Construction work on the renovation of PNC Field, home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League) has begun, with workers prepping the site today.
It’s been a whirlwind week for the SWB Yankees and Lackawanna County: in a short amount of time the sale of the SWB Yankees was closed by the Lackawanna County Multi-Purpose Stadium Authority, Mandalay Baseball Properties and the New York Yankees for $14.6 million, meaning the renovation of the ballpark could proceed. To the general public, the sale of the team looked to be a rushed affair with little time for discussion, but in reality the sale of the team began many year ago when the Yankees and Mandalay took over team operations and signed an option to buy the team. Negotiations on the sale and lease have taken place for many, many months, and we’re guessing folks on both sides are happy to see a conclusion.
Today’s work is preparing for the demolition of PNC’s second desk: protective fencing is being installed, utility lines are being moved and the removing of anything not nailed down. Next week will see a Monday press conference to discuss the sale and the project, followed by the actual demolition of the second deck. The concrete foundation would be poured by June 1, with the steel infrastructure installed beginning Aug. 15. The ballpark would be ready for occupancy by March 24, 2013. By the beginning of next season the ballpark will also have a new wraparound concourse, berm and outfield group areas.
Rendering courtesy of Lackawanna County and Ewing Cole.
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