LANCASTER, PA — The Lancaster Barnstormers announced plans this week to install artificial turf at Clipper Magazine Stadium. The ambitious project promises to usher in an exciting new era for the popular Atlantic League team and their dedicated fans.
The installation of the artificial turf, expected to take between 8 to 12 weeks, should be completed in time for the Barnstormers’ spring training games in mid-April. Once installed, Clipper Magazine Stadium will join six other Atlantic League facilities boasting artificial playing fields.
The turf, covering the entire field, including bases and home plate, offers several advantages over natural grass. It provides consistent playing conditions, requires less maintenance, and is more durable, making it ideal for multi-purpose venues like Clipper Magazine Stadium. Additionally, a removable Perfect Mound, akin to the one used at High Point’s Truist Point, will be incorporated into the new design.
Funded primarily by the City Revitalization & Improvement Zone (CRIZ), the project is a testament to the power of strategic investment in local community assets. “The Baseball Team and Redevelopment Authority want to sincerely thank the Lancaster CRIZ Authority for approving and providing significant investment to this capital project,” said Justin Eby, Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority.
But the benefits of this transformation extend beyond just the baseball games. With the new artificial surface, Clipper Magazine Stadium will be able to more efficiently convert the field for different uses, from other sports to concerts and various events. This adaptability not only broadens the scope of potential activities at the stadium but also significantly reduces prep time between events.
During the 2022-2023 fiscal year, Clipper Magazine Stadium hosted an event on 323 days. With the installation of the artificial turf, the Barnstormers aim to expand this already impressive figure in the coming years.
“Our goal is to be the center of the community, making ourselves available to as many segments of the public as we can,” said team president and general manager Mike Reynolds. “Before, we couldn’t risk not having a safe surface for baseball, but this will allow us to turn around the field more quickly without interrupting the flow of the Barnstormers schedule.”
As Clipper Magazine Stadium prepares to make this significant leap forward, fans of the Lancaster Barnstormers can look forward to an even more dynamic and engaging experience at their beloved local ballpark.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.