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UPMC Park Renovations Taking Shape

UPMC Park renovation rendering

Renovations to UPMC Park are taking shape, as the Erie SeaWolves (Class AA; Eastern League) prepare to debut the latest series of improvements to the ballpark.

Construction has been taking place at UPMC Park over the offseason, marking the last round of renovations in a multiyear improvement plan. A new entrance plaza will be added down the left-field line, while a new a multi-level structure will include a team store and offices on the first floor, with an upper-level club area connecting to the adjacent Erie Insurance Arena. Other changes are on the way, including improved concession and restroom facilities, lighting and concourse upgrades, an expanded kid’s zone, suite renovations, and more.

Ground was broken for the renovations in October, and considerable progress has been made over the months since, thanks in part to a mild winter. While a few additions from the current round of construction might not be fully operational by Opening Day on April 16, there are signs of the finished product taking shape, providing a glimpse of how the revamped ballpark will look. More from YourErie.com:

“When you look at the ballpark the only thing that is going to be the same are the seats and the seating wall. Everything else has been gutted and rebuilt from scratch,” said Greg Gania, Assistant GM/Communications of the Erie Seawolves….

“This mild winter has been huge for construction progress. We are ahead in some areas I didn’t think we should be right now and we are in a good spot and I think it’s coming along nicely,” said Gania.

Everything in the ballpark including the new suite level and team store should begin operating sometime this season, but may not be ready by opening day.

“The biggest difference is it’s going to feel much more modern, much brighter, much cleaner and less than 1990’s feeling the Jerry Uht Park had when it was built,” said [Assistant Director of Sports facilities for Erie Events Ed] Snyder.

UPMC Park’s playing surface was completely overhauled prior to the 2019 campaign and a new videoboard was installed during the season. The ballpark was originally known as Jerry Uht Park when it opened in 1995, when the SeaWolves were members of the Short Season A New York-Penn League. Double-A action arrived to Erie in 1999.

RELATED STORIES: Next UPMC Park Renovations UnderwayNew UPMC Park Scoreboard on TapUPMC Park Upgrades Targeted for 2020Erie Takes Action on UPMC Park Grant$12M for UPMC Park Renovations Approved by StateOfficials Working to Address UPMC Park ConditionsTigers Hope for UPMC Park UpgradesSeaWolves Offer 10-Year Lease Extension If Ballpark Improvements Are Funded;More Funds Requested for UPMC Park Renovation DesignsSeaWolves Make the Case for UPMC Park UpgradesUPMC Park Renovations Pitched by SeaWolves Ownership

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