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New playing surface, drainage system needed to stop woes that postponed games.
WILKES-BARRE — Bids for the replacement of the playing surface at PNC Field will be opened Wednesday at the stadium.
The work will include installation of a drainage system to alleviate the problem that caused postponement of several games this year.
The bids will be opened at 10 a.m. Wednesday by representatives of Ewing Cole, an engineering and architectural firm out of Philadelphia. The Lackawanna County Multi-Purpose Authority will award the bid by Sept. 11.
According to Kristen Rose, president of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, Triple A affiliate of the New York Yankees, the work is necessary to bring an end to serious drainage problems that wreaked havoc on the team’s schedule. She said that when the field was converted from an artificial surface to natural grass and turf, a proper drainage system was not installed.
“I wasn’t here, but I understand it was a cost-saving decision,” Rose said. “I think there was a feeling that a new stadium would be built to house the franchise.”
Lackawanna County Commissioner Mike Washo said work would begin as soon as the 2009 season is over. He said the International League insists that each member-franchise have a suitable field for teams to play on.
“The stadium authority has some funds to help pay for the work,” Washo said. “Any difference would be the responsibility of the county.”
Washo said there has been no word from Mandalay Enterprises regarding the purchase option that would allow it to buy the franchise from the stadium authority. Washo said if and when that option is exercised, the county stands ready to challenge it in court.
“But I want to stress that there is no adversarial relationship here,” Washo said. “We want to keep the team here, and we are adamantly opposed to selling the franchise. That said, we are working toward an amicable solution that would be in the best interests of everybody – the counties – Luzerne and Lackawanna, the authority, the Yankees and Mandalay. We all want to see baseball succeed here.”
Luzerne County Commissioner Steve Urban said he is aware that the bids for the new field were sought. He said he looks forward to the Sept 20th joint meeting of the two counties.
“We understand they will outline what repairs are needed at the stadium above and beyond the field replacement,” Urban said. “We will listen to what they have to say. That’s all I can say for now.”
Rose said the Yankees “are very happy here.” She said she will not attend Wednesday’s bid opening.
Members of the Lackawanna County Multi-Purpose Stadium Authority are: Tony Zaleski, chairman, mayor of Dickson City; James Moran, vice chairman; James Timlin, secretary; Bill Jenkins; and Joe DeAntona. Luzerne County Advisor to the board is Tony Spinozza and solicitor is attorney Frank Tunis.