The renovation of PNC Field, home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League), continues, even as the two counties that formerly owned the team prepare for a court battle over sale proceeds.
The framing on the new second deck is done, and concrete is being poured. The construction team is racing the calendar to get the basics done on the new second deck, which will contain suites, a press box and other group facilities; once winter sets in work will shift to indoor finishing work. The ballpark is set to open April 4, and construction managers say they’ll be ready to go.
This won’t affect ballpark construction, but it’s a court case worth noting: Luzerne County is moving ahead with its lawsuit against Lackawanna County, saying it is due half the proceeds of the sale of the SWB Yankees to the New York Yankees and Mandalay Baseball Properties for $14.6 million. Both counties contributed $1 million to buy the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons, and Luzerne County says it is due half the proceeds of the sale. Lackawanna County has dedicated the proceeds of the sale to the PNC Field renovations and is countering with an argument that Luzerne County did nothing to pay for the team or ballpark upkeep over the years. New lawyers are involved, so we may see some more novel legal arguments.
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