The Rumble Ponies’ stadium in downtown Binghamton will undergo a number of upgrades thanks to newly announced New York State funding.
On June 1, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced up to $6 million in funding for critical improvements to Mirabito Stadium as part of the state’s 2027 budget. An additional $1.2 million for the stadium will be provided by the team and the City of Binghamton, ensuring the Rumble Ponies have a state-of-the-art facility for the next decade.
Thanks to the project, Diamond Baseball Holdings, the ownership group that purchased the Rumble Ponies in 2024, has officially extended its lease through the 2035 season.
As a Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets, the team’s current agreement is set to expire following the 2030 season, but City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham said the renovation project will help ensure the stadium meets MLB and New York Mets standards with the aim of continuing the partnership for years to come.
Rumble Ponies sign lease to remain in Binghamton through next decade
As part of the grant, the stadium will receive general upgrades, including a new field and dugouts, as well as the renovation of the stadium’s press box and general technology improvements. Fans can also look forward to a new team store, fan expo and improved concessions, as well as increased accessibility and ADA upgrades throughout the stadium.
The stadium will also be receiving a full system upgrade including improvements to its HVAC system, electrical systems, overall weatherization and energy efficiency.
According to Kraham, the investment will not only help the Rumble Ponies continue to succeed but also benefit the local economy and continue to improve Binghamton’s growing stadium district.
“The ancillary economic benefits of bringing thousands of people to downtown Binghamton for so many nights during the summertime is huge,” said Kraham. “It’s also important to develop that stadium district that can be busy on game night but also when the team is out of town. Having a walkable, safe, well-lit and vibrant stadium district and bringing in more events, investments, things like housing and other businesses is important too.”
Outside of the stadium renovation project, the City of Binghamton has invested millions in revitalizing its stadium district, with investments valued at over $12 million, according to Hochul’s press release. Revitalization efforts, funded through federal grants and local municipal bonds, will seek to improve pedestrian safety and vehicle traffic flow, as well as create affordable housing in the area.
The lease extension will also provide the Binghamton area with 231 seasonal part-time jobs and 16-full time jobs.
Kraham said the improvements would help keep the Mets’ affiliation in Binghamton.
“The stadium upgrade positions the city in a great way to keep our Major League Baseball contract with the New York Mets during their next term, which should be 10 years,” said Kraham. “With these upgrades, Binghamton will go near the top of the list in terms of its quality and the investments that we’re making.”
Due to the project’s scale and the Rumble Ponies season schedule, Kraham said the project will likely take multiple seasons before being completed, though substantial improvements will be made before April 2027.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Big upgrades coming to Mirabito Stadium in Binghamton
Reporting by Riccardo Monico, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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