New deal to bring baseball back to Kokomo Municipal Stadium
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Baseball is set to return to Kokomo Municipal Stadium as a result of a new agreement announced Wednesday.
The city has announced a deal with Westfield-based Bullpen Ventures LLC, which will lease and operate the stadium and bring back full-time collegiate summer baseball.
Bullpen Ventures currently operates Championship Park in Kokomo and is part of a joint venture that manages Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield. The city said the firm will also work to transform Kokomo Municipal Stadium into a “year-round hub of entertainment, community events, and family fun.”
“Baseball is woven into Kokomo’s identity,” Mayor Tyler Moore said in a news release. “Because Bullpen is partnering with Kokomo native and former Major League pitcher Joe Thatcher, we know this club will carry our city’s energy and values while giving young athletes a clear path to the pros. Joe’s involvement keeps the stadium’s heartbeat local and reminds fans that big-league dreams really can start right here.”
Kokomo has gone without baseball in 2025 after a dispute between the city and the parent of the Kokomo Jackrabbits forced the team to cancel this season.
Details on the new Kokomo team, including its name, branding and schedule are set to be revealed later this year. The Kokomo Jackrabbits previously played in the Northwoods League, but it was not specified if the new team would be part of that league.
The city said Bullpen will upgrade the stadium with enhanced concessions, revamped merchandise and new in-game entertainment. It was not clear how much the firm is investing in the upgrades.
The firm also plans to work with the Kokomo School Corp., local youth leagues and Indiana University Kokomo to provide additional access to the stadium.
The city is targeting an opening day at the revamped stadium in May 2026.