Jackson Field - Lansing Lugnuts
- Meg Minard
- Aug 15
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 18
Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14
Jackson Field 505 E Michigan Ave Lansing, MI 48912
Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 11,000
Let's Go Nuts
Located just a few blocks from the Michigan State Capitol Building in Lansing sits charming Jackson Field, home of the Midwest League baseball team, the Lansing Lugnuts.
The ballpark debuted in 1996 as Oldsmobile Park and brought baseball back to town after 55 years. The venue received major renovations prior to the 2017 season, which included, most notably, the colorful apartment complex behind center field and a 360 degree wrap-around concourse.
Since playing in Lansing, the team has been affiliated with the Royals, Cubs, and Blue Jays. Since 2021, they have been the High-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. They won the Midwest League championship in 1997 and 2003.
The ballpark offers exceptional comfort, and the game day operations do a wonderful job of allowing fans to have an enjoyable, content, and entertaining few hours.
Food & Beverage 5
Jackson Field has an excellent variety of concessions with permanent food stands and kiosks lining the infield concourse.
Permanent stands have choices like chicken tender baskets, chicken sandwiches, burgers (including olive burgers, iconic Michigan sandwiches), etc. ($5 - $12.75).
Tacos Locos sells Mexican fare of tacos and nachos ($12.75 - $17.75). The souvenir nacho helmet is said to be delicious. On Tuesdays, the special is two beef tacos costing $5. Another stand sells pizza, Mr. Softee ice cream, and Dippin’ Dots. Other kiosks include Hickory’s BBQ, Philly Cheesesteak, and Smokies Sausage Shack, all of which look quite tempting as you stroll by.
All stands sell an assortment of snacks and sweets.
Pepsi is the soda provider at Jackson Field. A decent choice of domestic and premium beers is sold. Ope! Ale House and Good Hops Craft Beer Bistro are your best bets for craft beers. Beers run $8 - $10.50. Cocktails and wine cost $8 - $16. The stadium promotes $5 Tallboy Tuesdays and Thirsty Thursdays, where domestic drafts and cans are $3, sodas are $3, and seltzers cost $5.
Atmosphere 5
Beyond the action on the field, the Lansing Lugnuts deliver a welcoming game day experience and an impressive ballpark. Be sure to explore all the features it offers when visiting.
The seats at Jackson Field are comfortably wide (22”) and have excellent leg room. One level of traditional stadium seating extends down the baselines with bleachers on the first base side nearer the foul pole. A second level of suites sits above the infield concourse. The third base side gets the shade first. The outfield features small grassy berms tucked beside the foul poles. Fans can walk the entire circumference, and we recommend doing this to see all that the stadium has to offer. Bullpens are on the field beyond the baselines, making it easy to identify when a relief pitcher may be entering the game.
The music volume is loud right under the infield concourse, but at a perfect level everywhere else. It’s mostly played only between batters, but almost annoyingly between every pitch later in the game. The scoreboard in left field and the letters and numbers are large enough to read easily. For those not facing the scoreboard, the banner board between infield seating shows pitch count, batter stats, inning, and other data. The pitcher’s name is projected on the right field wall. The grounds crew provides a lush green turf.
Fans can access the game day program by scanning a QR code on their phone. Having printed copies available would be a nice touch.
The Big Lugs Playground with bounce houses and a jungle gym is on the left field concourse. It costs $1 a game or $5 for unlimited usage and is a popular place. The game day crew keeps things lively with plenty of between-inning games and activities. One crowd favorite is the balloon sculptor, entertaining both kids and adults alike.
Neighborhood 5
Jackson Field is in the heart of vibrant downtown Lansing, MI, surrounded by plenty of places to visit, stay, and eat before or after a game. The ballpark’s entrance is in a peaceful, scenic plaza enriched with grass, trees, bushes, colorful flowers, statues, and benches to sit on before the game.
Plenty of other attractions abound in Lansing besides the Lugnuts. Tour the state Capitol Building, the Mission 5 Museum, or the Potter Park Zoo. Visit Old Town, an eclectic collection of shops, galleries, and restaurants, a mile north of the ballpark or Adado Riverfront Park for outdoor picnics and fun!
Recommended places to eat and drink within walking distance of the ballpark are Batter Up Bistro (right next door, closed on Monday and Tuesday), Lansing Brewing Company behind the center field apartments (good beer), and Nuthouse Sports Grill (across the street). Sahara Delight (Mediterranean) is nearer the Capitol Building.
Places to stay downtown are the Courtyard Marriott (one block away) and the DoubleTree (two blocks from the field).
If you attend an early-season game, you may be able to catch a Michigan State Spartans baseball game in East Lansing.
Fans 3
Common among minor league baseball, many fans attend a Lugnuts game for an afternoon out with family and friends, with the game on the field being secondary. The team has a booster club whose energetic members support and encourage the team and players.
Those in attendance root the team on and applaud good plays by either team.
The team averages between 4,000 and 4,500 fans a game.
Access 4
Getting to the ballpark is pretty easy via car and bus. The stadium is conveniently located less than a mile north of I-496 and a mile west of US 127. Parking lots and garages are available near the stadium and generally cost $5. Street parking is free on Saturdays and Sundays, but those spots fill up fast. Jackson Field offers free golf cart service to and from neighboring parking areas beginning one hour before gate opening until one hour after the end of the game.
The Capital Area Transit Authority has bus stops outside the stadium.
If you’re flying in, Capital Regional International Airport (LAN), a small regional hub, is just five miles from the ballpark.
Inside the stadium, the concourses are noticeably wide, though they can get crowded in the outfield near the kids’ playground. Wheelchair seating spots line the inner concourse.
Return on Investment 4
Jackson Field offers an affordable, fun-filled ballgame experience that’s perfect for fans of all ages.
Ticket prices typically range from $14 - $23.50. Concession prices are what you’d expect at a ballpark, and parking won’t break the bank. Visit on a Tuesday or Thursday and take advantage of food and drink specials.
Group areas include:
Pepsi Porch – A tiered party area with an all-you-can-eat-and-drink (Pepsi) option $46
Tailgate Terrace - Can hold up to 1,000 of your closest friends (grilled burgers, dogs, and other concessions are included in ticket price)
The View – A year-round suite in center field used for group outings and special events
The Lugnuts offer an array of promotional games throughout the season, including, but certainly not limited to: MSU Night, Dog Day at the Park, Olive Burger Night, Fireworks, Cinco de Mayo, Pride Night, and sponsor giveaways.
Extras 3
Several other items are worth noting when visiting a Lugnuts game. The souvenir shop, cleverly named Nuts and Bolts, sells a huge variety of merchandise and mementos, with baseball caps the best seller.
As you walk the outfield concourse, you’ll pass the Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame with plaques honoring prominent players, coaches, teams, and others with ties to Michigan.
Be sure to listen to Lansing Lugnuts games on The Game 730 AM.
Final Thoughts
Catching a Lansing Lugnuts game is a highlight of any visit to this capital city in the spring and summer. The Lugnuts deliver a fun, family-friendly baseball experience at Jackson Field at an affordable price.
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