When professional baseball returned to West Michigan in 1994 after a 40-year hiatus, it wasn’t just about the game—it was about proving that Grand Rapids could be a sports town. And it worked. Thirty years later, that legacy is evolving under the leadership of second-generation CEO Joe Chamberlin.
“We’re in the middle of a multi-phase plan that completely reimagines the ballpark for the next 30 years,” Joe says of the transformation underway at LMCU Ballpark, one of the few privately owned stadiums in minor league baseball. “We’re building a place that feels brand new again.”
The updates include new terrace seating, a 360-degree concourse, and modern hospitality spaces—doubling the stadium’s group capacity, and creating fresh experiences for both longtime and first-time fans. Players also benefit from the upgrades with access to top-tier training amenities, including a new weight room, expanded locker room, and enhanced batting and pitching areas.
The Whitecaps have also taken over GameTime, the adjacent fun park, to create a seamless, family-focused destination. “It should be a place kids want to stop on their way in or out of a game,” Joe says. “And now we get to put our stamp on it.”
With more than 500,000 visitors expected annually between baseball and entertainment, the impact goes beyond the stands. The Whitecaps generate nearly $40 million in economic activity each year and provide close to 1,000 seasonal jobs—or as Joe puts it, the best first job in town.
“We feel a huge sense of responsibility for this place,” says Joe. “It’s like our second home.” As Grand Rapids celebrates 175 years, this ballpark transformation reflects what makes the region thrive; entrepreneurship, family legacy, and an eye on the future.
Jess Jones
Director of Marketing & Events
Grand Rapids Chamber