Lansing's minor-league baseball team, the Lugnuts, offer a combination that can't be beaten in the eyes of many fans -- a varied schedule with day and evening games and low ticket prices ranging from $4.50 to $7. People with disabilities will notice another unbeatable attribute of Lansing's home team -- a fully accessible baseball park with plenty of handicapper parking. Before the team even arrived in Lansing, before ground was broken for the stadium, the city of Lansing, team representatives and architects met to ensure accessibility, said Gerry Mutty, one of the members of the accessibility team.
"It is a fully accessible stadium for people with disabilities," said Mutty. The team continued meeting this year to ensure changes to the ballpark, including replacing grass seating with benches, didn't change anything in terms of ADA compliance.
Ray Johnson, a Lansing resident and wheelchair user, said Oldsmobile Park is great.
"It's the best that I've ever seen in a public place, by far, and I've seen a lot," Johnson said. "There area a couple of things I'd tweak, but by and large there are far worse out there and not many that are better."
Johnson cited faults with the bathroom facilities as the major problem with the stadium. Doors to bathroom stalls lack inside handles, said Johnson. He added that coat hooks in the stalls are too high for a wheelchair user to comfortably reach.
"There could be a beer stand in my section so I don't have to use the elevator," Johnson added with a laugh. "But there are workers who are willing to take an order and get some."
Johnson and Mutty agree that Lansing's Lugnuts offer one of the most affordable forms of entertainment in Lansing.
"It's very affordable entertainment," said Mutty, "and all the seats are good."
Mutty added, "There are accessible seats in each section of the ballpark."
Pete Collman, an MSU telecommunications student gave kudos to the stadium's seating.
"The seats are constructed so that if people stand up in front of you they don't block your view," said Collman of the wheelchair-accessible seating.
Johnson added, "The Lugnuts like to target people that aren't necessarily baseball afficionados by offering lots of entertainment between innings."
Pocket schedules available at area Quality Dairy stores highlight special events such as concerts, kid's days, fireworks and fan appreciation days as attractions. Gates open and hour and fifteen minutes prior to game time. Box seats are $5.50, reserved seats are $4.50 and general admission is $3.50. Tickets may be purchased at the Lugnuts ticket office at Oldsmobile Park or by calling (517) 485-4500.