MOOSIC, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders opened their baseball season Wednesday night at PNC Field in Moosic against the Durham Bulls where first-timer fans and enthusiastic regulars alike gathered at the ballpark to celebrate the return of baseball.
Some came out of tradition, including longtime attendees and season ticket holders who said the home opener is as much about the atmosphere and community as it is about the game.
Joseph Delaney, who lives in Wilkes-Barre, said he has been coming to the ballpark since the Red Barons era and still looks forward to opening day because of how close fans can feel to the action.
“It’s a minor league stadium. You’re very close to the players. You have that experience where you almost get that personal feel, where you get attached to the players and the mascots. It’s a lot of fun. If you haven’t come out here, go for it. It’s amazing,” said Delaney.
Rob Trombley, from Lake Ariel, said he has been a season ticket holder for six years and returns for every home game, drawn by the people he sees each time he comes back.
“Well, it’s more like a family atmosphere here. The vendors are wonderful, the ushers, the people who work here. It’s just a wonderful place to be. When you’re a season ticket holder, the people who sit with you in your section, they’re like neighbors. It’s a wonderful thing to experience,” said Trombley.
The evening featured “Winning Wednesday” promotions including prize giveaways throughout the game, while the first 1,500 fans to arrive received a 2026 magnet schedule.
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The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders defeated the Durham Bulls 7-6 and are set to play Durham again the rest of the week, with games scheduled Thursday through Sunday.