PRESS RELEASE – The Williamsport Crosscutters along with the City of Williamsport held a groundbreaking today at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field at the future site of the new Premium Deck that is scheduled to open for the team’s 2017 season.
The yet-to-be-named area will be built on the former site of the right field bleachers which were removed prior to the 2015 season to clear space for the anticipated construction.
Designed by Anthony Visco Architects of Williamsport, with input from the Williamsport Crosscutters and the City of Williamsport, the two-tiered deck is expected to accommodate upwards of 250 people. It will feature rail seating, high top and 4-top tables on both levels along with full bar and food service for fans.
“When we purchased the Crosscutters 18 months ago, we immediately went to work with both the city and state to put much needed ballpark improvements in motion”, stated Cutters Principal Owner Peter Freund. “This is the first needed step to help insure that Williamsport will continue to be home to affiliated Minor League Baseball.”
The project is being financed as a result of a funding partnership between the Crosscutters, River Valley Transit, Lycoming County Visitor’s Bureau, and revenue generated by the use of BB&T Ballpark as well as additional support from the city of Williamsport’s administration.
Williamsport Mayor Gabe Campana stated, “It’s an honor to partner with the Crosscutters as we break ground for the newest addition at our historic ballpark. The new deck will make BB& T Ballpark more fan friendly. Furthermore, it helps to keep our minor league baseball team more viable in the great City of Williamsport. It will be an area that our baseball fans and the city’s special events can enjoy for many years to come.”
Tentative plans are in place for Phase II of renovations that would include converting all bleacher seating in the stadium to new individual seats while also redesigning the current box seating area to be more fan friendly with wider seats, aisles and cup holders. Funding for that project is expected to be accomplished with a state RACP grant.
The Crosscutters open the 2016 season on June 17 against the State College Spikes at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. The full schedule, along with detailed information on ticket packages, is available at http://www.crosscutters.com or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389
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