It’s Official: Baseball, Big Dreams and Year-Round Fun Coming Back to Kokomo Municipal Stadium

Kokomo’s love for baseball is about to get a major revival! According to an official press release from the City of Kokomo, in partnership with Bullpen Ventures, the future of Kokomo Municipal Stadium is looking brighter than ever.

Starting in 2026, the stadium will once again be home to full-time collegiate summer wooden-bat baseball, along with a year-round calendar of entertainment, family fun, and community events. The announcement was also shared on the City of Kokomo - City Hall Facebook page, generating plenty of excitement across the community.

A New Chapter for Kokomo Municipal Stadium

Bullpen Ventures, the organization selected to lease and operate the stadium, is no stranger to creating winning sports experiences. They currently oversee Grand Park in Westfield and Championship Park here in Kokomo, both highly regarded for player development and fan engagement.

The partnership will bring a brand-new baseball team to downtown Kokomo, offering thrilling summer nights under the lights, complete with the crack of the bat and the energy of a hometown crowd.

But this effort goes beyond baseball, it’s about creating a true community hub. With upgrades planned for concessions, merchandise and in-game entertainment, every stadium visit promises to be more than just a ballgame, it will be an experience.

Big-League Dreams with a Local Connection

A major highlight of this new era is the involvement of Kokomo native and former Major League pitcher Joe Thatcher, who is working alongside Bullpen to ensure this project stays rooted in Kokomo’s spirit.

“Baseball is woven into Kokomo’s identity,” shared Mayor Tyler Moore in the city’s press release. He emphasized how Thatcher’s leadership helps ensure that this new team reflects the city’s values while giving aspiring athletes a clear path to pursue their professional dreams, dreams that can start right here at home.

Thatcher expressed his excitement as well, stating that the goal is to build “something meaningful—a team the city can rally behind and a ballpark that is a true community asset.”

Community Partnerships and Opportunities Ahead

The plans don’t stop at the stadium gates. Bullpen Ventures will collaborate with Kokomo Community Schools, youth leagues, and Indiana University Kokomo to expand access and opportunities for local players and fans alike.

Bullpen has a proven track record in collegiate summer baseball, having successfully run an 8-team summer league at Grand Park and Championship Park. That league produced more than 30 MLB Draft picks, including Henry Davis, 2020’s first overall pick, now with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Kokomo’s own Jack Perkins, who recently made his Major League debut with the Oakland Athletics.

What’s Next?

While the name, branding, and ticket details for Kokomo’s new team are still under wraps, one date is locked in: Opening Day is May 2026.

Stay tuned to The Kokomo Post for updates as more information becomes available. You can also follow the City of Kokomo - City Hall Facebook page for official announcements straight from the source.

The future is bright, the stands will be loud and Kokomo’s next chapter is just getting started.