Upgrades to UPMC Park could be on the way, as the Erie SeaWolves (Class AA; Eastern League) and the ballpark’s owner have taken a key step in the process.
The Indiana-based firm Jones Petrie Rafinski has been awarded a $10,000 contract to come up with designs for possible improvements to UPMC Park. This comes as the SeaWolves, along with ballpark owner Erie Events, take part in the process of securing a $12 million state grant that will help fund the upgrades.
Should they come to fruition, the upgrades could modernize numerous fan amenities at UPMC Park, and effectively improve some key operations areas in the process. More from GoErie.com:
Jones Petrie Rafinski, which has offices in Elkhart, South Bend and Fort Wayne, will be paid $10,000 for its work. Erie Events and the SeaWolves have agreed to split the cost, according to Casey Wells, Erie Events’ executive director.
The city of Erie has a long-pending request for a $12 million state grant to make various improvements to the ballpark, which is home to the SeaWolves. The team is a Detroit Tigers affiliate that plays on the Double-A level in the Eastern League.
Those improvements include, but are not limited to, an expanded concessions area; a team store; elevated decks and the expansion of corridors at the stadium; an exterior marquee; a larger children’s area, and new lighting and walkways.
Mayor Joe Sinnott’s administration submitted the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program request to officials in Harrisburg in February 2014.
UPMC Park opened as Jerry Uht Park in 1995, when the SeaWolves were members of the Short Season-A New York-Penn League. The club moved up to the Eastern League in 1999.