RailRiders Home Opener Brings New Upgrades to PNC Field

Fans excited for the start of the 2026 season after weather delays the previous two home openers.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game at PNC Field, with the field, players, and stadium environment broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color.The RailRiders' home opener showcases the team's commitment to modernizing PNC Field with major upgrades, creating an enhanced fan experience.Scranton Today

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders kicked off their 2026 home season at PNC Field on Wednesday after cold weather postponed the original opening day. Fans were eager to see the new upgrades to the stadium, including a massive 3,000-square-foot video board, new speakers, and additional food options.

Why it matters

The RailRiders are a beloved minor league baseball team in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and the annual home opener is an important community event. The stadium upgrades demonstrate the team's commitment to providing an enhanced fan experience and keeping the ballpark competitive with other regional venues.

The details

The RailRiders' home opener was originally scheduled for Tuesday but was pushed back a day due to frigid temperatures, a common issue for early-season games in this region. Despite the delay, fans were excited to see the team take the field and check out the stadium's new features, including a massive 3,000-square-foot video board, upgraded sound system, and expanded food options.

  • The RailRiders' home opener was originally scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, 2026 but was postponed to Wednesday, April 9, 2026 due to cold weather.
  • This is the second year in a row that a RailRiders home opener has been rescheduled due to frigid temperatures.

The players

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders

A minor league baseball team that plays in the International League and is the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees.

PNC Field

The home stadium of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, located in Moosic, Pennsylvania.

Shawn Reilly

The general manager and president of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You know why we're here tonight, opening night 2026, we're not going to miss it, four years in a row, I'm back like a bear coming out of its cave. I am here to see baseball N-E-P-A, we don't miss it.”

— Chris Ridolfi, Fan

“It's so exciting, it's a brand-new video board, one of the largest in all of minor league baseball in the entire country, in high definition. So, fans will see right away when they come here, it's a different experience with a board like that, it's a big-time board.”

— Shawn Reilly, General Manager and President, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders

What’s next

The RailRiders will continue their home stand against the Durham Bulls throughout the weekend, giving fans more opportunities to experience the stadium upgrades.

The takeaway

The RailRiders' home opener showcases the team's commitment to providing an enhanced fan experience at PNC Field, with major upgrades like a massive video board and improved amenities. These investments demonstrate the organization's dedication to keeping the ballpark competitive and engaging for the local community.