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Oldsmobile Park /
Lansing Lugnuts
| Year Opened | 1996 |
| Capacity | 11,000 |
| Architect | HNTB |
| Dimensions | 305L, 412C, 305R |
| Playing Surface | Grass |
| Last Visit | 2005 |
| Web Site | http://www.lansinglugnuts.com |
| Online Broadcasts | Yes |
| Online Ticket Sales | Yes |
| Phone | 517/485-4500, ext. 251 |
| Ticket Prices (2005) | Box, $8; Reserved, $7.50; Lawn, $6.50 |
| League | Midwest League |
| Affiliation | Toronto Blue Jays |
| Parking | $3 in most lots surrounding the ballpark. This is a downtown park, and you may be able to find free parking at meters for evening and weekend games. |
| Directions | From 496 West Downtown: Exit at the Cedar/Larch & Pennsylvania exits. Follow the Cedar/Larch signs and exit right onto Larch. Follow Larch and turn left onto Shiawassee. Go one block and turn left on Cedar then turn right onto Museum Drive. Follow signs towards ballpark. |
| Written by: | Marc Viquez |
| Rating |  |
There is something about visiting a ballpark for the first time. My preconceptions about Oldsmobile Park were limited to what I have seen in pictures in reviews. However, after my visit I realized that there was much similar at Oldsmobile Park to other ballpark, but at the same time a lot that was unique.
The first thing that I noticed about the ballpark was that how colorful and clear everything seemed to be, from its outfield walls, inner concourses, field of play and areas surrounding the outfield. It may have been the time of day, (10:30 a.m., a day game designed for school outings) or the warm weather. Whatever the case, it was one clear look all around the stadium.
"This is one of the cleanest parks that I been out to," said Greg Stafford, a Lansing resident attending the game. "I have been to a few other parks in the area, but you really have a good seat no matter where you are."
The outfield section
of the ballpark is what strikes me the most. I
know many other facilities have a lot of
activities in their respective outfield concourse,
but for some reason there seemed to be more of a
party occurring at Oldsmobile Park. The concourse
stretches almost all around the whole outfield
section, and this is where you will find a picnic
area, inflatable rides for the small children and
grass seating above the outfield walls, taking up
most of the left-field area. Local buildings also
add a little bit of seasoning to the left-field
area, especially the white building with the
Lansing city seal painted on it.
There are a few menacing features at the park,
including a new 66-foot-high scoreboard in center
field and the 23-foot-high right field wall that
features additional cyclone fencing on the top for
protection for fans and passing cars on the city
streets. Balls that are hit against the fence are
home runs. The look from on top of the right-field
section is a unique view of the field, and the
same is created on the opposite side of the field
in the left-field section.
"I usually spend most of my time watching the game
from this area," said Robert Simon, a Lugnuts fan
attending the game. "I have seen a few balls fly
out of the stadium and onto the street."
The scoreboard is new to the park this season and
replaces the previous scoreboard used since the
park was open. The outfield wall below the
scoreboard features two LED boards that tell you
the time of day and the speed of the pitch.
The ballpark features the usually open infield
concourse, 26 luxury suites, concession stands
galore and team gift shop. As a bonus, you'll find
an array of retro Oldsmobile car ads painted on
the inner concourse walls from throughout the 20th
century. This provides a nice little touch along
with the cleanliness of the inner concourse
section as well.
In the end, Oldsmobile Park is a very clean and
attractive ballpark that incorporates the downtown
area nicely. The atmosphere was very festive, and
it looks like there is a lot of fun to be had at a
day at the ballpark and downtown Lansing. There is
a lot that is familiar to ballpark fans, but there
is much more unique to this ballpark.
Concessions
What you will find at most newer ballparks of
the last decade. The open concourse features
various areas for basic ballpark cuisine. You will
be able to find grilled food at the Gasoline Alley
Diner in the centerfield area. There is also the
Bullpen Bar and Grille along the third-base line.
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