HARRISBURG – The Peoples Natural Gas Field, home of the Altoona Curve, received a $2.4 million award from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) and Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-79) announced.
“Peoples Natural Gas Field, home of our Altoona Curve, is one of the most beautiful baseball stadiums anywhere and offers our area great family-friendly entertainment. It is a gem, a community asset, and a major economic driver for Blair County and the region,” said Ward. “In recent meetings with Blair County leaders and Altoona Curve management, it became apparent that new MLB requirements were forcing stadium upgrades that posed a major challenge for the county and the team. As the Altoona Curve prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary season here, I am thrilled about this state investment that will help maintain and upgrade our magnificent ballpark and keep minor league baseball in our area for years to come.”
This funding will be used to renovate the stadium, including overhauls to the Home Club and Visiting Club facilities, as well as other team facility and stadium maintenance upgrades.
“At a time when Major League Baseball has altered the minor league system, this funding will help keep the Curve here in Altoona,” Schmitt said. “The team not only provides sporting entertainment to residents, but also numerous jobs for the proud folks of Blair County.”
The minor league baseball facility, located off Interstate 99 in Altoona, opened in April 1999 and is modeled after a railroad roundhouse as a nod to the city’s historical ties to the industry.
RACP, a $3.1 billion program administered through the Office of the Budget, provides grants for development projects that boost the economic, civic, cultural, recreational or historical value of the surrounding community.
CONTACT: Nathan Akers