When the summer heat settles over the Great Lakes shoreline, a new kind of excitement is taking shape in New Buffalo, Michigan.
The Dune Coast Quillbacks, a new collegiate summer baseball franchise, are scheduled to make their debut on the diamond in 2027.
Their home will be Bison Field, a high school venue that is being transformed with a $750,000 upgrade that includes artificial turf, fresh sod, a warning track and other modern amenities.
The improvements are being paid for entirely by private contributions and a $150,000 Michigan Department of Economic Development grant, meaning no taxpayer dollars are involved.
The franchise was founded by Tom Rowland and Brian Williams, who say they wanted to create a summer tradition that links northwest Indiana and southwest Michigan communities.
The ballpark will continue to serve the New Buffalo High School baseball team and will also host off‑season events, making the facility a year‑round community hub.
Community Roots and Regional Appeal
With roughly 150,000 people living within a 15‑mile radius — from Benton Harbor to Valparaiso — the team expects to draw fans from a wide area, boosting local tourism during the summer months.
The venue will feature a 600‑seat grandstand, baseline bleachers, a press box, a social area and LED lighting designed to reduce glare, ensuring a comfortable experience for spectators.
The playing surface will use Pivot, a turf system from Geo Services that mimics natural grass, offering a safer surface that reduces ball bounce and prevents cleats from sticking.
A distinctive 16‑foot‑high curved wall in right‑center field creates a unique seating arrangement, including a terrace‑style grass berm called Warren’s Dune, adding character to the ballpark.
Affordable Fun for Families
Fans are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, and tickets will be priced at just $5, keeping the games affordable for families.
Game‑day promotions will include family‑friendly entertainment, locally sourced concession items, live music and a small‑town atmosphere that stands in contrast to larger stadium experiences.
The name Dune Coast reflects the shared shoreline identity of the region, deliberately avoiding favoritism toward any single city or state and emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the project.
Organizers hope the team will give beachgoers something to do after a day at the lake, capitalizing on the area’s growth and its appeal to tourists seeking relaxed, community‑focused recreation.