Cooley Law School Stadium to Receive $22MM Renovation
LANSING, Mich. - Nearing its 20th year in Mid-Michigan, Cooley Law School Stadium, home of the single-A Lansing Lugnuts, will receive a comprehensive $11 million dollar renovation to upgrade and modernize the ballpark. The stadium renovations are part of a larger project to incorporate a private mixed-use development into the ballpark outfield. The innovative project is the result of a year-long collaborative effort between the Lugnuts, the City of Lansing, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), the Lansing Entertainment & Public Facilities Authority (LEPFA), and the Gillespie Group.
The Outfield, a privately funded residential and commercial development, will cost in excess of $11 million. In addition, a state-of-the-art HD video board will be paid for by the Lugnuts.
"This revolutionary project is a model for how the private and public sectors can work together to preserve a community asset while also propelling further economic growth downtown," said Lugnuts owner Tom Dickson. "Its inclusion of a mixed-use development directly in the outfield of the ballpark delivers a twist that is unprecedented in the industry, creating more energy in both the ballpark and surrounding downtown Stadium District."
The resulting renovations will include key updates to the facility as well as several new ballpark amenities that continue to foster the family friendly entertainment environment the Lugnuts have created since their inception. Upgrades will include the HD video board, 360° walk-around concourse, re-imagined and enhanced picnic venues, a new kids playground area, team clubhouse upgrades, refurbished seating (replacing all aluminum benches), a new playing surface, renovated annual suites, installation of energy-efficient lighting and windows, and a new special event facility to allow for all-season use of the ballpark.
"The opening of the stadium in 1996 dramatically turned around the downtown area and catalyzed capital-area and regional development," said Lansing mayor Virg Bernero. "With this renovation, we're solidifying a crown jewel in Cooley Law School Stadium and ensuring the Lugnuts remain an amazing entertainment option for Lansing area patrons for the next twenty years."
In addition to the stadium renovations, The Outfield project will feature approximately 80 residential units as well as a year-round restaurant. The development's name, The Outfield, was chosen as it will be constructed directly over the existing outfield wall and ultimately offers residents the opportunity to have front row seats to the action. The development was initially envisioned by LEAP as a mutually beneficial plan for both the Lugnuts and the City of Lansing, with taxes generated by the new private development helping to fund the stadium renovations.
The Lugnuts are working with the City of Lansing to secure City Council approval by May 1st with the renovations currently slated to be completed over the next two offseasons. Upon approval, the project will move forward with further plans produced alongside lead architecture firm Jones Petrie Rafinski.
Cooley Law School Stadium's first game this season will pit the Lugnuts against the Michigan State Spartans on Thursday, April 3rd, in the eighth annual Crosstown Showdown presented by Auto-Owner's Insurance.
Lugnuts single game tickets are on sale now at the Cooley Law School Stadium box office, by calling 517-485-4500 and online at lansinglugnuts.com. To sign up for Lugnuts Alerts, text LUGNUTS to 80373.