KALAMAZOO, MI – Homer Stryker Field was ranked ninth in scout.com’s annual Stadium Journey report of the 50 best collegiate ballparks in the country. Rankings are based on several factors including the food and beverages served in the stadium, the overall game day atmosphere, the neighborhood where the ballpark resides, the fans, access within and to/from the ballpark, the overall return on investment, and one category for any unique extras.

Stadium Journey Correspondent Marc Viquez’s review stated, “The Growlers staff makes you feel welcome the minute you walk through the front gates. The ushers and interns are friendly and a few will engage in a 3-5 minute conversation if you allow them. It is an organic vibe that does not seem forced or scripted. The game itself is center-stage, but the objective is to have fun and hopefully get fans to return for a few more games during the season. In this regard, the Growlers receive an A+ in the teacher's grade book.”

The organization had its best season yet in 2016, setting records for attendance, number of all-stars, and most wins in franchise history. Kalamazoo was also named Northwoods League Organization of the Year in October.

"We are extremely lucky to have a passionate fan base and a Parks and Recreation department that is dedicated to the people in this area. They have been vital to everything that we have been able to accomplish at the ballpark." said Growlers Vice President Brian Colopy.

Growlers Vice President Brian Colopy said "We are delighted to be ranked in the top 10. However, we are not satisfied. We will continue to push the envelope for our fans to make a Kalamazoo Growlers baseball game the best experience in the country."

Plans are already in motion to build on this success heading into next season.  Fans returning to Homer Stryker Field will experience new seating areas along with a new 5-Game Pack that allows fans access to the best games of the year at a steep discount and includes free giveaways and food. 500 of the 750 available ticket packages have been sold. Dates for the 5-Game Pack will be announced in December when the 2017 schedule is announced.

Complete 2016 Collegiate Wood Bat Ballpark rankings can be found here.

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The Kalamazoo Growlers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 23rd season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 20 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 150 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (CHC). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.growlersbaseball.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store and set the Growlers as your favorite team.