An upgraded accessible seating area is being installed at Homer Stryker Field, the home of the Kalamazoo Growlers (summer collegiate; Northwoods League). The team is adding the area in partnership with the Northwoods League Foundation and the City of Kalamazoo.
The improvement will incorporate hockey dasher boards as the new barrier and backstop for the area behind home plate. This will add 82 accessible seats, an improved view for the entire home plate section, and add new field level seats and suites the team is calling the “Dugout Club” and the “Backstop”.
“The goal for the project is to provide access to our most premium areas of the ballpark that weren’t accessible in prior years,” said Growlers Managing Partner Brian Colopy. “Accessibility is a priority for our organization and the city of Kalamazoo and we are extremely lucky the Northwoods League Foundation made this commitment to our community.”
Northwoods League Foundation President, Dick Radatz Jr. added,”This fits perfectly with our mission as we continue to help teams around the League with inclusion and accessibility to promote a great fan experience for everyone.”
The Growlers teamed up with local partner Schupan and Sons to help provide premium tickets for these areas to local nonprofits. Tickets for the “Schupan Seats” will include VIP parking, a three-course gourmet meal, wait service, and the best view in the ballpark behind home plate.
Dana DeLuca, Director of Development and Public Relations with Residential Opportunities Inc. said in a statement, “On behalf of our burgeoning partnership with the Kalamazoo Growlers, and in keeping with the Mission and Core Values of ROI, we fully support the concept of accessible seat improvements to the City of Kalamazoo’s Homer Stryker Field. These additions to the ballpark would make the venue much more accessible to individuals with disabilities, while helping to improve the quality-of-life outcomes for the individuals we serve who attend baseball games.”
The Accessible Seating Project is a part of a multi-faceted stadium upgrade that also includes the brand new HD Eaton Video Board in right center field. The project is scheduled to be completed in early May, in time for the fifth season of Kalamazoo Growlers baseball. The Growlers announced that they will also be host to the 2018 Northwoods League All-Star game, slated for July 24th.