Community-backed baseball field nears final inning with donor support

SportsConstruction

Nov 26

Written By Staff

Fans of Valley Field are looking for a few “Angels in the Outfield” to help bring their capital campaign home, as long-awaited Phase II construction is set to resume at the city’s historic 1937 ballpark.

The campaign to renovate and reimagine Sullivan Field – formerly Valley Field – received its first big lift from Grand Rapids voters through their parks millage approval. Since then, the all-volunteer Fans of Valley Field organization has been steadily raising the money needed to fully renovate the ballpark. With support from the city, the State, and generous donors of all sizes, the campaign has now surpassed 90% of its goal and is rounding third and heading for home.

The organization is seeking at least two additional Guardian Angels (major donors). At the same time, the organization is launching its “Last Chance to Buy a Brick” campaign, allowing supporters to cement their place in the ballpark’s history with an engraved brick for as little as $150. Individuals and small businesses can also join the permanent donor wall for $1,000, and a limited number of park benches remain available for sponsorship.

“Last Chance to Buy a Brick” campaign coincides with the kickoff of Phase II construction at the field. Progress was delayed nearly a year after the discovery that the park’s original wooden grandstands required significant structural repairs. With that work now complete, this next phase will fully restore the grandstands and add a new entrance, plaza, home dugout, concession stand, upgraded restrooms, and a museum celebrating the history of baseball in West Michigan. BISSELL is the Major Sponsor of the new entrance, and Meijer is the proud sponsor of the museum.

Construction is expected to take just over 12 months, with hopes for a ribbon-cutting at this time next year. Rockford Construction is leading the build, with design by Integrated Architecture.

The overall capital campaign now stands at more than $4.9 million, representing a true public–private “double play” effort. To purchase a brick or add an engraving to the wall, visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/donor-wall-and-brick-campaign-fans-of-valley-field.

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