SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — The City of Scranton celebrated the opening of a new mini-pitch soccer court at Weston Field on Friday, adding another recreational amenity to one of the city’s busiest public parks.
The 90-by-50-foot hard-court surface was funded through a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Soccer Foundation through its partnership with Philadelphia Soccer 2026. The project was first announced in April as part of Philadelphia Soccer 2026’s “26 for 26” legacy initiative, a $2 million investment in soccer-related infrastructure and programming across Pennsylvania.
City officials said the site’s location within walking distance of Scranton High School and the NEPA Youth Shelter makes soccer programs, pick-up games and other activities more easily accessible.
Mayor Paige Cognetti said the new mini-pitch gives the city a lasting connection to its FIFA Fan Zone while also expanding recreational opportunities for children and adults at Weston Field.
“It is something that we worked on with Philly Soccer. It’s something that they wanted to do for all of the cities that hosted FIFA Fan Zones. So we had a wonderful event, and it was incredible to celebrate America’s birthday and Scranton’s birthday too, and FIFA in downtown Scranton. This is a lasting asset for us right here at Weston Field,” said Cognetti.
The new mini-pitch adds to a series of recent investments at Weston Field, including an activity pool and skate park, with additional upgrades planned for the existing soccer field, playground and basketball courts.