RailRiders to Host High School “Hackathon” at PNC Field The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will host local high school students for a “hackathon” on November 6 in the Geisinger Champions Club at PNC Field during NEPA STEM Ecosystem’s Celebration of STEM in Industry. A “hackathon” is an invention marathon. Programmers, designers, builders and more join together to learn, build, and share their creations. Hackathons are not limited to computer science interests — this “hackathon” is open to students who have an interest in technology and are eager to learn.Teams of students (with diverse backgrounds and interests in areas like math, science, design, economics, etc.) will be given a “problem” and their challenge will be creating a mobile/web app that will help solve that problem. The “problem” for this event will relate to something at PNC Field, but students will not know the challenge until they arrive on the day of the event. Students will receive hints related to the task through social media during the week leading up to November 6 and multiple experts will be on-site that day to answer any questions they have regarding the challenge.The students will be creating a “wire-frame” of an actual app, but not completing coding and creating a real app. At the end of the event, students will present their apps to the event judges and a winner will be announced. Cash prizes along with some special gifts from the RailRiders will be awarded to the winners.Registration is still open for high school teams of three to five students and this event is not open to the public. School districts may register more than one team. Students can range between ninth and twelfth grade and a team should be comprised of three to five individuals. Districts are encouraged to create diverse teams of all abilities and aptitudes with a variety of talents with attention to skill sets such as coding and programming, graphic designers/artists and user experience design, as well as those who excel in science and math. It is suggested to have at least one alternate student per team. Districts can also register for all virtual participation in this event. To register for this event, contact Stephanie Williams at swilliams@iu19.org. For more information on other events happening during NEPA STEM Ecosystem’s Celebration of STEM in Industry, visit NEPASTEM.ORG.
SWB RailRiders to Host First Responders & Military Appreciation Night Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will host First Responders & Military Appreciation Night on September 11 when the RailRiders take on the Rochester Red Wings at PNC Field. In appreciation of those men and women who support and sacrifice daily for our nation, the RailRiders are offering two free tickets to all first responders as well as active duty and veterans of our Armed Forces. Gates open at 5:00 P.M. on September 11 and the first pitch against the Washington Nationals Triple-A affiliate is set for 6:05. First responders and active duty/veteran Armed Forces members can claim their two free field reserved tickets by presenting a valid ID at the PNC Field Box Office this week. The box office will be open at 4:00 P.M. Tuesday through Friday prior to the RailRiders games against the Red Wings. On Saturday, September 11, the box office will open at 3:00 P.M.
RailRiders Announce 2021 Summer Giveaways With capacity at PNC Field expanding to 100% next month, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to put single-game tickets for the remainder of the 2021 season on sale now online at swbrailriders.com. In conjunction with single-game tickets and in addition to the giveaways already slated for the season, the RailRiders will have three legendary bobblehead giveaways, eight additional giveaway dates, four custom jerseys and plenty of fan-favorite theme nights this summer. The RailRiders are pleased to add Seltzer Saturdays to their daily promotions. Get $2 Bud Light Seltzers for two hours after gates open each Saturday home game this season, courtesy of Northeast Eagle. We start next month with a bang as Jack Williams Tire presents our June 4 post game fireworks blast off. On Saturday, June 5, the first 2,500 fans through the gates get a free hat before the RailRiders host the Lehigh Valley IronPigs at 4:05 P.M. On Thursday, June 17, the RailRiders transform into the Vejigantes, their Copa de la Diversion identity, for the first of three times this summer. The Vejigantes return on July 22 and August 12 as well to help celebrate Latin heritage across baseball and NEPA. The forces of good and evil will battle for supremacy on June 18 on Heroes & Villains Night. After the final out, NEPA’s best fireworks show will send everyone home with a WHAM! and a KER-POW! courtesy of ShurSave. On Saturday, June 19, the first 2,500 fans through the gates at PNC Field will receive a RailRiders 32 oz. beer howler. On July 10, FOX 56 and SWB team up for an umbrella giveaway. The RailRiders are on the road on July 4 this year and we will celebrate America’s independence a few days later. Join us July 9 for an extended fireworks show and custom jerseys honoring our great nation, which will be auctioned off to benefit the SWB Pinstripes Foundation. After the final out, post gamer fireworks presented by the PA Lottery. At the end of July, Yankee Legend Derek Jeter enters the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will celebrate “The Captain.” On Friday, July 23, the RailRiders will wear 2013 throwback vests to honor the Hall of Famer’s stint in SWB and the jerseys will be auctioned after the final out. July 24 is the Derek Jeter bobblehead giveaway, presented by Casey Dental, paying tribute to the accomplishments of one of the game’s greats! On July 25, the club will celebrate Christmas in July with an Aaron Judge ornament giveaway, presented by Geisinger. Faith and Family Night is slated for Friday, August 6. Head to the ballpark for a fun evening of fellowship and post game fireworks presented by the PA Lottery. August 7 is Back to School Night at PNC Field and the first 2,500 fans get a RailRiders insulated lunch bag courtesy of Giant. Paradise hits PNC Field on August 13 as the RailRiders go tropical. The first 2,500 fans will receive a RailRiders beach towel courtesy of Dickson City Hyundai and the club will wear custom Hawaiian-style jerseys that will be auctioned off after the final out. Stick around for another great fireworks show courtesy of Jack Williams Tire. On Saturday, August 14, our first of two Legends Race dual bobblehead giveaways will find their way to the gates at PNC Field. Mantle and Munson start the sprint on this two-part collectible series, presented by PNC Bank. Dunder Mifflin fans unite! Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will once again pay tribute to our lovable friends from The Office on September 3. You can’t miss it… and that is what she said. Our Legends Racers hit the finish line on September 4 when a DiMaggio and Martin dual bobblehead complete the jaunt home, courtesy of Geisinger. On Sunday, September 5, the first 500 kids aged 12 and younger will receive a RailRiders autograph book, presented by Hyundai. On Friday, September 10, make your way to PNC Field for a RailRiders fleece headband, brought to fans by Times-Shamrock. With one week to go before the rescheduled 2021 Parade Day, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will also don St. Paddy’s Day-themed jerseys that will be auctioned off and are sure to be a mid-March hit for years to come. Plus… stick around after the game for our final fireworks extravaganza of the season. September 10 is also Boy Scout Night. Fan Appreciation Day is slated for Sunday, September 12, as Scranton/Wilkes-Barre brings its 2021 home schedule to a close with a random promo item giveaway for the first 2,500 fans. All major giveaways will be handed out to the first 2,500 fans. All promotions and giveaway dates are subject to change. The RailRiders will operate with six-foot social distancing for the remainder of May but expand to 100% on June 1 per guidelines from the state of Pennsylvania. For more information on the 2021 season, please visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-2255.
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.
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.
