Senator Fred Akshar, Mayor Richard C. David, and Binghamton Rumble Ponies president John Hughes will survey the ongoing construction and renovations at NYSEG Stadium on Thursday, April 6 at 11:30 AM. Members of the media are invited to take part in the walkthrough and participate in a press conference with Senator Akshar, Mayor David, and Hughes following the tour.
Members of the media seeking to attend the event are invited to confirm their attendance with Rumble Ponies Director of Broadcasting & Media Relations Tim Heiman. The event will commence in the NYSEG Stadium parking lot beyond the right-field outfield fence.
Attendees will be navigating an active construction site and are encouraged to wear comfortable footwear. Hardhats and construction vests are required for all participants and will be provided on site.
The $2.5-million project, the largest capital investment in the ballpark’s history, was announced by Senator Akshar, Mayor David, and Hughes in November 2016.
The upgrades are designed to enhance fan experiences, upgrade critical stadium infrastructure, modernize operations, andprovide a first-class environment for top New York Mets prospects to grow their skills for Major League Baseball.
Senator Akshar and New York State Senate Majority Leader John J. Flanagan secured $2 million in grant funds through the State and Municipal Facilities Program of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). Evans St. Baseball, owner of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, is contributing $500,000 for the project.
Construction is scheduled to be complete before the Rumble Ponies home opener on April 13.
The $2.5-million plan includes:
New Team Deck: A 144-person picnic party deck constructed on the right-field line will provide fans with the ultimate viewing perspective for the best talent in Minor League Baseball. High-top tables and covered seating will be available. A new handicapped lift will provide better access to the deck and entire concourse.
Updated Stadium Lighting: All 180 stadium lamps will be replaced with reflective and energy-efficient bulbs on eight existing support poles to meet Minor League Baseball standards.
New Third Base Terrace: Picnic tables and terrace family seating on the third-base line will replace existing seating in Sections 15 & 17. The new seating arrangement will enable families and smaller groups to enjoy a comfortable and conversational setting at the ballpark.
New Batting Cage: A 3,600 square-foot dual-lane batting cage facility located beyond the right-field wall will replace an antiquated underground setup that was prone to flooding. Rumble Ponies fans will be able to watch their favorite players get ready for action through windows located at the south end of the building.
New Right-Field Entrance Gate: An open-air entrance, featuring new ticket kiosks, signage, lighting and decorative pavers and fencing will greet fans that arrive at NYSEG Stadium. Attractions near the new entrance will include a performance stage area for live music, a new spiedie BBQ stand and a playground fun zone
Renovated Luxury Suites: All six luxury suites will be completely remodeled with modern furniture and new lighting fixtures and a special fridge featuring Coca-Cola products
Relocated Rumble Ponies Bullpen: Rumble Ponies relievers will prepare for their next appearance in a new bullpen located beyond the fence in right-center field. After being squeezed into a tight area near the right-field gate in their old bullpen, Binghamton’s relief corps can stretch out in more a spacious area.
New Groundskeeper Facilities: The Rumble Ponies grounds crew will house their equipment in a new shed beyond the center-field wall.
In addition, the plan includes improvements to the Rumble Ponies clubhouse, the front office, and concourse lighting.
The Rumble Ponies open the 2017 season on the road in New Hampshire on April 6 before celebrating their home opener at NYSEG Stadium on April 13 against Erie. Individual tickets for the 2017 season are on sale now.
I think the Rumble Ponies have a welcome dinner tonight, where fans can go for $35, and meet the players.
ReplyDeleteI believe Strawberry will be there. if anyone is up there, sounds like a great meal/deal to me.
Wow - the players were hitting in substandard lighting last year - at least that is what the following implies!
ReplyDelete"Updated Stadium Lighting: All 180 stadium lamps will be replaced with reflective and energy-efficient bulbs on eight existing support poles to meet Minor League Baseball standards."