SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — The Syracuse Mets are pressing forward with stadium renovations despite the cancellation of minor league baseball due to coronavirus.
The confirmation that no minor league baseball will be played this year created an air of uncertainty, but for General Manager Jason Smorol, the lack of home games provided an opportunity that would have otherwise been unavailable.
“It has actually accelerated construction,” said Smorol. “Knowing that we’re not going to play, they can get a little bit of a head start.”
The original plan involved two phases to be completed in between home games. While it would have been more challenging, it also would have allowed fans to track the progress of the improvements. Smorol realizes this will create quite the shock should baseball return in 2021, with a new shine on NBT Bank Stadium.
“It’ll be dramatically different for the fans,” said Smorol. “Everything we’re doing has fan experience in mind.”
The improvements include a new playing surface, new seats, new bullpens and a new entranceway. There will also be more social areas, including a new bar in left field and a walkway all around the stadium.
Smorol expects the project to be fully completed by April of 2021, ready for the start of next season.
