What to know if you go: Banana Ball at PNC Field in Moosic

The wait is nearly over. Banana Ball is coming to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area this weekend, with a spirit of fun and competition that will thrill a packed stadium at PNC Field.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre was chosen as one of the stops for the new Banana Ball Championship League. The Moosic home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will be the site of two games Friday and Saturday between the Loco Beach Coconuts and the Firefighters.

Tickets for Banana Ball games are sold out, but for those lucky enough to purchase a coveted ticket, it helps to know where to park and what you can bring along with you for the big day.

Parking

The following parking options are available to those attending:

• Lot A is the far left field lot.

• Lot B is the left field lot.

• Lot C is the right field lot.

Motorcycle parking is available in designated areas in front of the main entrance to the ballpark.

Disabled parking is located in the front of Lot B; valid tags required.

Vehicles dropping off fans will be directed up the middle driveway, then exited out the back left field exit.

COLTS service to the field

For ticket-bearers who want to skip the traffic, County of Lackawanna Transit System is providing an affordable option to get there without the hassle.

The special COLTS CrowdMover service is crafted specifically to get fans to the game quickly, affordably and stress-free.

The CrowdMover runs directly from the Lackawanna Transit Center in downtown Scranton to PNC Field, beginning at 2:30 p.m. each day, with service every hour on both days of the event.

“Ride together, make memories, let’s go bananas,” the bus system said in a flyer announcing the service, which costs only $1.75.

Bag policy

• Clear bags will be permitted, including clear backpacks.

• Small purses, cross-body bags or wristlets measuring 9 inches long by 7.5 inches wide by 6 inches high or less are permitted.

• Fans may bring medical bags or diaper bags of any size into the ballpark this season. All bags will be searched and tagged prior to entry.

• Umbrellas are permitted into PNC Field but may not have a pointed end.

• Lawn chairs are not permitted.

• Portable stadium cushions (with or without seat backs) are permitted.

No firearms, knives, pepper spray or weapons of any kind are allowed within the ticket areas or parking lots of PNC Field. This includes off-duty law enforcement officers.

Game day schedule, weather info

The Plaza area of the stadium opens at 3:30 p.m. for pregame “Before the Peel” activities, for ticket holders. Gates open at 5:30 and the game/show starts at 6:30. Banana Ball games enforce a strict two-hour time limit to guarantee a fast-paced experience.

When it comes to weather, organizers describe “rain” as a four-letter word, but admit it’s always a concern.

Friday afternoon will begin with temperatures near 70 degrees before dropping to about 60 degrees at game time, according to AccuWeather forecasts. Saturday’s forecast, however, will be less amenable to gamegoers, with forecasts of a nearly 100% chance of rain starting at noon and continuing throughout the day.

Organizers say that although the ballgame is likely to go on, attendees should keep a careful eye on the Banana Ball social media sites for information about any rain delays or cancellations, including the organization’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/officialbananaball.

“Even if it’s wet – We always closely monitor the weather, and do everything humanly (and Bananaly) possible in order to play games as they are scheduled,” the organization says on its website.

Organizers indicate that nine out of 10 times, the game will go on once the weather clears. And short of that, attendees will still enjoy “a heck of a show.”

“Best thing you can do is plan to be at the ballpark ready to rock, as we anticipate everything to start on time! Should things change, we will communicate via email as well as post on our social media accounts,” organizers said.

More information about the event can also be found on Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/swbrailriders

Tags: