Good news out of BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field, where a new premium deck will be added for the 2017 season, and the Williamsport Crosscutters (Short Season A; NY-Penn League) have extended the ballpark lease through 2020.
The new premium deck will be added to the right-field side of the ballpark. The yet-to-be-named area will be built on the former site of the right-field bleachers, which were removed prior to the 2015 season to clear space for the anticipated construction.
“When we purchased the Crosscutters 18 months ago, we immediately went to work with both the city and state to put much needed ballpark improvements in motion,” said Cutters Principal Owner Peter Freund. “This is the first needed step to help insure that Williamsport will continue to be home to affiliated Minor League Baseball.”
Ground is expected to be broken prior to the start of the Cutters 2016 season with construction lasting through the summer. The deck will officially open for the Crosscutters 2017 season.
Designed by Anthony Visco Architects of Williamsport, with input from the Williamsport Crosscutters and the City of Williamsport, the two-tiered deck is expected to accommodate upwards of 250 people. It will feature rail seating, high top and 4-top tables on both levels along with full bar and food service for fans.
The project is being financed as a result of a funding partnership between the Crosscutters, River Valley Transit, Lycoming County Visitor’s Bureau, and revenue generated by the use of BB&T Ballpark as well as additional support from the city of Williamsport’s administration.
Along with the renovation plans, it was also announced that the Crosscutters and the City have agreed to a 4-year lease extension that covers the 2017-2020 seasons.
Tentative plans are in place for Phase II of renovations that would include converting all bleacher seating in the stadium to new individual seats while also redesigning the current box seating area to be more fan friendly with wider seats, aisles and cup holders. Funding for that project is expected to be accomplished with a state RACP grant.