Homer Stryker Field – Kalamazoo Growlers
- Meg Minard
- 24 hours ago
- 6 min read
Photos by Steve Meg Minard, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
Homer Stryker Field 51 Mills St Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Year Opened: 1963
Capacity: 3,171
Kzoo Baseball
The Kalamazoo Growlers are a popular Northwoods League summer collegiate baseball team, playing their home games at Homer Stryker Field in Mayors’ Riverfront Park, Kalamazoo, MI.
In addition to the baseball field, the city-owned riverfront park has picnic tables, hiking and nature trails, fishing, basketball, a playground, and more. Besides the ball field, the park also features Soisson-Rapacz-Clason Field, home to the Kalamazoo FC, a USL League Two member. Families can easily enjoy their day at the park and head to a Growlers game in the evening.
The Growlers joined the Northwoods League in 2014, have made it to the playoffs multiple seasons, and clinched the league championship in 2022 and 2024. The name Growlers was chosen in a community vote; a growler is a 64-ounce refillable container that can be filled with beer at breweries in Kalamazoo and across the U.S. and Canada.
Fans love it and keep coming back, as it’s more of a social activity than a baseball game.
Food & Beverage 4
Concessions, restrooms, and the merchandise stand are located behind the grandstand and along the first base side. These areas are not in view of the playing field, so fans will miss game action while visiting them. Most food options come from a lineup of food trucks, offering a diverse selection such as sandwiches, pizza, chicken tenders and fry baskets, cheddar cheese curds, hand-dipped ice cream cones, snacks, sweets, and Pepsi products.
Local flavor is well represented at the beer stands, with Midwest brews and ciders from Leinenkugel, Bell’s, and Ciderboys. Spiked seltzers are especially popular among fans. Pricing is consistent with other Northwoods League ballparks—on the higher side, but within reason.
Fans with club seat tickets have access to designated areas behind the grandstand featuring all-you-can-eat options, adding extra value to the premium experience.
Atmosphere 3
The seating layout at Homer Stryker Field offers a distinctive mix of options. In the left and right field corners, fans can enjoy two group party zones: the Miller Lite Trap and the Oberon Oasis—both popular spots for social gatherings. Along the third base line, you'll find six sections of metal bleachers with backrests, while the first base side and the upper area behind home plate feature rows of green bucket seats paired with long communal tables. The chairs are generously sized, though they can become uncomfortable during longer stretches. The tables, however, are perfect for holding drinks, food, and scorecards.
For a more comfortable and shaded experience, we recommend upgrading to the Dugout Club or Home Plate Club. These premium sections include individual chairs, tables, and umbrellas—especially valuable since much of the stadium seating is exposed to the sun. These seats come with an all-you-can-eat package included in the ticket price.
One standout feature of the Dugout Club is its backstop: hockey-style dasher boards that allow fans an unobstructed view of the field without needing to peer over fencing.
The game day experience at this venue is driven more by the between-innings entertainment than the baseball itself. From dizzy bat races to dancing, jugglers, and fire breathers, the in-game promotions are relentless and often the highlight for casual fans. For those who enjoy a carnival-like atmosphere, it’s a hit. However, baseball purists and those who want to have a conversation may find the constant noise, crowd prompts, and off-field distractions a bit overwhelming, as the entertainment department rarely lets the game breathe.
Players engage with fans as they arrive, welcoming them at the gates and distributing programs. One of the between-inning activities invites kids to run a portion of the bases, starting at first and looping back, where players enthusiastically greet them with high-fives as they cross the foul line.
The starting lineup is discreetly displayed on the back of the first base dugout, making it easy to overlook. The narrow walkway in front of it is busy with foot traffic, leaving little space to pause and jot down names on your scorecard. Unfortunately, team rosters are not available.
Even though the sound system is new, understanding the PA announcer is difficult. The scoreboard, on the other hand, is crisp and easy to read, though there’s no line score.
Neighborhood 4
Homer Stryker Field is 1 ½ miles from the downtown area of Kalamazoo, MI. While there are no restaurants to eat or drink within a mile, several are within two miles of the park. CJ’s Pub (a local watering hole known for its wings), Ty’s Joint (best soul food in Kalamazoo), Cairo’s Kitchen (Egyptian/Mediterranean), and Greenhouse Café (breakfast, lunch, brunch) are just a few to try. Kalamazoo is becoming known as a craft brew destination (hence the team’s name Growlers) with the popular Bell’s Eccentric Cafe (brewpub) and One Well Brewing (outdoor patio, and pinball and arcade games) highlighting the list.
Favorite museums to visit when in Kalamazoo are the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum and the Gilmore Car Museum. Downtown, visit the historic Kalamazoo Mall, the first pedestrian outdoor mall in the United States. Or take a stroll on one (or many) of the trails at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, six miles north of the park.
Downtown Kalamazoo offers a range of accommodations, including the Radisson, Hilton Garden Inn, Comfort Inn, and several charming bed-and-breakfasts. Budget-friendly options are clustered near the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Airport, with familiar names like Fairfield Inn and Candlewood Suites.
Fans 3
Fans enjoy the social aspect of attending a summer collegiate baseball game and spending time with family and friends. That said, they stomp their feet on the metal floors to create a loud rumble and make some noise when told to do so by the high-energy entertainment team.
The fans show up as indicated by the team being in the top five of average attendance in the Northwoods League the last several seasons.
It’s worth noting that fans take responsibility for their trash, disposing of it properly rather than leaving it behind for others to clean up.
Access 3
Homer Stryker Field is conveniently situated about 3.5 miles north of I-94, just over a mile east of downtown Kalamazoo, and roughly 4 to 5 miles north of the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport. Once arriving via auto, attendants wave you to the left for free grass parking or to the right for $10 VIP paved parking or free handicapped parking.
Kalamazoo’s bus system offers service from the airport to a stop near the ballpark, though fans should be prepared for a walk of approximately 1.5 miles total to reach the stadium. Service typically runs until shortly after 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with earlier end times on Sundays. Check Kmetro for more information.
Entry is easy thanks to the absence of bag checks. Fans arrive through the right field corner and follow a walkway lined with championship plaques and the Growlers Hall of Fame. Directional signage for seating and other areas of the park is minimal, and staff assistance isn’t readily visible, which may leave guests unsure of where to go. Apart from the party zone areas, there is one men’s and one women’s restroom, each equipped with a generous number of stalls to accommodate crowds efficiently.
Return on Investment 3
For a summer collegiate team, the Growlers’ ticket prices are surprisingly steep:
Bleacher seats: $18 + $2 fee
Reserved box seats: $26 + $2 fee
Suite seats: $43 + $2 fee — includes an all-you-can-eat buffet and five drink tickets (alcohol included). If you’re planning to eat and drink, this is likely your best value. These seats are in the upper section behind home plate. They’re bucket-style, not shaded, and appear to lack wheelchair accessibility.
Buy single-game tickets in advance to save $3 per ticket. Opt for the free grass lot to avoid the $10 parking fee — which feels excessive for collegiate ball.
The Growlers pack their schedule with themed nights like Christmas in July, Harry Potter Night, and Salute to Service.
While the game itself often takes a backseat to the ever-present entertainment crew, many fans seem to embrace the diversion.
Extras 4
The Growlers offer an engaging gameday program. In addition to advertisements from sponsors, theirs includes actual content—short articles, interactive games like bingo and word searches, and even a coloring page.
Be sure to take a walk behind the seating area to discover a creative display along the property fence. It features fun “baseball bests” like top stadium foods, classic baseball films, and a map of the Northwoods League.
One of the most distinctive features here is the use of hockey dasher boards behind home plate.
The merchandise store offers an outstanding selection of shirts and souvenirs.
Final Thoughts
Kalamazoo locals clearly embrace the experience at Homer Stryker Field. It’s not just a ballgame—it’s a full-on entertainment spectacle from first pitch to final out, whether you're seeking it or not.
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