UPDATE: LANSING -




ORIGINAL STORY: LANSING - On Thursday, May 26th Hope Sports Complex will hold a grand opening to show off the completed renovations that have been in the works for quite some time now.

“It was an old soccer complex and they were going to tear it down, so I took over and put a lot of money into it and started renovations,” says General Manager Julie Mullin.

The renovations, which roughly costed $150,000 include restoration to the fields, the addition of a turf field, two stadium lights, a Jumbotron, a press box, a restaurant and most recently a 10’ x 20’ High Def LED Scoreboard. “It’s all finally ready to go,” says Mullin, who has been tackling the renovations a couple projects at a time.

The turf field has bleachers that can hold over 1,000 people and is permanently lined for soccer, lacrosse, youth baseball and softball. Both grass and turf fields feature state of the art lighting allowing for night games for soccer, lacrosse and flag football. If you venture behind the bathroom facilities you will find a garage-like café.

With parents in mind Cleats Bar and Grille opened in late fall of 2015, after Mullin who was a soccer mom herself recognized the need for the availability of hot food during sporting events. Cleats will host the grand opening on Thursday, in which a few local companies are invited to enjoy the oversized patio and full service restaurant.

At Cleats, you can enjoy a bite to eat and even treat yourself to a glass of beer or wine. The menu features burgers and fries, chicken tenders and wings, sandwiches and wraps, hot dogs and brats, french toast sticks, various snacks, and even BBQ pulled-pork sandwiches and smoked briskets. All menu items are prepared by Tim McPharlin, cofounder of Meat in Old Town.

It’s unique 2,000 square-foot steel structure serves the athletes and spectators, and is expected to satisfy a record number of patrons this year. Cleats can hold 83 people inside and a whooping 580 people on the patio. “It's just a gathering spot for people if they want to grab a sandwich or drink before, during or after a game or practice,” says Mullin.

Cleats is open seven days a week and the cost for food ranges from $4 to $10, beer and wine will cost you anywhere from $3 to $9.

The grand opening will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 26th and is for invitation only.