UPMC Park has been the crown jewel of the Erie sports scene since the SeaWolves inception in 1995. Since that time, over five-million fans have passed through the gates to enjoy high-quality professional baseball. Fans have been treated to the likes of All-Stars Justin Verlander and Curtis Granderson in the intimate, downtown ballpark.
On August 13, 2018, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf visited the ballpark and announced that Erie Events was awarded a $12 million RACP grant to improve the home of the SeaWolves.
"We have a lot of baseball affiliates around Pennsylvania that do a lot of great things for the cities where they are located, and I'm proud to be able to announce this," Wolf said of the announcement.
UPMC Park Entrance | Ticket Office | Team Store
Fans enter UPMC Park from a cul-de-sac near East 9th and French Streets. The entry plaza is in close proximity to Erie Insurance Arena, creating one entrance for both downtown properties. The SeaWolves ticket office, team store and offices are now in a building attached to the arena.
Fans can now shop in the comfort of a 1,550-square foot, climate-controlled Team Store. On non-game days, fans can enter the store from the exterior of the building. An in-park store entrance is open on game days for fans who choose to shop while at the game.
The area just inside the gates is dedicated to Flagship Funland, featuring kids games and activities, and Celebration Cove, a social space with picnic table seating. The area also features the Smith's Hot Dog Hut, one of UPMC Park's most popular dining destinations.
UPMC Park Stadium Club
UPMC Park will have the newest and premier downtown Erie meeting space with a brand new stadium club. Located on the top level of the new left-field stadium building, the UPMC Park Stadium Club will feature accommodations for up to 230 people. Fans will be able to access the stadium club by both exterior and interior entrances. The new club will be perfect for business meetings, banquets, parties and receptions. Patrons will have the ability to book fully catered events in this year-round facility that overlooks the field at UPMC Park.
Scoreboard Upgrades
During the 2019 season, two amazing high-definition videoboards were added to enhance the fan experience at UPMC Park. The old videoboard was replaced by an HD, LED board above the wall in right-center field. The left field message board on the side of Erie Insurance Arena was replaced by a 70-food wide by seven-foot tall LED ribbon board.
Bud Light Party Deck & Picnic Perch
The UPMC Park Picnic Perch and Bud Light Party Deck each received a facelift. The capacity of the Picnic Perch has been expanded, and the renovated area now features painted surfaces and improved overhead lighting. Above the Picnic Perch, twelve small Party Deck boxes have been transformed into six larger 20-guest boxes with swivel-turn, mesh seats. The space previously known as the Bud Light Beer Garden has been elevated four feet to improve live game viewing and features a new full-service bar and all-weather decking. The overhead canopy has been expanded and new lighting has been added to the area.
Super Suite
The suite level at UPMC Park now features an oversized Super Suite. The spaces that were previously used for broadcast booths and the SeaWolves Den were converted into a 40-person hospitality area. The Super Suite features an accordion glass door with an outdoor deck overlooking the seating bowl and field.
Enhanced Ballpark Suites
UPMC Park features six ballpark suites located on the third base side of the ballpark. The new suites have been outfitted with updated furniture and interior fixtures. The outdoor suite patios have been expanded and feature new drink rails and mesh, swivel row seating.
Renovated Restrooms
The concourse and suite-level restrooms at UPMC Park have been renovated with updated fixtures and lighting for guest comfort. Restrooms sinks have touchless faucets with a blended warm water stream, a welcome upgrade on chilly game days.
Playing Surface Upgrades
In late fall of 2018, the first major project of the UPMC Park improvements started the day after the season concluded. A brand-new, state-of-the-art playing surface was installed. The previous playing surface was completely removed, including grass, infield dirt, warning track, mounds, drainage pipes and irrigation system. The project, which took over three months to complete, installed all new drainage and irrigation, drainage gravel, sand, grass, mounds and infield dirt.
Clubhouse Upgrades
Prior to the 2022 season, the home and visiting team clubhouse spaces at UPMC Park were expanded and upgraded. The home coaches locker room was expanded from six to 14 lockers. New separate spaces were created for the visiting manager and coaches, who previously shared a space of less than 200 square feet. The visiting dressing area was expanded by more than 33%. New HD televisions with VNET service were added to the dressing areas and respective coaches offices. Dedicated dining areas with seating and kitchen appliances were added for both teams. New lockers, carpet, furniture, whirlpools, ice machines, cabinets, and lighting were added, and the ceiling in the home dressing area was raised by more than three feet.