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

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Phone: 616-784-4131

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Where do the Lansing Lugnuts Play?

The Lansing Lugnuts play at Jackson Field, in downtown Lansing, Michigan. When the Lansing Lugnuts played their first game in April 1996, the stadium was originally called Oldsmobile Park. In 2010, they renamed the venue as Cooley Law School Stadium. In 2020, the stadium became Jackson Field.

Fun fact- On Tuesdays the team plays as the “Lansing Locos.” This is part of a “special nationwide MiLB initiative connecting teams to their Latino/a fanbase, according to MLB.com.”

How Much are Tickets at Jackson Field?

Single game tickets range in price from $12 to $53. Lawn seats cost only $12.

What Are the Lansing Lugnuts Gluten Free Concession Options?

When I met with concessions manager Michelle, I was amazed at how many Lansing Lugnuts gluten free options this ball park offers. Let’s break down the options per concession stand. They offer gluten free buns, but they’re not currently marked on the menu.

• Pizza Stand – Cheese or Pepperoni, cooked in a separate space, Mr Softy Ice Cream
• “Chrome Plated Grills” stands – Nacho Chips and Cheese, Gluten Free Hot Dogs, Gluten Free Hamburgers (ask for gluten free buns)
• “Salsa” Latin American- Walking Tacos (Beef or Chicken) [While pupusas are technically gluten free, they are cooked in a shared fryer.]
• “Smokies Sausage Shack” – Gluten free hot dogs and Italian Sausages (request GF bun)
• “Hickory’s BBQ”- Jumbo Turkey Legs, Brisket or pulled pork (request GF bun), coleslaw, pickles
• Philly Cheesesteak Stand – Philly Steak Nachos
• Tacos Locos – Helmet Nachos, Taco Salad without shell (build a rice bowl), Boozy Icees

Also, please know that Jackson Field is a “cashless” ball park. Payment is only taken with credit or debit cards. From their FAQ page, “If you only have cash for in-stadium transactions, it can be exchanged for gift cards at sales table behind home plate.”

Does Jackson Field Have a Separate Gluten Free Fryer?

At this time, concession stands do not have dedicated gluten free fryers. They’re hoping to change that in the future.

How do Concession Workers Prevent Cross Contact?

Everyone knows that we take it very seriously and they should change their gloves.  As long as the guest tells them that they have an allergy, we will do our best to serve our gluten free customers.

For their gluten free pizza, they use a separate counter in the back, and they use separate utensils for cutting and serving.

Can I Bring my Own Gluten Free Food to Jackson Field?

The Lansing Lugnuts staff wants to try to meet your dietary needs within the park as much as possible. However, sometimes a person attending a game needs additional accommodations. For those situations, prior communication ahead of a game is key.

Michelle told me an attendee can tell security (or call her directly if there’s a problem at the gate) and they will walk you through. If you have severe food allergies and you’re nervous about attending, they want you to still be able to enjoy a game with your friends and family, if that means you need to bring your own snacks.

Can Jackson Field Accommodate Large Groups?

They have event spaces that hold anywhere from like 20 to 1200 people. Most of them have preset menus such as , hamburger, hot dogs, potato, salad, slaw, etc.They also offer gluten free buns to accommodate people that need them. In additional they have special catering menus for suite boxes that also offer gluten free options. As long as staff have advance notice, they will do their best to accommodate your gluten free needs.

Do Lansing Lugnuts Concessions Offer Gluten Free Alcoholic Options?

Yes, Jackson Stadium concessions offers seltzers, ciders, and canned cocktails.

Where Should I Park When Attending a Lansing Lugnuts Game?

First, please know that there is handicap parking directly in front of the stadium. It is “first come, first serve.” You will need to access that parking lot from either Cedar Street or Larch St. (Both are one way streets.)

“Public parking is available on streets, parking lots, and parking ramps in a four-to-five-block area around the ballpark.” Parking ramps for the Lansing Center or the North Grand Ramp may be your best option. View this parking map for reference.

Other Gluten Free Options in Downtown Lansing, MI

The ballpark is directly across the street from Capital City Market. There you’ll find Kind Crumbs and Rise Authentic Baking gluten free baked goods. Check out my blog post about Lansing Gluten Free Dining Options for more suggestions.

Other Michigan Sports Venues with Gluten Free Options

Curious about other sports teams? Check out my blog post about Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers. I’m working on articles about Little Caesars Arena and Ford Field soon.

Interested in Minor League Baseball? Dow Diamond in Midland, home of the Great Lakes Loons, has many gluten free options. In addition, the West Michigan Whitecaps play at LMCU Ballpark and have many gluten free concessions.

Jackson Field Location and Contacts

505 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Email Michelle Stanley with further questions, or visit their FAQ page.

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Who Plays at Comerica Park?

Comerica Park is home to the Detroit Tigers baseball team. Previously they played at Tigers Stadium, located at the corner of Trumbull and Michigan. However, the Detroit Tigers moved to Comerica Park in April of 2000.

Comerica Park is one of three major sporting arenas located in downtown Detroit. Little Caesars Arena houses the Detroit Pistons basketball team and the Detroit Red Wings hockey team, which opened in 2017. The Detroit Lions football team plays at Ford Field, which opened in 2002.

Since 2017, Detroit is the only U.S. city to have its MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL teams play within its downtown district. ~Wikipedia

Where is Comerica Park?

Comerica Park is located at 2100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201. Woodward Avenue, also known as M-1, runs thru the heart of Detroit, and thru most of Metro Detroit. It’s famous for the Woodward Dream (Car) Cruise, which takes place every August.

How Much are Tickets?

Single game ticket prices start around $30, and cost as much as $200+. Tickets prices vary due to seating location. Bleacher seats cost less than box seats. Visit the Detroit Tigers website to buy tickets.

What Gluten Free Food is Available at Comerica Park?

I spent some time talking to David Comiska, Concession Manager at Comerica Park. He sent me the PDF shown above. I’ll break down the options to you, by type of food.

Breadless (Wraps)- ALL GLUTEN FREE Section 140, Near Gate C

• Jerk Chicken & Mango
• Chicken Bacon Ranch
• Avocado Turkey
• Spicy Falafel
• Sweet Heat Chicken Wrap
• Southwest Rice Bowl

You can also order box meals from them to be delivered to the Suites.

Hot Dogs and Sausages (Section 130- near Gate D)

• Ball Park Franks with GLUTEN FREE BUN ONLY AVAILABLE AT BIG LEAGUE GRILL Sections 108, 130, 213, & 325. (Made by Michigan’s own Made With Love Donuts)
• Sharifa All Beef Hot Dog – available at all Grill Portables
• Polish Sausage GRILL PORTABLES 113,131, 134, TIGER CLUB, AND CHAMPIONS CLUB
• Bratwurst – GRILL PORTABLES 104, 113, 134, TIGER CLUB, AND SUITES
• Italian Sausage – GRILL PORTABLES 104, 113, 122, 125, 131, 134, 147, 326 , AND 340, FINE DINING, AND SUITES
• Gluten Free Chicken Tenders (dedicated fryer) – At the Beer Hall, which is open to all guests at the ballpark.  This space is located around section 133, just off the main concourse, right next to the Ferris wheel.

Snacks and Sides

• French Fries ONLY at section 119 in the Big Cat Court. All other fryers in the park are shared with non-gluten free items.
• Zesty Hummus
• Popcorn
• Peanuts
• Nacho Chips
• Chili
• Doritos
• Cracker Jacks
• Lay’s Classic Potato Chips

Sweets

• Guernsey Ice Cream Stand- Big Cat Court
• Soft Serve (Chocolate and Vanilla) – Section 138
• Dippin’ Dots (Chocolate and Rainbow) – PORTABLES 111, 128, 212, AND 333 AND THE BLUE MOON BISTRO
• Frozen Minute Maid – BIG LEAGUE GRILL 108, 130, 149, 213, 325, 331, 339, PORTABLE 138, AND SUITES

Comerica Park vendors do NOT take cash, so make sure you take a credit or debit card.

See the whole Concession Ingredient Information PDF document at this link. More about Comerica Park concessions can be found on this 313 website.

What Steps Does Comerica Park Take to Prevent Cross Contact?

I asked David Comiska about cross contact in regards to hot dogs and sausages. In addition, I asked if staff change gloves when handling a gluten free order. Here is his reply.

All hot dogs and sausages are gluten free, until placed into a hot dog bun. The only thing cooked on those grills are diced onions, pepper onion blend, and sauerkraut. 

Our gluten free buns are not warmed at all or heated in any capacity, same as our regular hot dog buns. 

The gluten free hot dog buns come in a 4 pack. Generally, staff knows to change gloves. However, it never hurts for the guest to ask the person to change their gloves when dealing with gluten free buns, knowing that it is a special dietary need of said guest. 

Does Comerica Park Have Gluten Free Beer?

While I do not see any gluten free beers on their menu, they do serve hard cider and seltzers. Most notable, Blake’s Triple Jam Hard Cider is available at most bars.

The Meijer Market (Section 143) and the Miller Lite Market (Section 149) both have seltzers and canned cocktails. The Miller Lite Pitcher’s Pub (near Gate B) has a full bar.

Can I Bring my Own Gluten Free Food To Comerica Park?

I asked David Comiska this question, and this was his reply. “If after they see the allergy guide that is attached, and still cannot find something, I then coordinate with security. I allow them to bring snacks in that don’t take up much space. Any bags with gluten free snacks must follow our security team’s policy regarding bags.”

The bag policy states that “Single compartment bags, wallets and clutches smaller than 4″ x 6″ x 1.5” with or without a handle or strap are permitted. Bags, purses, clutches larger than 4” x 6” x 1.5” are prohibited.

Exceptions to this policy include bags, wallets and clutches needed due to medical necessity. Medical necessity includes diaper bags, breast pumps, oxygen, insulin, epi-pens and other medical devices. Authorized Diaper and Medical bags are required to be smaller than 16″ x 16″ x 8″.

Where Should I Park if Going to Comerica Park?

Parking in Detroit is crazy, even on a non game day. You can reserve parking spots through the Park Whiz on the Detroit Tigers website. There are 2 parking structures near Comerica Park, which are Tigers Parking Garage and the McLaren Garage. They are at the north end of the ball park.

You can park farther away from the ballpark, which is usually cheaper. Public transportation that runs near Comerica Park include The Q-Line station at Montcalm Street is near the stadium. You can also use the People Mover, and exit at the Grand Circus Station.

What Other Gluten Free Dining Options are Near Comerica Park?

Across Woodward, you can easily walk to Frita Batidos or Union Assembly. Buddy’s Pizza on Broadway, home of the original Detroit Style Pizza, offers gluten free pizza options. It’s about a 5 minute walk from the front of the stadium. You’ll find Detroit Water Ice Company, which has amazing Italian Ice, about a 10 min walk away, on Woodward. Most flavors are gluten free.

If you’re willing to travel a bit, you can go to Breadless on Larned, where EVERYTHING is gluten free. Everything at the Sushi Lounge inside Detroit Shipping Company is also gluten free. Baobab Fare, which is about 3.5 miles northwest of the ballpark, has a menu where everything is gluten free except for the bread. They have amazing African food.

Or, go to the old Corktown area and eat at Slows BBQ. Or Condado Tacos, located about a mile away on Selden St, has many gluten free options. I also like Folk Detroit for their gluten free waffles, which is on my Detroit Gluten Free Dining Guide. Make sure to scroll to the bottom for Metro Detroit gluten free dining suggestions.

Gluten Free Options at Other Michigan Sport Venues

Curious about other sports teams? I’m working on articles about Little Caesars Area and Ford Field. Interested in Minor League Baseball? 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. On the west side of the state? Go to a West Michigan Whitecaps game and enjoy their many gluten free concessions.

Comerica Park Location and Contacts

2100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Email David Comiska with other concession questions

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Where is Dow Diamond? Who Plays There?

My husband and I had the great opportunity to go to a Great Lakes Loons game in Midland, Michigan. If you’re unfamiliar with the Loons, they are part of the Class A baseball league. They play teams such as the Lansing Lugnuts and the West Michigan Whitecaps. The team moved to Midland in 2006 after being in Battle Creek for a decade.

Dow Diamond is Family Friendly

Like many Class A league games, the draw in attendance is more than just about baseball. These games are a great place for entertainment for every age. Admittance is incredibly reasonable, with lawn seats only costing $10. Standard Box seats are $15.

There’s pre-game entertainment most nights, as well as giveaways and fun activities during the game. The night we visited, they featured the most amazing acrobats called the Chicago Boyz. Their acrobatic skills were amazing ! You have to watch their audition from America’s Got Talent. Their abilities and their story is awe inspiring.

Of course, like all Class A games, there was a spectacular fireworks display at the end of the night.

What Gluten Free Concessions are at Dow Diamond?

What sets this ballpark apart from others are the gluten-free options that they offer. Their gluten free options amazed me. They offer individually wrapped gluten-free hamburger and hot dog buns, plus helpful signage around the park. In addition, they train their staff to prepare gluten free options, to prevent cross contact.

Here are the specific gluten free concessions at Dow Diamond:

• Cactus Carlos- super nachos and all items sold here are gluten free.
• Smoke House BBQ- the meat is gluten free and we offer gluten free buns.
• Wrap City- turn any wrap into a salad
• 1 st or 3 rd base concessions –
  • Hot dogs, we offer a gluten free bun, and the meat is gluten free
  • Cheeseburgers we offer a gluten-free bun, and the meat is gluten-free
  • Chicken Sandwich, we offer a gluten free bun, and the meat is gluten free
• Soft Serve Ice Cream is Gluten Free

Do They Take Cross Contact Seriously?

I spoke with Carlos Valles, Director of Food and Beverage for the Great Lakes Loons. He shared with me some of the steps they take to keep gluten free customers safe.

• Do staff change gloves if a customer orders a gluten free burger/ hot dog?
  • We train our staff that if someone mentions they have a gluten intolerance to change gloves
  • Gluten free buns are served in sealed packages to prevent cross contact.
• Are hot dogs/ chicken/ burgers cooked on a dedicated surface?
  • The burgers and hot dogs are cooked separately from anything else.
• Do staff toast wheat based buns on the same griddle where burgers/ hot dogs are cooked? 
  • We do not toast any buns  on any grill, we use bun warming drawers. No burgers or hot dogs come into contact with that.
• At any of the concession stations, would staff be willing to grab fresh toppings (lettuce, tomato, salad fixings) from the back if a customer asked?
  • Yes, if asked our staff will be glad to do that.
• Would I be correct in assuming french fries are NOT gluten free, because they are cooked in a shared fryer?
  • Yes, french fries are cooked in a shared fryer, which is why we don’t list them as a gluten free option at Dow Diamond.

So enjoy your gluten-free peanuts and popcorn, enjoy the seventh inning stretch, and make sure to stay for a great fireworks show. This is one ball stadium that hits gluten-free dining out of the park!

Where Should I Park When Visiting Dow Diamond?

Dow Diamond offers ample parking on site. The parking lot contains almost 700 parking spots. The cost to park there on game days is $7. You can use the Clutch! App to secure parking spots ahead of the game.

Other Gluten Free Dining Options in Midland, Michigan

If you’re planning to eat outside of the ballpark, I highly recommend Brinstar. They serve gluten free burgers, fries cooked in a dedicated fryer, and they feature loads of video games. Proper Taco is another good option, as most of their menu is gluten free.

Craving something sweet? Make sure to stop at Off The Wheaten Path. Everything baked and sold here is gluten free, and they offer vegan options too.

Other Michigan Sports Venues with GF Options

Curious about other sports teams? The Detroit Tigers offer gluten free options, including hot dogs and a Breadless concession stand that’s 100% gluten free. Traveling to Lansing? Check out my blog post about Jackson Field, where the Lansing Lugnuts play. On the west side of the state, enjoy a West Michigan Whitecaps game and enjoy gluten free hot dogs AND beer while you’re there.

I’m also working on an article about Little Caesars Area and Ford Field. If you have any connections, hook a girl up!

Dow Diamond Location and Contacts

825 E Main St, Midland, MI 48640

Website | Facebook | Instagram

What other sports stadiums do a great job of accommodating Celiac Disease and other food allergy needs? What’s your favorite place to catch a game in Pure Michigan?

Originally published August 2016

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