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City of Kokomo announces partnership with Bullpen Ventures

Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 10:43 PM

By Staff report

The City of Kokomo has officially selected Bullpen Ventures to lease and operate Kokomo Municipal Stadium, ushering in a bold new era for the award-winning venue.

Starting in 2026, Bullpen will bring full-time collegiate summer wooden-bat baseball back to Kokomo, while transforming the stadium into a year-round hub of entertainment, community events, and family fun.

Bullpen, nationally known for managing Grand Park in Westfield and Championship Park in Kokomo, will launch a brand-new team, bringing the crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and the magic of summer nights under the lights back to downtown Kokomo.

This won’t be Bullpen’s first pitch in the collegiate summer space. They successfully operated an 8-team college summer league hosted at Grand Park and Championship Park, which produced over 30 MLB Draft picks, including 2020’s No. 1 overall selection Henry Davis, now a standout for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Kokomo’s own Jack Perkins, who just made his Major League debut with the Oakland Athletics.

“Baseball is woven into Kokomo’s identity,” said Mayor Tyler Moore. “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.”

Thatcher added, “We at Bullpen Ventures couldn’t be more elated to partner with the City of Kokomo to help bring college summer baseball back to Kokomo. Collectively, we’re committed to building something meaningful—a team the city can rally behind and a ballpark that is a true community asset.”

Bullpen will work with Kokomo Community Schools, youth leagues, and Indiana University Kokomo to create unmatched access and opportunity. Upgrades will allow for enhanced concessions, revamped merchandise, fresh in-game entertainment, and fan-first promotions, which will turn every visit into an experience.

The name, branding, schedule, and ticket packages will be revealed later this year.