Bizzarro: additional $1.5 million in grant funding coming for UPMC Park
New grant brings state investment to $13.5 million, secures SeaWolves in Erie
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro December 23, 2020 | 4:58 PM
ERIE, Dec. 23 -- State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, announced that $1.5 million from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program has been awarded today for continued upgrades to the UPMC Park clubhouse.
“The investment in UPMC Park will make it the crown jewel in minor league baseball,” Bizzarro said. “The announcement earlier this month that the SeaWolves were staying was great news for the Erie region, and this money helps secures the team and the economic benefits that come with it.”
Casey Wells, Erie Events executive director, said he is “thrilled that the money is coming for our clubhouse improvements.” Wells continued: “This is the final piece to get our facility up to Double-A standards, which will ensure professional baseball in Northwest Pennsylvania for many years to come.”
“We are excited to continue bringing family fun and Major League Baseball’s stars of tomorrow to Erie,” said Erie SeaWolves President Greg Coleman. “We’d like to thank Governor Wolf, Attorney General Josh Shapiro, Representative Ryan Bizzarro and our local Erie delegation for their continued support of the SeaWolves and the Erie community.”
The new grant money will be used for the demolition, renovation and expansion of the team clubhouse adjacent to UPMC Park. A 2018 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant invested $12 million to improve the visitor experience at the baseball stadium.
“Like a lot of folks, I can’t wait to get out and take in a SeaWolves game,” said Bizzarro. “I’m so proud that all of us could come together to not only save, but invest and grow, the good things for our region that are happening at UPMC Park.”