PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — The West Michigan Whitecaps are getting a new field as part a multimillion-dollar project to update LMCU Ballpark.

The latest round of work on the ballpark north of Grand Rapids began Sept. 9, immediately after the season ended.

“We’re going all the way down to subgrade to replace the field. After 30 years, we had to replace a lot of drainage and the irrigation lines and so in order to do that, we got to go 16 to 18 inches down below the field level and so it’s a lot more than just the turf,” Whitecaps President Steve McCarthy explained.

The project will move the bullpens to right center field and add new spaces for fans to watch the games.

“We’re also putting in new group terraces, new hospitality areas down the first and third base lines and so that work is also going on at the same time,” McCarthy said.

A project that is complete is the new clubhouse, which players began using before the end of the season.

“They were overjoyed with the space that they have, a new dining area, new equipment room,” McCarthy said.

A new club space is also being added that can accommodate 200 spectators.

Work continues on a new weight room and training area with indoor batting tunnels.

“This project is intended to be although multiphase is really intended to bring it all together make it all look like one big improvement,” McCarthy said.

The team has a long-term plan that would renovate the suites and wrap the concourse all the way around the field.

“We don’t have a timeline on it, but the goal is to get it all done within five years,” McCarthy said.

The dry weather is helping progress on the field, but the team knows the clock is ticking to get it finished before winter.

“Our goal with the field is to have the new grass laid by Thanksgiving, Dec. 1 at the latest in order for it to take and be ready for the players next April,” McCarthy said.