Fifth Third Ballpark Will Soon Have a New Name
UPDATE: The Whitecaps have announced a new, 10-year partnership with Lake Michigan Credit Union. The name of the ballpark will be changed to LMCU Ballpark.
ORIGINAL STORY: Earlier today, Fifth Third Bank announced they’d be ending their title sponsorship with the West Michigan Whitecaps after 27 seasons but explained that everyone was parting in good standing and as friends, so to speak.
“As we neared the end of our current contract, we were both evaluating the next steps. For us, that meant considering what renewal would look like. For the Whitecaps, the evaluation process included testing the sponsorship market, and they were able to secure a very strong commitment,” said Scott Stenstrom, regional marketing and communications director at Fifth Third.
The Whitecaps and Fifth Third Bank partnership goes back to the days of Old Kent Park. While the title sponsorship is ending, Fifth Third Bank still plans to be a part of Whitecaps baseball in West Michigan hosting their annual celebration at the ballpark with cancer survivors and children who are patients at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
“We hold the Whitecaps owners and management team in the highest regard, and we wish them tremendous success in this new chapter in the team’s history,” said Tom Welch, regional president at Fifth Third. “All the parties involved are looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. We’ve had a great run with the Whitecaps, and our commitment to this community remains strong. This will allow us to pursue new projects that enhance the quality of life in West Michigan and help the region thrive.”
The current partnership is in the third renewal and second 10-year agreement. Fifth Third Bank became the title sponsor back in 1994. Officials with the Whitecaps will be releasing more info on what the future looks like title sponsor-wise soon.