State Grants Secure Future of Luzerne County Fair Sports Dome Project, Bringing New Sports and Community Hub to NEPA

HARRISBURG - An exciting joint venture between the Back Mountain Soccer Club and the Luzerne County Fair and its nonprofit partners will strengthen and enhance recreational amenities and opportunities for resident of northeastern Pennsylvania.

Through critical grant funding secured by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) and Rep. Mike Cabell (R-117), a state-of-the-art sports dome complex will soon be built on an unused section of the Luzerne County Fairgrounds along State Route 118.

The project will include site development, a new access point, expanded parking and the construction of a nearly 110,000-square-foot dome facility. The complex will feature a turf field designed for year-round training and competition. It will also serve as a hub for multiple sports, including soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, football, basketball, volleyball and pickleball.

The Back Mountain Soccer Club - a nationally recognized program - will be a key tenant of the dome, which will enable the club to expand its youth enrollment by an estimated 50% during the next five years. The new facility will allow athletes of all backgrounds to train in a premier environment, paving the way for college and professional-level advancement while promoting character and well-being.

"The Luzerne County Fair Sports Dome is a vision come to life - a place where youth and community members can come together in a shared space dedicated to sports, wellness and growth," said Baker. "This grant funding is an investment in both our young athletes and the strength of our community."

The project, which received nearly $1.5 million from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program and $360,000 from Community and Economic Assistance funding, marks a major investment in youth sports and community health in northeastern Pennsylvania.

"The sports complex will benefit the community for many years to come, and I was happy to join Sen. Baker in securing the state grant to make it possible," said Cabell. "Funding support from Harrisburg is crucial in bringing projects like this to life for our local communities."

In addition to soccer, the facility will host other sports and programs for people of all ages in northeastern Pennsylvania.

"Back Mountain Soccer Club would like to thank Sen. Baker, Rep. Cabell and Luzerne Fair President Alan Pugh for their support and dedication to this project," said Mike Pitcavage, President of Back Mountain Soccer Club. "Once completed, this facility will provide a home for our players and a wide range of youth and elderly programs, benefiting families across the region."

The sports dome is expected to draw top-tier youth athletes and coaches from around the region, fostering talent and reinforcing northeastern Pennsylvania's reputation as a center for youth athletic excellence.

CONTACT: Jennifer Wilson