Gluten Free Food at LMCU Ballpark
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Traveling to Grand Rapids? Hoping to catch a Whitecaps game? If you need to eat gluten free, you’ll want to read this blog post to know which gluten free food options are available to you at LMCU Ballpark.
Who Plays at LMCU Ballpark?
LMCU Ballpark is home to the West Michigan Whitecaps. Started in 1994, this Midwest League team is a High-A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. “The Whitecaps were affiliated with the Oakland Athletics before they joined the Tigers’ farm system in 1997.” (Wikipedia)
“Before the 2002 season [LMCU Ballpark] was known as Old Kent Park; the name was changed when the park’s title sponsor, Old Kent Bank, was purchased by Fifth Third Bank. Before the 2021 season, the Lake Michigan Credit Union renamed the venue “LMCU Ballpark”. (Wikipedia)
Where is LMCU Ballpark?
LMCU Ballpark is located in Comstock Park, MI, approximately 7 miles north of downtown Grand Rapids. It sits just west of the Grand River. It’s just off US 131, at exit 91.
LMCU Ballpark is one of many sporting venues in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Grand Rapids Griffins are the AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings and play at Van Andel Arena. Van Andel Arena is also home to the Grand Rapids Gold basketball team, which is an affiliate of the Denver Nuggets.
How Much are Tickets?
Ticket prices range from $14-$50 for single game tickets. Visit their website to learn more about prices for Full & Half Season Ticket Prices, and the bonuses that come with them.
What Gluten Free Food is Available at LMCU Ballpark?
The staff at LMCU Ballpark was kind enough to send me the above PDF. I’ll break down the options to you, by type of food.
Hot Dogs and Sandwiches (Gluten Free Buns Available)
- Big Beef Sandwich
- Bratwurst
- Grilled Chicken
- Hot Dog
- Polish Power Hitter
- Pulled Chicken Sandwich
- Pulled Pork Sandwich
- Rice Bowls
- SPAM Hot Dog
Snacks
- Caramel Corn
- Cotton Candy
- Great Lakes Chips
- Popcorn
- Shelled Salted Peanuts
Sweets
- Dippin Dots
- Hard Serve Ice Cream (some flavors)
- Lemon Icee Frozen Lemonade
- Soft Serve Ice Cream (see PDF for GF toppings)
- Sweet Street Gluten Free Brownie
Danielle O’Connor, Food & Beverage Operations Manager for the West Michigan White Caps, shared the following information with me.
The way we approach gluten free items on the menu, is whether the whole menu item can be considered gluten free. For example, our tortilla chips are gluten free. However, the cheese contains wheat, so we don’t list tortilla chips under gluten free because it’s not an item that can be purchased without the cheese. The gluten free menu focuses on items, while our full allergy menu focuses on ingredients.
Please Tell Me More about Your Gluten Free Buns
Gluten free buns are kept in their packaging until given to the fan, and handled with new gloves. Depending on the capability of the specific area, some are kept in a warmer and some are left out to thaw. We have our gluten free buns available at all locations where the item is served, not just specific concession stands.
What Steps Does LMCU Ballpark Take to Prevent Cross Contact?
We always ask guests to state that they need to order a gluten free items. We do keep our gluten free items in a separate spot, but we also want to make sure it’s fully being taken seriously and there’s no risk of miscommunication between food runners and cashier staff. Staff are always willing to change gloves and use separate utensils.
We cook hot dogs and bratwursts separately from our hamburger patties, which contain wheat. Quesadillas are made on a panini press and not the flat top, so there is no cross contact there.
What About Those With Peanut Allergies?
They offer nut free games in May! Danielle O’Connor shared the following with me.
One of the nut free games is one of our school day games. So many kids take field trips and I love how we at LMCU Ballpark can provide a safe environment for the kiddos to come and enjoy! The week leading up to the peanut free games, we do a deep clean of the whole ballpark like the seating bowl and everything
Does LMCU Ballpark Have Gluten Free Beer?
Yes, LMCU Ballpark serves New Grist Gluten Free Beer. In addition, they also sell Long Drink Seltzer, Nutrl Vodka Seltzer, White Claw Seltzers, and hard cider.
*Can I Bring my Own Gluten Free Food To a Whitecaps Game?
The LMCU Ballpark Food Service Policy states “No outside food or beverage will be allowed LMCU Ballpark with the exception of pre-determined items agreed on by both parties.”
When I spoke with staff, they told me “We do allow fans to bring in their own food for medical, religious, and otherwise dietary needs.”
Where Should I Park If Going To a Whitecaps Game?
LMCU Ballpark offers parking on premises. They charge $10 per car. Their website states “Parking lots will open 2.5 hours prior to first pitch/ event start. All lots are first come first serve. (Fridays open 3.5 hours prior to first pitch).”
What Other Gluten Free Dining Options are Near LMCU Ballpark?
The ballpark is located in Comstock Park, and Amore Trattoria is only 4 miles west of the ballpark. Drive 4 miles to the east to to Belmont, MI and dine at Archival Brewing, which has a dedicated fryer!
Grand Rapids has many amazing gluten free dining options, including a few dedicated gluten free dining establishments. Papa Chops, which serves burgers, fries, pizza and more, is approximately 20 minutes from the ballpark. Fika, owned by the same people as Rise Authentic Baking, is 100% gluten free and vegan. It’s a 10 minute drive from the stadium.
Craving something sweet after the game? You’re only 5 miles away from Frosty Boy on Plainfield, which is one of the best places in Michigan to get GF ice cream. If you need dairy free ice cream, take a 20 minute drive to Tastefull Vegan Ice Cream. Everything there is gluten free and dairy free.
Gluten Free Options at Other Michigan Sport Venues
Curious about other sports teams? Check out my article about attending a Detroit Tigers game. Hopefully this fall I’ll be able to add articles about Little Caesars Arena & Ford Field
Interested in more Minor League Baseball teams in Michigan? Dow Diamond in Midland, home of the Great Lakes Loons, has many gluten free options. Jackson Field, home of the Lansing Lugnuts, also has many gluten free options.
What other Michigan sports venues would you like to learn about?
LMCU Ballpark Address and Contact Information
LMCU Ballpark
4500 West River Drive
Comstock Park, MI 49321
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Phone: 616-784-4131