By Jon Malavolti
C & G Sports Writer

MIDLAND — Camden Yards, AT&T Park, Busch Stadium and Progressive Field (formerly Jacobs Field) are often mentioned as some of the most visually stunning baseball stadiums in the country.

All were designed by sports architecture firm HOK Sport, which also oversaw the construction of Dow Diamond in Midland, the home of the Great Lakes Loons.

It’s hard to believe the two-year-old stadium isn’t a major league park like the above-mentioned buildings, and it’s even harder to take your eyes off it.

Welcome to Midland
William Stavropoulos, former Dow Chemical CEO and board chairman, was behind bringing the team and stadium to the town about two hours north of Detroit, located conveniently en route for those who head up to the north central part of the state for vacation and recreation.

“He had the whole vision for the whole project,” said Brad Golder, the Loons’ director of broadcasting and media relations.

“He wanted to build a stadium that the area could be proud of and help attract people to Midland and the tri-cities area, while making it a more fun and livable place.”

The $33 million stadium was privately funded and the team —formerly the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays of Battle Creek — was purchased.

But Stavropoulos didn’t stop there. He set up the Michigan Baseball Foundation — a nonprofit corporation — that actually owns the team and the stadium. The foundation has donated more than $100,000 to nonprofit organizations across the state.

“Instead of him buying the team and purchasing it as a for- profit entity, the idea was to just have it be owned by this nonprofit,” said Golder. “So it’s what owns the ballpark and it’s what the Loons pay rent to essentially. It’s a kind of rarity in minor league sports. It’s a project that benefits the public and something that’s fun for people to come out and enjoy a ballgame.”

‘State-of-the-art facility’
Golder said the Loons, the Midwest League Single A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, often sell out or come close to it on the weekends, while still averaging strong attendance numbers throughout the week — not surprising considering their fancy new digs.

Aside from its impressive structural design, the 5,300-capacity Dow Diamond offers several notable and unique amenities for fans to enjoy.

Two fire pits, designed to look like giant birds’ nests, sit beyond the outfield fence (near lawn seating) to keep fans warm during the season’s colder months. A fireplace serves the same purpose behind home plate on the concourse, reaching up through the suite level in the second story.

Solar panels help power the roomy stadium, while a playground helps keep younger fans not so interested in the game entertained.

A two-level team store outfits supporters with all their apparel, accessory and souvenir needs, and a large variety of concession stands and carts, which serve up items ranging from Philly cheese steaks to balsamic roasted vegetable wraps, helps fans fight off hunger.

And fans not sitting on the lawn or in a suite are guaranteed a good seat — literally — as all the seats are comfortably with fixed chair backs and cup holders — no bleachers or uncomfortable arrangements.

Fan-friendly environment
Keeping the fans happy is a primary goal of the Loons.

“For us, its not about the baseball. It’s about family fun and entertainment,” said Scott Litle, the Loons’ assistant general manager in charge of ticket sales.

Aside from all the amenities and keeping things affordable   — tickets are $6 or $8.50 and parking costs $3 — the players are often made available to fans for autographs before games and in various appearances in events throughout the community.

“This ballpark is family friendly,” Loons infielder Park Dalton said. “That was one of the first things I noticed when I came.”

And happy fans are good fans.

“We get a lot of support,” Dalton said. “We definitely get one of the best crowds in the Midwest League.”

Larry Nuechterlein, of Freeland, attended the Loons’ July 4 home game with his nephew, one of many contests he’s enjoyed at Dow Diamond.

“It’s just nice entertainment,” the fan said. “The stadium has a good layout and there’s lots of fun in between innings, because there’s always something going on.”

For schedule and other information about the Loons, visit the team’s Web site at www.loons.com or call toll free at (888) 678-2255.

You can reach Sports Writer Jon Malavolti at jmalavolti@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1040.