Rumble Ponies To Get $5.2 Million In Stadium Upgrades, Staying In Binghamton Another 5 Years
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NYSEG Stadium is seeing more upgrades. $5.2 million will be used to give the stadium its second makeover in the last year and a half. This time, the seats that have been there since the stadium opened more than two decades ago will be torn out and replaced, the turf upgraded, and new video and audio systems will be installed.
"Well, it all has to do with commitment I would say. Right? You have to be committed to your cause and work towards making change and work towards making things better. Everybody was well aware of the status of the team just a few years ago and now it's only being reinforced that hey, not only are we here to stay, but we're here to do great things for the community and be a great partner," says Rumble Ponies Owner John Hughes.
Hughes says the improvements will not only add to the fan experience, but also give the team upgrades they need in the form of renovations to the dugouts and clubhouse.
The money is coming from the state, the City of Binghamton, and the Rumble Ponies organization. Respectively, that's $2.5 million, $2.5 million, and $100,000.
The stadium upgrades for the @RumblePoniesBB includes new seats, turf, drainage systems, new video boards, among other improvements. pic.twitter.com/DyG2ug7AwI
— Amy Hogan (@AmyHoganTV) November 12, 2018
The state funds were secured by Senator Fred Akshar and Majority Leader John Flanagan, who says these sort of investments are crucial for small communities. Flanagan also added that despite the upcoming change in leadership, with the democrats set to take over the state senate in January, those funds are a done deal.
"The money should flow. I'm confident that our colleagues will prevail, the democrats will be in charge now. I'm confident that they will maintain the integrity of a program like this. And if they don't, you and I will go after them," said Flanagan, talking to reporters following the announcement.
The improvements will start on Tuesday, with the goal to have everything complete by opening day.
Those stadium upgrades weren't the only announcement made on Monday. Hughes also signed an agreement with the city to keep his team in Binghamton for another five years. Mayor Rich David says they are working on a second agreement to extend that further.
Upgrades aren’t the only announcement for the @RumblePoniesBB today. Owner John Hughes has just signed an agreement to keep the team in Binghamton for another 5 years. pic.twitter.com/nHQzvRQ0bh
— Amy Hogan (@AmyHoganTV) November 12, 2018
In addition, New York Mets representatives were present to announce they also signed an extension agreement, this renewing the Mets' Player Development Contract for another two years.