The Williamsport Crosscutters (Short Season A; NY-Penn League) are unveiling further changes to BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. Set to be complete for the upcoming season, the overhaul to the ballpark will include seating changes, expanded netting, and new dugouts.
The lower seating section of the stadium will be demolished to make way for new Field Reserved seats (formerly known as box seats). At 22 inches in width, the new seats will be a full 5 inches wider than the existing seats and feature cup holders as well as wider aisles for enhance fan comfort and convenience.
“With the successful completion of our new UPMC Susquehanna Loggers Landing premium deck, we set our sights on the main grandstand in order to enhance the fan experience,” said Peter Freund, principal owner of the Cutters. “Not only will we have more comfortable and accessible seating options, but we are doing so thoughtfully to maintain the charm of our historic ballpark while modernizing it at the same time.”
The new plan also includes new, larger dugouts that will be relocated to the traditional areas on the first and third base lines as well as new expanded protective netting that will protect all fans in the stadium seating area.
The new state-of-the-art protective netting will be thinner and stronger than the current netting, providing enhanced visibility and enhanced protection. The new netting system will be vertical and not connected to the stadium roof, thus still allowing fans the opportunity to grab a foul ball while also providing maximum protection.
Freund stated, “The new stadium configuration will also prioritize the safety of our fans enjoying a game at BB&T Ballpark by installing the same netting found at the newest ballparks in the Country.”
The newly announced renovations are being made possible by a $1.25 million RACP Grant by the state for renovations to 92-year old BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field.
This latest announcement means that all fixed seats in the facility will be new and improved in 2017. The team previously announced the conversion of the former general admission seating to new individual reserved seats which will now be known as Stadium Reserved seating.