Downtown North East Inc. is proud to announce an exciting partnership with the Erie SeaWolves that puts North East, its businesses and community assets in front of thousands of fans at UPMC Park in Erie every home game.
Located above the left field wall, the “Make It A Grape Day in North East, PA” billboard is 27 feet wide by 16 feet tall and can easily be seen from anywhere in the ballpark. It features a dozen local businesses including: The Apple Basket of North East, The Bean Coffee House, Bella Salon & Day Spa, Brickyard Inn, Cellar 54, Driftwood Wine Cellars, Lake Erie Speedway, Lakeview Wine Cellars, Orton’s Fruit Market and Bakery, The Skunk and Goat Tavern, Tia Book Cellar and Wine Fest.
Each game, fans will get to view a 90-second pre-game video with gorgeous local images filmed by North East native Chris Maas and his team at Vanta House. In addition, during the game fans will hear a 60-second radio-style advertisement about North East.
The billboard caught the eye of North East resident Val Crofoot who was attending the home opener April 3. She posted a picture of the purple billboard to the North East, PA Community Facebook group with the comment: “Great to see some of our NE businesses on a banner at the Seawolves opener.”
This is the second year Downtown North East has partnered with the SeaWolves on an outfield banner, said Jennifer Smith, chairperson of Downtown North East Inc.
“We couldn’t be happier with the results. Each game gets North East in front of thousands of local and regional fans and tourists who are looking for something to do to extend their stay in Erie or want to take advantage of all this region has to offer during the spring, summer and fall. This ad shows them the many ways they can “Make It A Grape Day in North East PA” and highlights our community’s agricultural heritage, unique family-owned businesses and signature event: Wine Fest”
“The Erie SeaWolves, a minor league affiliate of the Detroit Tigers who won the Eastern League Championship for the past two seasons and created national buzz with their Moon Mammoth alter-ego last season, are making people all over the country take note of Erie as a fun, family-friendly destination,” Smith added. “Being able to take advantage of that national recognition and leverage the SeaWolves sellout crowds is a home run for North East.”
This opportunity is made possible in part by generous donors and grant funding from ECGRA. Downtown North East Inc. was formed in 2009 to drive a thriving downtown. It is modeled on the National Main Street program and run by volunteers. Since its inception, Downtown North East has acquired more than $10 million in ECGRA grants helping to fund arts & cultural events, improvements to downtown buildings, and business education events. More than $1 million has been given to more than 50 local businesses for exterior improvements, signage and more.