In 2006, Wuerfel Park became the home of Traverse City's first professional baseball team in almost a century: the Traverse City Beach Bums.

Part of the independent Frontier League, the 24-member team plays nearly 100 games each season, about half of them at home at Wuerfel Field, just south of Traverse City.The team's season stretches from May through September, playing six to seven games per week. The ballpark features 3,518 permanent chair-back seats, 27 luxury suites, a corporate deck, and a private table deck.

Hockey fans can get their thrills every September when the Detroit Red Wings Training Camp sets up shop at Traverse City's Centre Ice Arena. The NHL prospect tournament, in particular, draws fans from all over the state each year.

The Traverse City Wolves, a semi-professional football team based in Traverse City, plays in the Great Midwest Football League. The Wolves, founded in 2009, went 7-3 and were Division Champs in their inaugural season.