The Williamsport Crosscutters (Short Season A; NY-Penn League) and city officials broke ground today on a new party deck for BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field.
To be located down the right field, this premium area will feature two tiers and is expected to accommodate up to 250 spectators. Along with drink rails and four-seat table tops on both levels, the new party deck will also include full-scale bar and food service.
The space where the party deck is being constructed is the former location of the right field bleachers. Under its current schedule, the deck will open in 2017. Anthony Visco Architects of Williamsport handled the design, with the city and the Crosscutters offering input.
“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”, stated 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.”
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.
Williamsport Mayor Gabe Campana stated, “It’s an honor to partner with the Crosscutters as we break ground for the newest addition at our historic ballpark. The new deck will make BB& T Ballpark more fan friendly. Furthermore, it helps to keep our minor league baseball team more viable in the great City of Williamsport. It will be an area that our baseball fans and the city’s special events can enjoy for many years to come.”
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.
Rendering courtesy of the Williamsport Crosscutters.