Looking for a night out or a quick weekend getaway in Kalamazoo with the family? Homer Stryker Field, home of the Kalamazoo Growlers, wants to host YOU this summer. We went to a Growlers game last week and had an absolute blast. Here are FIVE reasons you should too!
1. Interact with the team
Upon entry to the park, you're greeted by some of the Kalamazoo Growlers players themselves. You can take photos, get autographs, and chat with them before the game! During the game, the boys will even pop out from the dugout and show off their moves to the crowd. Porter the mascot is always around the park to dance, sign autographs, entertain the kiddos, and will drive onto the field right before the game to hype up the crowd. Sometimes he even “streaks” across the field as the staff chase him around and tackle him!
2. Fun for the entire family!
Dingers, dancing, and dogs- what more do you need? At a Growlers game, you’re guaranteed to witness a homerun or two (I saw a grandslam!) and some exciting, live action. Between innings, Growlers staff gets the crowd pumped up by climbing on top of the dugouts and dancing along to the music. The energy is contagious, and the park will have you on your feet in no time. Each game has a different theme, from Teacher Appreciation, Kids Day, and even Wine Wednesday. Your kids even have the opportunity to run the bases during the seventh inning stretch. Plus, there’s a post-game firework show every Friday night!
3. One word: S'MORES
With many sections throughout the park comes a variety of food & drink stands with all kinds of options. Beside general admission, there are three sections at an added cost that come with some included perks. I sat at the “Home Plate Club”, and was pleased with a table for four behind home base! We also had a server, and access to unlimited food + 5 drinks per person through the duration of the game. The best part? Toward the end of the game, our table got a personal DIY tray with the fixings for s’mores. Such a fun surprise, and one that pleased my crowd greatly.
4. Need a party spot?
Homer Stryker Field offers private parties, too! Whether it be a birthday, Bachelor(ette), work party- you name it! These closed off sections in the park provide your group with a great view and all-you-can-eat and drink as well. You can host an outing with 10-400 people, and the cost ranges $10-50 for the whole group. It’s a no-brainer steal!
5. You can be a Growler too!
Kiddos all around the park were representing their Kalamazoo Growlers with jerseys, t-shirts, hats, and giant foam fingers. Just recently, they acquired a brand new logo- a different kind of Growler. (thanks ESPN SportsCenter for the shoutout https://twitter.com/kzoogrowlers) A hut located behind the first-base-line bleachers has the new merchandise available for purchase at an affordable cost!
Games are all throughout the week…which one are you going to attend? Join the Growlers for Family Funday Sunday, or any time this summer. Check out their schedule below and plan your next family outing, date night, work event, etc. You won’t regret it!
Visit our Summer In Kalamazoo page for other ideas on how to make the most of these warm, sunny days while they last!
