Turtle Creek Stadium - Traverse City Pit Spitters
- Meg Minard
- Jul 30, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: 55 minutes ago
Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29
Turtle Creek Stadium 333 Stadium Drive Traverse City, MI 49684
Year Opened: 2006
Capacity: 4,660
Pit Spitters
The Traverse City Pit Spitters are a summer collegiate wooden bat baseball team, a member of the Northwoods League. The unique name gives a nod to a quirky contest held at the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, MI – cherry pit spitting.
The team entered the Northwoods League in 2019 and made an immediate impact, capturing the championship that same year and again in 2021. Their home games are held at the visually-striking Turtle Creek Stadium, located in Chums Corner, MI—a suburb of Traverse City. Originally opened in 2006 as Wuerfel Park, the venue was home to the Traverse City Beach Bums of the independent Frontier League.
Food & Beverage 4
The Pit Spitters have an above-average selection of food and excellent beer choices.
The concession stands sell hot dogs, burgers, chicken sandwiches, etc. ($5.50 - $9). Pizza, chicken tenders, and bratwurst run $6 - $10. Plenty of snacks are offered including fries, corn dogs, nachos, candy, pretzels, peanuts, cookies, and even yummy fried pickles on a stickle. Carts include Dippin’ Dots, regular ice cream, pretzels, tacos, elephant ears, and more.
Stands grilling burgers and encased meats on the spot are at either end of the concourse, and we recommend getting a meal there as it’s fresher and tastier.
Concessions serve Pepsi brand sodas, water, coffee, hot chocolate, and Gatorade. The concourse boasts several portable beer stands and three bar areas. The Traverse City Whiskey Co sells a solid variety of cocktails and draft brews (craft beers are $10.50/pint). The Shorts Brewing Company, on the third base concourse, offers an excellent selection of beers. You can purchase a variety of fruit-flavored vodka drinks, slushies, and cocktails at Gypsy Spirits.
Atmosphere 4
Turtle Creek Stadium boasts a distinctive yet inviting architectural style, reminiscent of beachside cottages. The inner concourse’s ceiling is adorned with string lighting creating a coastal boardwalk ambiance, while tables paired with beach chairs and umbrellas line the upper seating area. Sea-blue and white premium suites and offices - some with balconies - grace the second level. Below the concourse, the main seating structure features comfortably wide (21”) blue fold-down stadium chairs with plenty of leg room.
It’s all quite pleasing to the eye. The noise, however, is another story.
The music operator plays at a volume that makes normal conversation difficult. Short sound clips are triggered after every single pitch, making it hard to focus on the game and diminishing the overall enjoyment. Even noise-canceling headsets struggle to block out the constant barrage of sound.
Fans can walk the entire concourse and can watch net-free baseball in sections beyond both the first and third bases. The far end of the first baseline houses a kids play area with bounce houses. Fans participate in the traditional between-inning contests with a very excited emcee, and other fun activities like a beer batter are often played.
The team celebrates numerous promotional nights throughout the season, such as Star Wars Night, Pickle Night, Christmas in July, Super Heroes Night, and many more.
The merchandise shop sells a good choice of shirts, mementos, and trinkets. The shop representative told me that sweatshirts are the best-selling item. Check the weather before attending an evening game, as that extra layer may be needed.
Neighborhood 3
While Traverse City is a charming, vacation-destination lakeshore community and town, the ballpark was built seven miles south of town in Chums Corner, MI, with little to nothing surrounding the stadium for pre or post-game activities, except fast food places.
That said, the Traverse City area is an absolutely, fantastic summer vacation destination.
There is an assortment of food restaurants, from Blue Tractor BBQ, The Flying Noodle (Italian Pasta House), The Red Spire Brunch House, Sleder’s Family Tavern, and so much more. Traverse City has a host of spots for beer, wine, or spirits. Right Brain Brewery (plenty of pinball machines), North Peak Brewing Co, 7 Monks Taproom (Gastropub), and Traverse City Whiskey Co, are just some samples. Wineries abound just five miles north on the peninsula off Traverse City (Old Mission Peninsula), for tastings and water views.
Visitors can also enjoy a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the bay (Clinch Park), kayak, rent a boat, ride a bike, or take a stroll along the scenic waterways. Kids might enjoy the Great Lakes Children’s Museum or Pirates Cove Adventure Park (amusement park). When in the area, be sure to visit the World’s Largest Cherry Pie Pan and Moomers (ice cream farm).
The most exciting time to visit is early July when the National Cherry Festival is celebrated in Traverse City.
A few hotels (Baymont by Wyndham Traverse City, Courtyard Traverse City, Spark by Hilton) are between the ballpark and downtown, and an Econo Lodge is a mile south of the stadium.
While all this is marvelous, most of the activities are more than five miles from the ballpark.
Fans 3
The Pit Spitters draw many families, vacationers, and those wanting a social night out. The fans cheer standout plays and player and team-branded apparel is common amount the fanbase. With an average attendance nearing 2,500 per game, the team consistently ranks among the top two or three in Northwoods League fan turnout.
Access 3
While Traverse City has bus service, it does not go to the stadium. Fans can get within 1.3 miles with multiple transfers, but reaching the venue still requires a lengthy walk. Evening service also ends before the final pitch, making personal vehicles the most reliable option. Paved parking is available for $6.
Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) is located approximately 7 to 8 miles northeast of the stadium, making it a convenient arrival point for out-of-town visitors.
The stadium’s exterior has a few benches in front of the entrance. Security checks bags. Clear bags do not appear to be mandatory.
One notable drawback for visitors unsteady on their feet is the absence of handrails along the seating area steps, which can make navigation challenging.
Return on Investment 4
Attending a Pit Spitters game is an affordable afternoon/evening out. Take advantage of some of the team’s weekly promotions, many offering some kind of discount.
Sunday: First 250 kids 12 and under eat free and family day
Monday: Deal Days (a new offer every Monday)
Tuesday: Bring your pup and half off craft brews
Wednesday: Half price box tickets to veterans, first responders, health care workers, teachers, and snowplow drivers
Thursday: $2 hot dogs and Pepsi, $3 beers, and $1 Great Lakes chips
Friday: Fireworks
Saturday: Half price box seats for Silver Sluggers (fans over age 50)
Single game day tickets cost $16/box, $10/lawn. The patio tables run $120 (up to four fans), and hospitality areas offer deals for large groups. Parking is $6.
Extras 2
Be sure to pick up a roster at guest services and note the starting lineups posted on the wall nearby.
The stadium’s design is refreshingly unique, offering a pleasant backdrop adding charm to the facility.
Final Thoughts
Traverse City is a fantastic vacation destination, offering scenic charm and a vibrant downtown energy.
Removed from the city’s downtown, Turtle Creek Stadium features a visually striking architectural style and offers a steady lineup of game-day promotions. While the venue delivers a pleasant experience overall, dialing down the music volume and reducing the between-pitch noise would make it even more enjoyable for fans.
Comments