Cutters Sign New 4-Year Lease
Final approval by Williamsport City Council on April 28 has paved the way for construction of a new premium deck to be added to the right field side of BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. The yet-to-be-named area will be built on the former site of the right field bleachers which were removed prior to the 2015 season to clear space for the anticipated construction.
Designed by Anthony Visco Architects of Williamsport, with input from the Williamsport Crosscutters and the City of Williamsport, the two-tiered deck is expected to accommodate upwards of 250 people. It will feature rail seating, high top and 4-top tables on both levels along with full bar and food service for fans.
“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.
Ground is expected to be broken prior to the start of the Cutters 2016 season with construction lasting through the summer. The deck will officially open for the Crosscutters 2017 season.
Along with the renovation plans, it was also announced that the Crosscutters and the City have agreed to a 4-year lease extension that covers the 2017-2020 seasons.
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.
The Crosscutters open the 2016 season on June 17 against the State College Spikes at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. The full schedule, along with detailed information on ticket packages, is available at www.crosscutters.com or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.
