Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Updates Key 2021 Policies at PNC Field Due to additional changes in CDC and state guidelines last week, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders have updated several policies for fans attending games at PNC Field this season. Masking policies will change during the team’s next homestand and capacity restrictions will change next month. PNC Field returns to 100% capacity on June 1 and single-game tickets for the remainder of the 2021 home schedule will go on sale tomorrow, May 21, at 10 A.M. online at swbrailriders.com. Updated Policies and Guidelines are as follows: Mask Policy (Beginning May 25) Vaccinated fans do not need to wear a mask unless they choose to do so.Unvaccinated fans must continue to mask at all times. Entrance/ Seating/ Capacity Restrictions (Beginning June 1) Due to Major League Baseball requirements, social distancing will remain in place during entrance and exit at PNC Field.A special “pod seating” section will remain in place for fans wishing to maintain safe social distancing. Masking will be required in this section.The Season Ticket Holder early entrance policy will be reinstated (15 minutes before gates open via the SWB Station Team Store).The designated smoking areas will be reinstated.The Geisinger Kids Zone will be open.The SWB Station Team Store capacity restrictions will be lifted.Ballpark re-entry will now be permitted. The RailRiders will keep several existing policies in place. They are as follows: RailRiders and Legends staff will continue to wear masks at PNC Field.Digital Ticketing will remain in place for the entire 2021 season.PNC Field will remain cashless for the entire 2021 season.Players will not be able to sign autographs until further notice.The Clear Bag Policy remains in effect for the entire 2021 season.Enhanced cleaning and sanitization efforts will stay in place for the entire 2021 season. In addition, due to MLB guidelines, the RailRiders will continue to utilize pod seating for player families to assist with social distancing and safety. Protocols and procedures remain subject to change this season per Major League Baseball, state and CDC guidance. For more information on all 2021 policies, visit the Health and Safety Information page at swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-2255.
Garcia Honored by Triple-A East for Week of May 10-16 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders pitcher Deivi Garcia has been selected as Triple-A East’s Pitcher-of-the-Week for May 10-16. Garcia is the number two prospect in the New York Yankees organization according to Baseball America. The right-hander went 1-0 with a spotless ERA over two starts against Lehigh Valley during the week, striking our a total of 16 batters and walking just two.Garcia, 21, got the nod for the RailRiders home opener against the IronPigs on May 11 and started the series finale on Sunday as well. He worked five innings in each start, striking out seven and walking one on May 11 before striking out nine and walking one on Sunday. Garcia allowed a total of five hits, one earned run over his pair of starts and earned the win on Opening Night.This is the third Pitcher-of-the-Week honor for the Banao, Dominican Republic, native. He was named the Florida State League’s Pitcher-of-the-Week for August 6-12 in 2018 and earned the Eastern League’s top weekly honor for June 17-23 in 2019.Garcia is the first RailRiders pitcher to be tabbed by the league for a weekly award since Jonathan Holder in August of 2016 (August 22-28).Scranton/Wilkes-Barre begins a six-game road trip in Rochester on Tuesday night. The RailRiders return to PNC Field on May 25 for a 12-game homestand, hosting Buffalo and Lehigh Valley. Single-game tickets for the month of May, as well as Full, Half and Partial Season Ticket Memberships, are on sale now. For more information on the 2021 season, please visit swbrailriders.com or contact the club by calling (570) 969-2255.
PNC Field Returns to Full Capacity on June 1 Due to recent changes in state guidelines, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to announce that PNC Field will return to full capacity on June 1. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will put single-game tickets for the remainder of the 2021 season on sale at 10 A.M. on Friday, May 21.“The change in state guidelines is great news for our fans,” stated John Adams, Team President of the RailRiders. “While certain protocols must remain in place, we know things are heading in the right direction and our staff is excited to welcome all of our fans back to PNC Field next month. We are hoping to help make everyone’s summer the best it can be with the fun that NEPA has been missing for too long.”Several policies have been updated due to changes in guidelines.Bag PolicyClear bags will be allowed starting May 11. Medical and diaper bags, as well as wristlets, will also be allowed.Rain DelaysFans will now be permitted to distance during weather delays by allowing them to leave and re-enter the ballpark during rain delays.Group SeatingAll group seating for the summer months and September is now on sale.While capacity restrictions have been lifted, the RailRiders will continue to enforce several guidelines put in place last month. Those policies are as follows:Ticketing and Cashless TransactionsDigital Ticketing and Cashless Transactions while at the ballpark will remain in place.MaskingAll masking guidelines will remain in place at this time.Social DistancingScranton/Wilkes-Barre will continue to enforce physical distancing while entering and exiting PNC Field, as wellas in lines for concessions and merchandise. Fans will not be allowed to congregate during pregame or in-game events.Enhanced CleaningEnhanced cleaning regimens will remain in place.In addition, due to MLB guidelines, the RailRiders will continue to utilize pod seating for professional baseball scouts and player families to assist with social distancing and safety. The 12-foot buffer zone around the home and visiting dugouts, as well as any areas near players, will also remain in place.Protocols and procedures remain subject to change this season per Major League Baseball, state and CDC guidance. For more information on all 2021 policies, visit the Health and Safety page at swbrailriders.com.A limited number of single-game tickets for games in May are on sale now, while Full, Half and Partial Season Ticket Memberships are also available. For more information on the 2021 season, please visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-2255.
Sensory Safe Suite to Debut at PNC Field in 2021 The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are pleased to partner with Curemark this season on a Sensory Safe Suite at PNC Field. Suite 6 on the Geisinger Champions Club Level will be redesigned as a fun, accommodating and functional space for families with children on the autism spectrum and with special needs to help better enjoy the game. The Curemark Sensory Safe Suite will have features that provide a comforting, relaxing and less stimulating space for guests to experience RailRiders games while still being fun and functional. This allows guests in the suite to decompress and enjoy baseball with their family away from the louder, hectic and often over-stimulating environment in other areas of the ballpark. “We are happy to sponsor this great initiative with the Yankees Triple-A affiliate SWB RailRiders” states Dr. Joan Fallon the CEO of Curemark. “Bringing baseball with the creation of this space affords individuals with autism and special needs and their families a day or night at the ballpark. At Curemark, we feel that these families should have a sensory safe space so that our National Pastime is accessible and enjoyable for all”. For the 2021 season, one family will be chosen to use the room per game at no charge. In accordance with PNC Field capacity restrictions, the Sensory Safe Suite can have a party of up to 12 people on any given game night. Families can request use of the room by visiting swbrailriders.com and filling out the request form on the Sensory Safe Suite page under the Community tab. Fun and Function designed the look and furniture for the Sensory Safe Suite. Fun and Function is a Pennsylvania-based company in the suburbs of Philadelphia and has worked with Curemark in the past to create sensory spaces for the Brooklyn Cyclones. “We are thrilled to work with Curemark to create this new suite at PNC Field,” said Jordan Maydole, the RailRiders Director of Community Relations. “This is a truly important space to add to our great ballpark and we anticipate expanding the features and capacity as time goes on. With Curemark’s help, we look forward to making a difference in how children can experience RailRiders games.” The RailRiders will be working with local non-profit groups such as Brighter Journey’s, Abilities 21 and SAFE to promote awareness of the Sensory Safe Suite and have the opportunity to request access. For more information on the Curemark Sensory Safe Suite or the 2021 season, please visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-2255.
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Lowers Online Ticket Pricing for 2021 Single-game tickets for the month of May go on sale April 27 at 10 A.M. online at swbrailriders.com. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, in effort to shift ticket sales online and digital this season to help limit contact, have lowered pricing for tickets purchased on the team’s website. Ticket prices range from $10 to $14 when purchased online at swbrailriders.com, which marks a $2 decrease from online pricing in 2019. Infield Box seats are $14 online this year. Field Reserved and Budweiser RailHouse seats are $13 each this season, while Bleacher and Lawn seats are $11 and $10, respectively. All tickets will be fully digital with mobile delivery. TicketMaster service fees are applied to all online ticket orders. The RailRiders Box Office at PNC Field will be open prior to all home games this season and closed when the team is on the road. Infield Box tickets are $20 when purchased in-person at the box office. Field Reserved and Budweiser RailHouse seats purchased at the box office $19 each. Bleacher and Lawn seats are $17 and $16, respectively, when purchased in-person. Tickets purchased at the box office can be sent via text message at no additional cost, but there is a $2 per seat fee if printed tickets are desired. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre announced their 2021 health and safety policies on April 20. Due to state and CDC guidelines, PNC Field will not open at full capacity at the outset of the season. The RailRiders will incorporate “pod” seating within the ballpark and tickets will be limited based on social distancing guidelines and procedures. While single-game tickets for the 12 home games during May will go on sale Tuesday, April 27, single-game tickets for the remainder of the season will go on sale at a later date. Full, Half and Partial Season Ticket Memberships are on sale now. For more information, please visit swbrailriders.com or contact the club by calling (570) 969-2255.
RailRiders Set PNC Field Safety Protocols for Upcoming Season With the 2021 season opening early next month, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, have set their safety regulations and protocols for fans attending games at PNC Field. These changes have been put in place to help protect everyone at the ballpark this year, from the fans and staff to the players on the field. “We want our loyal fans to have the best time possible as they return to PNC Field this year, but that truly requires some changes to how we operate for the best interest of everyone involved with making RailRiders baseball happen,” stated John Adams, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s team president. “These protocols and procedure changes are necessary to ensure that our facility remains one of the premier venues in Minor League Baseball. We appreciate the cooperation and understanding from our fans and staff while we ensure that watching a RailRiders game at PNC Field is a safe and enjoyable one. Most areas of operations at PNC Field have had policies and procedures updated in accordance with state, CDC and Major League Baseball guidelines. This includes: Ticketing and SeatingTickets to RailRiders games this season will now be digital. This helps eliminate contact points for fans and employees, increasing safety as your enter PNC Field.Due to state and CDC guidelines, PNC Field will not open at full capacity at the outset of the season. The RailRiders will incorporate “pod” seating within the ballpark and tickets will be limited based on social distancing guidelines and procedures. Seats in the vicinity of each “pod” will be zip-tied to prevent use and to assist in maintaining proper distancing.Single-game tickets will be available online only at swbrailriders.com. Entry and Exit PointsThere will be one gate designated for exit from PNC Field to avoid contact with those entering PNC Field. This gate will be located at the Main Gates, but away from the entry gates.There will be no re-entry allowed into the PNC Field once a guest has exited unless there is a rain delay where fans may exit the stadium during the time of the delay to ensure distancing. Mask PolicyMajor League Baseball has enacted a mask policy for the 2021 season and it applies to teams under its Player Development License. All attendees age two years and older will be required to wear a face-covering over their nose and mouth at all times while on the ballpark property other than when actively eating or drinking at their ticketed seats. Exceptions may be made for attendees who cannot wear face coverings for medical reasons and provide written medical verification. These attendees with proper verification will be wristbanded at gate entrances by security for identification purposes. Cashless Points of SalePNC Field will be a fully cashless facility in 2021. This includes all aspects of operation at the ballpark, including parking, ticketing, the SWB Station Team Store and the concession stands and bars. Venues around the country have gone cashless during the pandemic, including nearby ballparks and arenas in Pennsylvania, which has helped minimize health risks by limiting contact. A cashless ballpark should also help minimize wait times. PNC Field will accept credit and debit cards. Additional forms of cashless payment will be available as upgrades are made at each point of sale this season. Bag PolicyThe RailRiders bag policy has been updated for 2021 as well. Fans may only bring medical bags, diaper bags or small wristlets into the ballpark this season. No other bags will be permitted. ConcessionsWhen fans head to the concession stands, they will notice social distancing markers to help keep everyone safe while waiting in line. All concession employees will be required to wear protective gloves and face coverings. Condiments and similar items will be served using pre-packaged servings as opposed to communal displays. RestroomsEvery other urinal will be closed to ensure social distancing. Exterior doors will be propped open to encourage touchless entry/exit. Automatic towel and soap dispensers have also been installed to provide touchless distribution. Restrooms will be cleaned approximately every 30 minutes by PNC Field cleaning staff. Smoking PolicyPNC Field is a smoke-free facility. Designated smoking areas have been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19 concerns until social distancing and additional restrictions are lifted. AutographsDue to MLB, CDC and state distancing guidelines, players will not be signing autographs. SWB Station Team StoreCapacity inside the team store will be limited to a maximum of 20 guests at a time. The team store footprint will be expanded to the outdoor concourse to allow for social distancing. Additional Protocols and Procedures– Enhanced cleaning procedures will be put in place throughout the ballpark during the 2021 season.– Water fountains will be disabled for health precautions.– The elevators to the Geisinger Champions Club and suites will be used with limited occupancy. A ticketed group in the same seating pod or suite will be permitted to ride together according to the elevator occupancy limit. PNC Field Gameday Staff will disinfect elevator buttons before each use.– Public address announcements will be made throughout the game to encourage social distancing and to remind fans of the face-covering requirements.– Social distancing guidelines will begin as you enter PNC Field and remain prevalent for the duration of your time at the ballpark. There will be stanchions that will separate and social distance each entrance.– There will be a 12’ buffer zone between the dugouts and assigned seats.– All full-time and game day staff will have their temperature checked during their arrival as well as fill out a COVID-19 Survey. Any staff member exhibiting a temperature above 100.4F or responding to the survey in a way that indicates possible infection will not be permitted into PNC Field. Additional changes or protocol updates may be required as the season progresses due to MLB, CDC and state guidelines or restrictions. Full, Half and Partial Season Ticket Memberships are on sale now. Single-game tickets for the 12 home dates in May will go on sale April 27 at 10 A.M. online at swbrailriders.com. Individual tickets for the remainder of the schedule will go on sale at a later time with eyes on restriction changes throughout the season. For more information, please visit swbrailriders.com or contact the club by calling (570) 969-2255.
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Announces Updates on 2021 Radio Broadcasts The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, have extended their agreement with the Bold Gold Media Group to carry the full 120-game schedule in 2021. The club is also pleased to announce the elevation of broadcaster Joe Vasile to the number two role on broadcasts, joining the “Voice of the RailRiders” Adam Marco on the call this season. The flagship of the RailRiders Radio Network is The Mothership; Bold Gold’s oldies station that hit the airwaves in 2020 and added a frequency to expand the coverage. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre games can be heard locally on 1400 AM, 1440 AM, 93.5 FM, 106.7 FM and 107.9 FM. This array of frequencies for The Mothership gives the RailRiders coverage across both Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, as well as into Wayne and Pike Counties in the Pocono Lake Region. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders broadcasts are also available online at swbrailriders.com and with the video feed on MiLB.tv when the team plays at PNC Field. Bold Gold Media Group’s family of stations has been the home of RailRiders radio broadcasts since 2007. “Bold Gold Media Group has been a tremendous partner for over a decade,” said Katie Beekman the RailRiders General Manager. “Whether it has been carrying the game broadcasts or helping promote the RailRiders brand across the region, we have always appreciated the efforts of Vince Benedetto, Bob VanDerheyden, Michael Stanton and the entire staff at Bold Gold.” Marco returns for his 15th year in Minor League Baseball and third season as the lead voice of the RailRiders. Vasile replaces Adam Giardino as the club’s Media Relations Manager, who had served in this role previously. “I’m thrilled to have Joe return to the booth with us this season,” Marco said. “He has been integral to what we have done the last few seasons behind the scenes. Joe brings a wealth of knowledge and a polished voice to our call, so I truly believe fans will be entertained and well-informed this season.” Vasile enters his seventh season of minor league baseball and his third season with the RailRiders. In 2018 and 2019, he served as the RailRiders Media Relations and Broadcast Assistant. In the offseason, Vasile has served as the voice of Bucknell University women’s basketball since 2019 and broadcasts Bucknell men’s basketball and football home games. He also broadcasts a variety of sports for St. Peter’s University, Lafayette College, St. Francis College (N.Y.), the Northeast Conference and Princeton University. Prior to his time with the RailRiders, Vasile spent the 2017 season as the Media Relations and Broadcast Assistant for the Long Island Ducks and has previous stops with the Salem Red Sox in 2016 and the Fayetteville SwampDogs in 2014 and 2015. In the 2015 season, Vasile also served as Fayetteville’s Assistant General Manager. A native of Paramus, N.J., Vasile graduated from The College of New Jersey in December 2013. He also hosts the baseball documentary podcast Secondary Lead and has had writing published on Fangraphs and Beyond the Box Score. “I am incredibly thankful to be returning to the RailRiders in an expanded role this season,” Vasile said. “Working alongside Adam Marco and Adam Giardino, as well as the entire staff at PNC Field, has been a fantastic experience and I can’t wait to start with the 2021 campaign. We have the best fans in minor league baseball and I’m looking forward to seeing people at the ballpark once again.” The 2021 campaign beings on the road May 4 at Syracuse before Scranton/Wilkes-Barre plays its home opener at PNC Field on May 11 against Lehigh Valley. A limited number of single-game tickets for the month of May will go on sale on April 27 at 10 AM online at swbrailriders.com. Full, Half and Partial Season Ticket Memberships are on sale now. The RailRiders front office is open on a limited basis and by appointment only. For more information, please visit swbrailriders.com or contact the club by calling (570) 969-2255 and leave a voicemail. Calls will be returned at the earliest possible opportunity.
RailRiders Announce 2021 Schedule The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are pleased to announce the schedule for the upcoming 2021 season. The RailRiders are scheduled to play 72 home games and will open their season on Tuesday, April 6, in Moosic against the Worcester Red Sox. After the entire 2020 Minor League Baseball season was canceled due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, PNC Field served as the alternate training site for the New York Yankees. During the last few months, Major League Baseball reorganized its developmental ranks, essentially creating new leagues and adding several new affiliates across the sport. On February 12, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre announced a 10-year agreement to remain as the Yankees Triple-A affiliate, playing in the newly-formed Triple-A East. The RailRiders were placed in the Northeast Division along with former International League North teams from Buffalo (Toronto) Lehigh Valley (Philadelphia), Rochester (Washington), Syracuse (New York Mets) and Worcester (Boston). After nearly two decades with the Minnesota Twins, the Rochester Red Wings are now an affiliate of the Washington Nationals. The club in Worcester moved from Pawtucket to a new ballpark set to open this season in Worcester, Massachusetts. “We are excited to release this schedule as a positive sign towards baseball in Moosic this year,” stated John Adams, Team President of the RailRiders. “While certainly several factors must still be clarified to help us move forward with a safe and successful season, this schedule is the first sign of things to come. The front office is hopeful for the return of baseball and seeing our loyal fans at PNC Field very soon.” The RailRiders will play their entire 2021 schedule against teams from the Northeast Division in an effort to reduce travel for health and safety reasons. Each Monday during the season is slated as an off day for travel to better accommodate players and staff. Unlike recent seasons, the 2021 campaign will extend beyond Labor Day, culminating on September 19th in Lehigh Valley. Go to www.SWBRailRiders.Com for the full 2021 schedule. This 2021 schedule remains fully subject to change due to the ongoing pandemic, while COVID-19 restrictions and protocols, game times and promotional details will be announced at a later date. Luxury Suites as well as Full, Half and Partial Season Ticket Memberships are on sale now. The RailRiders front office is open on a limited basis and by appointment only. For more information on the upcoming 2021 season, please visit swbrailriders.com or contact the club by calling (570) 969-2255 and leave a voicemail. Calls will be returned at the earliest possible opportunity.
