Fifth Third Ballpark to host Ferris State-Michigan Tech football game
Ferris State, located in Big Rapids, will be the home team for this Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) game. Ferris State finished the 2008 football season with a 6-5 record, while Michigan Tech, located in Houghton in the U.P., finished 8-3 and narrowly missed an NCAA Division II playoff berth. Michigan Tech beat Ferris State 21-7 in their one head-to-head battle.
While Fifth Third Ballpark is primarily used for Minor League baseball games, the venue has played host to a multitude of other events in recent years, including concerts, high school and college baseball games, and carnivals. The Ferris State-Michigan Tech game will be the second college football game to be played at Fifth Third Ballpark; the first was in 2007 when Grand Valley State defeated Wayne State in a GLIAC game. The ballpark also hosted two high school football games in 2008.
Matt Costello, Whitecaps director of ballpark events, said the green light has been given for more football games at the ballpark after the first three games showed minimal wear and tear to the playing surface.
"The field held up just fine after last year's two high school games, and we're excited to be able to open up our doors to even more football games," Costello said. "The GLIAC matchups, particularly this one between Ferris State and Michigan Tech, are especially appealing because of the large alumni bases from both colleges that live in the Grand Rapids area. This is quality Division II football and we are proud to be host to this game."
Ferris State's head football coach, Jeff Pierce, is excited about the change of venue.
"We're excited about the opportunity to showcase Division II football in an outstanding facility such as Fifth Third Ballpark. It will be a great environment for the fans and feature good competition between Ferris and Michigan Tech while highlighting the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference."
Rob Bentley, Ferris State's Associate Athletics Communication Director and football SID, said he expects to draw a big crowd to Fifth Third Ballpark for the game.
"Playing this game at Fifth Third Ballpark will be a unique experience," Bentley said. "It will be great for our football program and for our fans. We have a lot of alumni in the Grand Rapids area, and I know Michigan Tech does as well, so I expect to see a great crowd at this game. It's always a good game between Ferris State and Michigan Tech."
All seats are reserved. Tickets will go on sale at a later date.