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SWB Yankees, LLC Applaud Governor's Approval to Renovate PNC Field

May 11, 2011 - International League (IL1)
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees News Release


Moosic, PA Today, the SWB Yankees, LLC applauded action by Governor Corbett that allows plans to move forward for the renovation of PNC Field (fka Lackawanna County Stadium). This new construction project will create a unique facility that will greatly enhance the fan experience, provide an outstanding facility for players while providing new jobs and economic opportunities for the region.

"This is an exciting day for minor league baseball in Northeast Pennsylvania. For the past four years, the New York Yankees have been proud to call Scranton/Wilkes-Barre home for our Triple-A franchise. This commitment to fund the necessary renovation now guarantees championship-caliber baseball for decades to come while creating new jobs for the region," said Hal Steinbrenner, Managing General Partner of the New York Yankees (NYY). "We look forward to entering into a pubic-private partnership with the Commonwealth and the Lackawanna Multi-purpose Stadium Authority in providing great, affordable entertainment in a first-class stadium and make a positive impact on this community for generations to come."

After the 2008 season, in which 19 games were cancelled due to the inadequate quality of the field, the Lackawanna Stadium Authority commissioned an independent study, which found that $13 million in repairs was needed on the 20-year old stadium just to keep the doors open. Without the commitment from the Commonwealth, the County would have been forced to spend millions of local funds on a rapidly aging facility just to make the necessary repairs, while not giving the County any flexibility to make any enhancements or improvements to the stadium to generate adequate revenues.

"We thank Governor Corbett and the Lackawanna County Commissioners for their support of this project and commitment to keep minor league baseball in Northeast Pennsylvania. We look forward to working together to complete this renovation and create a facility that will be the envy of minor league baseball," said Art Matin, President and CEO of Mandalay Baseball, LLC.

On the field, the SWB Yankees have been the champions of the North Division of the International League every season since the NYY became the Major League Baseball Affiliate and were the champions of the International League in 2008, winning the Governor's Cup for the first time in franchise history.

Off the field, the club strives to make a positive impact in the community through such initiatives as hosting an annual SWB Yankees charity auction and autograph party in which all proceeds are donated to local charities; raising money through "Shirt Off Their Backs" jersey auction for local ALC chapters in the region; and hosting the annual Meet the Yankees reception where proceeds were donated to the local Kid's Night Out Program which helps locally disadvantaged children. With the Commonwealth's investment in minor league baseball for Northeast Pennsylvania, the SWB Yankees are further committed to making a difference in this region beyond the play on the field.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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