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$12M for UPMC Park Renovations Approved by State

Erie SeaWolves logoA $12 million plan to renovate UPMC Park, home of the Erie SeaWolves (Class AA; Eastern League), was approved by Pennsylvania officials, and work should begin at the end of the season.

The SeaWolves had proposed a 10-year extension in exchange for ballpark upgrades, including a revamped playing surface, a new team store, new videoboard and offices.

From GoErie.com:

“The investment we’re going to make is $12 million. It’ll be $3 million each year over the next four years in this complex to make sure the facilities are up to date,” [Pennsylvania Gov. Tom] Wolf said at a news conference at UPMC Park. “We have a lot of baseball affiliates around Pennsylvania that do a lot of great things for the cities where they are located, and I’m proud to be able to announce this.”…

Replacing the field at UPMC Park became a top priority this summer after Tigers General Manager Al Avila made a visit to Erie. Avila had some harsh words for the current state of the field.

“I guarantee you the Tigers will be jumping up and down about this news,” [SeaWolves owner Fernando] Aguirre said. “This is the year for renewing our affiliation, and I don’t expect any issues. I think they’ll be happy to sign another two-year affiliation with us, and we’ll go from there.”

UPMC Park, originally known as Jerry Uht Park, opened in 1995. The SeaWolves were members of the Short Season A New York-Penn League at the time, with Double-A action arriving to Erie in 1999. The SeaWolves have been affiliated with the Tigers since 2001.

RELATED STORIES: Officials Working to Address UPMC Park ConditionsTigers Hope for UPMC Park Upgrades; SeaWolves Offer 10-Year Lease Extension If Ballpark Improvements Are Funded; More Funds Requested for UPMC Park Renovation DesignsSeaWolves Make the Case for UPMC Park UpgradesUPMC Park Renovations Pitched by SeaWolves Ownership

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