Story

Wolverine Building Group returned to Fifth Third Ballpark in January 2014, after the facility suffered from extensive fire and smoke damage.  Work began on January 18, which allowed only 80 calendar days for demolition and rebuilding in time for the opening day game.  

The fire did extensive damage to the first base side of the ballpark, completely destroying the concourse level, the suites, and the concession area.  The construction team scraped all remaining debris down to the concrete floor in order to re-build.  Portions of the park that were not touched by the flames suffered from smoke damage, which affected everything even into the third base suite level.  All flooring, insulation, and drywall throughout the suites and corridors was removed and replaced.  The drywall in every suite was sealed to prevent smoke odors, and all suites throughout the park were re-painted.  Wolverine also replaced 900 bleacher seats in the stadium.

The team also completed some upgrades during the re-build, expanding all suites on the first base side to 1’ taller and 2’ deeper.  The entire building was re-roofed and re-sided, and the souvenir shop and concessions areas were expanded.  

More than 7,100 fans came to the park for the opening day celebration. Despite the fire, the Whitecaps are playing their 21st season as planned in an upgraded facility.