Service
Reserve a premium seat at LMCU Ballpark by purchasing a Safeco 4Topp . These seats are located behind home plate for a VIP view of the game.
In addition to a great view, seats come with table service from the West Michigan Whitecaps ballpark staff. No waiting in line for snacks and missing the action!
These tables are wildly popular and sell out every year. Call the ticket department at (616) 784-4131 to see when tables for the 2024 season go on sale (it’s typically in mid-February).
4-Topp at LMCU Ballpark
The package includes 4 seats, as well as other perks like seeing your name on the video board and meeting the mascots.
8 – Fridays are Hopcat Flashback Fry-Days!
If the Whitecaps win on Fridays, all fans in attendance will receive a coupon for free Cosmik Fries at HopCat. 
Plus there will be a featured flashback food item and the Whitecaps wear specialty jerseys every Friday night.
9 – Get Deals on Thrifty Thursdays
Nothing makes me feel like a winner more than saving some money!
Every Thrifty Thursday you can grab a 20 oz. beer, a 16 oz. soda, or a hot dog for just $3. 
Better yet, college students and military can show a valid ID and get half-off a reserved seat.
10 – Let Kids Run at the Meijer Hometown Playground
Find the Meijer Hometown Playground on the first base side of the field.
We were delighted to find inflatable bouncy houses, interactive games (some cost money), and playground equipment.
Stop by before the game to get some energy out or take a literal 7th-inning stretch! Parents can enjoy the game, and kids can play—it’s a win all around.
11 – Experience The Out-Sized Food Selection
LMCU Ballpark has many food options.
Whether you want a burger, are trying to eat healthy, or have a food allergy, they cater to everyone’s needs.
While the ballpark will always have hot dogs and hamburgers, each year they come out with some fun foods that the fans get to vote for. Some favorites are the Kingdom Cheese Bowl, Queso Queen, and TruFru (frozen chocolate-covered fruit).
Dippin Dots and ice cream cones are a huge hit with the kids and the craft beer selection is excellent.
12 – Camp at LMCU Ballpark
Want to really kick up the VIP treatment a notch? Scouts can spend the night on the field.
Yes! Scout Night and Camp Out is a fun annual tradition for local scouts. They can earn a badge, a t-shirt, and watch a movie on the big screen from the field. Talk about a fun memory! Dates for 2024 TBA
2024 Whitecaps Schedule
West Michigan Whitecaps Tickets & Parking
Getting tickets to a West Michigan Whitecaps baseball game is easy.
Grab some online or stop by the box office before a game.
Parking is $8 for cars and motorcycles. (RVs and Buses are $10.)
Parking lots open two and a half hours prior to first pitch, except on Fridays when they open three and a half hours prior to first pitch.
Tailgating is prohibited at LMCU Ballpark.
Tips for Attending a Whitecaps Game
Pick a Day and Time That’s Best For You
The Whitecaps schedule is packed all summer long, so there is always a game that fits your family’s schedule.
Afternoon games start at various times and are popular with families with young kids.
Lawn Seats are Perfect for Kids
Evening games can be a bit challenging if your kids have an early bedtime.
If that’s the case for you, get the cheap lawn seats ($11) and get to the stadium when the gates open (one hour before each game). That way you can maximize your time there and not feel bad if you can’t make it through the final innings.
Kids are also able to move around in the grass. We all know, especially with younger kids, they don’t stay put for very long!
Take advantage of bringing your littlest ones to the game: kids 2 and under are free!
Take Advantage of Promotions
The Whitecaps’ promotions page is brimming with events, themes and deals.
There are fireworks nights, giveaways, and special theme nights like Star Wars Night or Bluey and Bingo.
Get deals on nights like “Bulletin Night Tuesdays” when you can bring in your church or community bulletin and get half priced tickets for an Upper Box or reserved seat. (Limit 8 tickets per bulletin.)
Pack These Items if Going with Kids
LMCU Ballpark does not allow outside food or drinks unless it is for a baby or a medically-related condition. Plan to bring money for concessions or fuel up before the game.
- Chairs and/or blankets if you have lawn seating.
- Sunglasses and hats. Sunscreen is never a bad idea either.
- Empty water bottles (such as Nalgene). While no outside food or drinks are allowed, there are drinking fountains throughout the ballpark. On especially hot days, it’s nice to fill up a couple of bottles for the family to stay hydrated.
- A stroller or baby carrier if you have little ones. (Bonus: the stroller can help hold your other items.)
- Raincoats and/or umbrellas if the forecast is iffy.
- Dress in layers. The games might be hot at the start, but as the sun sets on an evening game, the stadium can get pretty chilly.
- Kids can bring their baseball gloves and autograph books. That way they’ll be ready to catch a fly ball and get players’ signatures.
