Lackawanna County Press Release- PNC Field to benefit from substantial renovation project
Lackawanna County Commissioners Bill Gaughan and Matt McGloin, and the Lackawanna County Multi-Purpose Stadium Authority, together with the New York Yankees and Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), the owner of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, today announced a significant renovation project to take place at PNC Field, aimed at elevating the player and
Lackawanna County Commissioners Bill Gaughan and Matt McGloin, and the Lackawanna County Multi-Purpose Stadium Authority, together with the New York Yankees and Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), the owner of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, today announced a significant renovation project to take place at PNC Field, aimed at elevating the player and fan experience at the Triple-A Yankees facility and preserving the ongoing presence of affiliated professional baseball at its highest level in Northeast Pennsylvania.
PNC Field, home of the RailRiders, is owned by the stadium authority and leased by the RailRiders.
“The renovation of PNC Field and its facilities deepens the roots we have in Lackawanna County and reflects the standard of excellence that we strive for,” said Brian Cashman, New York Yankees Senior Vice President and General Manager. “The community has offered outstanding support to us over the years and knowing that we can further the development of our players in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is a tremendous outcome for everyone involved. On behalf of the entire Yankees organization, we thank the Multi-Purpose Stadium Authority for its commitment in creating an environment that will facilitate long-term success for both the team and its fans.”
The $13.5 million project announced today will ensure that the stadium complies with standards mandated by Major League Baseball (MLB) for all Minor League clubs, as part of its Professional Development League (PDL) model. PDL compliance requires clubs to offer modernized facilities suited to professional athletes, and improved amenities and working conditions for players and staff, among others. These standards are designed to better serve fans, players and clubs, and position the sport for future growth.
As it stands, PNC Field currently falls short of PDL compliance, and funding will go towards both essential improvements, such as security, female staff facilities, clubhouse commissaries, training and locker rooms, laundry facilities, batting tunnels, bullpens, high-speed internet, field drainage and lighting, as well as improvements to the fan experience, such as video boards, hospitality areas, seating and more.
The baseball industry has changed dramatically since the stadium was constructed more than 30 years ago, and even since it was largely reconstructed more than a decade ago. One of the most positive changes has been the rise of women in important roles, including as umpires, trainers, executives, and staff. An important part of the renovation project is the addition of separate, modern facilities for female umpires, trainers, and staff, as required by the new PDL standards.
To fund the project, the authority has secured an $8.5 million loan, in the form of a bond issue, through PNC Bank. The authority will hold $1.5 million of that money in a reserve fund. It has applied to the state Department of Community and Economic Development for a $6.5 million grant under the Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program.
To help cover the annual $1.2 million debt payment, the commissioners will authorize the authority’s continued use of 60% of the proceeds from the county’s hotel occupancy tax. That will cover about $600,000. The remaining $600,000 will come from the RailRiders’ annual lease payment to the authority.
The county’s commitment of hotel occupancy tax funds is not a loan guarantee, and no other county funds will be used for the project.
“We commend the stadium authority board, its architects and financial consultants for devising a plan that is comprehensive in exceeding the new Major League Baseball requirements, yet affordable. Because of that good work, we look forward to many more years of exciting RailRiders baseball at soon-to-be state-of-the-art PNC Field,” the commissioners said.
“We are unequivocally committed to safeguarding the RailRiders’ future as a cornerstone of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre community and are grateful to Lackawanna County for its partnership in ensuring PNC Field achieves PDL compliance,” said Pat Battle and Peter Freund, Executive Chairman and CEO of DBH, respectively. “As the highest level of Minor League baseball, we look to the RailRiders and PNC Field as the standard for which all other MiLB clubs should be measured against. We are confident that with the proposed renovations and upgrades, the Yankees Triple-A affiliate can look forward to continuing to play in one of the best ballparks in the country.”
Attorney Frank Tunis, stadium authority solicitor, said the project is scheduled to begin Sept. 15, after the end of the International League season, and to be completed by Opening Day of the 2025 season.
SCHEDULE UPDATE: Doubleheader set for May 10 vs. Red Wings
MOOSIC, PA (May 7, 2025) – The May 6 game between Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Rochester that was postponed due to inclement weather has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 10, as part of a single-admission doubleheader. Gates will open at 2:30 P.M. on Saturday with a first pitch in game one slated
Split Decision: RailRiders halve twinbill with Red Wings
MOOSIC, PA (May 7, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders split a doubleheader against the Rochester Red Wings Wednesday night at PNC Field. The RailRiders walked off the Red Wings 5-3 in game one but fell 8-5 in the nightcap. Box Score- Game One Box Score- Game Two Rochester opened the
Did We Do That? Jaleel White headlining 90s Night
MOOSIC, PA (April 17, 2025) – Jaleel White, famously known for his iconic role as Steve Urkel on the hit 90’s sitcom Family Matters, is set to headline the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders 90s Night on August 2 at PNC Field. The RailRiders host the Nashville Sounds at 6:05 P.M. and White
Offertunity Knocks: RailRiders announce two special deals
MOOSIC, PA (April 3, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, have announced two special offers for the upcoming 2025 season. After popular runs in 2024, the College Rush ticket offer has returned for students and the Military Discount has been upgraded for active or
No Go: RailRiders and Red Wings postponed Tuesday
MOOSIC, PA (May 6, 2025) – Tuesday’s series opener between the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and Rochester Red Wings, set for 6:35 P.M. at PNC Field, has been postponed due to rain and the threat of severe inclement weather. The RailRiders and Red Wings are already slated to play a single-admission doubleheader
Triple Time: Woodford and three-base hits key 4-2 Sunday victory
SYRACUSE, NY (May 4, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders bested the Syracuse Mets 4-2 on Sunday afternoon at NBT Bank Stadium. Jake Woodford struck out seven and Alex Jackson drove in two and scored twice to back the RailRiders in the series win. Box Score The RailRiders struck first, taking
Bottom One Blues: First inning RailRiders' undoing Saturday
SYRACUSE, NY (May 3, 2025) –The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders were tripped 8-2 by the Syracuse Mets on Saturday night at NBT Bank Stadium. Syracuse mounted a first inning charge that Scranton/Wilkes-Barre could not overcome, sending the RailRiders to their second straight loss. Box Score The Mets jumped to a 6-0 lead
Less Fun: Mets knock off RailRiders 6-3 Friday
SYRACUSE, NY (May 2, 2025) –The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders lost 6-3 to the Syracuse Mets on Friday night at NBT Bank Stadium. The RailRiders rallied to tie the game in the top of the seventh, but the Mets recaptured the advantage in the home half of the inning and snapped Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s
What A Blast! Rojas powers RailRiders with stellar night
SYRACUSE, NY (May 1, 2025) –The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders pummeled the Syracuse Mets 19-8 on Thursday night at NBT Bank Stadium. Jose Rojas homered three times and drove in eight to help the RailRiders win their third straight. Box Score Everson Pereira gave the RailRiders a 2-0 lead in the top
Two Much Fun: RailRiders blank Mets twice Wednesday
SYRACUSE, NY (April 30, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders shut out the Syracuse Mets twice Wednesday night, winning 5-0 and 2-0 at NBT Bank Stadium. Three pitchers combined to blank the Mets in each game, leading the RailRiders to their second doubleheader sweep of the year. Box Score- Game One
Washout: RailRiders at Mets postponed Tuesday
SYRACUSE, NY (April 29, 2025) – Tuesday’s game between the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and Syracuse Mets at NBT Bank Stadium has been postponed due to inclement weather. The RailRiders and Mets will play a doubleheader on Wednesday, April 30. Game one is set for a 4:05 P.M. first pitch. Allan Winans
Squandered: RailRiders lose 8-7 Saturday afternoon
MOOSIC, PA (April 26, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders fell to the Charlotte Knights 8-7 on Saturday night at PNC Field. Charlotte overcame a seven-run deficit to win its fourth game of the series heading into Sunday's finale. Box Score Scranton/Wilkes-Barre opened the scoring in the bottom of the first,
Slow Go: RailRiders drop 4-1 final to Knights
MOOSIC, PA (April 25, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders fell to the Charlotte Knights 4-1 in a rain-delayed, seven-inning contest Friday night at PNC Field. Box Score After a two-hour and 33-minute rain delay, Charlotte took an early lead off RailRiders starter Zach Messinger in the top of the first.
Tough Knight: RailRiders fall 10-3 Thursday
Moosic, PA (April 24, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders dropped a 10-3 decision to the Charlotte Knights Thursday night. The RailRiders built an early lead, but the Knights hit five home runs in a comeback win. Box Score After Sean Boyle struck out the side in the top of the
Dominance: Winans Ks 10 as RailRiders blank Knights
MOOSIC, PA (April 23, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders shut out the Charlotte Knights 5-0 Wednesday night at PNC Field. Four RailRiders pitchers combined to strike out 14 Knights, allowing only three hits to blank Charlotte. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre starter Allan Winans struck out nine of the first ten batters he faced,
One-Upped in 11: SWB drops 5-4 extra-inning affair to Charlotte
Moosic, PA (April 22, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders lost 5-4 to the Charlotte Knights in 11 innings Tuesday night at PNC Field. Grant Richardson launched a game-tying home run in the bottom of the ninth to send the game to extras, but the Knights kept the RailRiders at bay
TV Time: Six RailRiders games to air on MyTV
MOOSIC, PA (April 22, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are partnering with MyTV WQMY to broadcast six games in 2025 on local television in NEPA. The RailRiders are thrilled to return to the airwaves this Thursday evening as Scranton/Wilkes-Barre hosts Charlotte. RailRiders 2025 MyTV WQMY Broadcast Schedule Thursday, April 24
Outlasted: RailRiders walked-off by Bulls 4-3
Durham, NC (April 20, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders fell 4-3 to the Durham Bulls on a walk-off home run Sunday night at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Tres Barrera’s solo home run in the last of the ninth sent the RailRiders to their first walk-off loss of the season. Box
Nothing Doing: RailRiders no-hit by Bulls Saturday
Durham, NC (April 19, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders were no-hit by the Durham Bulls on Saturday night in a 4-0 loss at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Three Bulls pitchers combined to limit the RailRiders to three walks and hold the club hitless in a game for the first time
Clean Sheet: SWB shuts out Durham 5-0 Friday night
Durham, NC (April 18, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders blanked the Durham Bulls 5-0 Friday night. Allan Winans, Sean Boyle and Yerry De Los Santos combined to shut out the Bulls on three hits while striking out 13. Box Score The RailRiders jumped on opener Paul Gervase with a pair
Downed in Durham: RailRiders fall 7-1 to Bulls
Durham, NC (April 17, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders were tripped 7-1 by the Durham Bulls Thursday night. The Bulls tallied five early runs and the RailRiders could not overcome the early deficit while dropping their second straight. Box Score Durham took a 2-0 lead against RailRiders starter Jake Woodford
Almost Enough: RailRiders rally halted in 4-3 loss
Durham, NC (April 16, 2025) – Scranton/Wilkes-Barre fell 4-3 to Durham on Wednesday night at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The RailRiders took the lead in the fourth, but the Bulls plated runs in four straight innings and staved off a late Scranton/Wilkes-Barre comeback effort to even the set. Box Score
No Bull: SWB takes down Durham 9-1 Tuesday
Durham, NC (April 15, 2025) – Scranton/Wilkes-Barre beat Durham 9-1 on Tuesday afternoon at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Dom Smith and Everson Pereira homered and Erick Leal pitched 6.1 innings to lead the RailRiders to a series-opening win over the Bulls. Box Score The RailRiders opened the early lead against
DH Done Right: RailRiders sweep twinbill with Red Wings
MOOSIC, PA (April 13, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders swept a doubleheader with the Rochester Red Wings on Sunday at PNC Field, walking off the Red Wings 3-2 in game one and shutting them out 8-0 in game two. Game One Box Score Game Two Box Score In game one,
Washed Away: Saturday's RailRiders & Red Wings game postponed
Moosic, PA (April 12, 2025) – Saturday afternoon’s game between the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Rochester has been postponed due to inclement weather. The RailRiders and Red Wings are already slated to play a single-admission doubleheader on Sunday, April 13, due to a postponement on April 10. Gates open at 11:30 A.M.