Franklin & Marshall and Lancaster Stormers ink eight‑year stadium partnership
Franklin & Marshall College and the Lancaster Stormers have announced an eight‑year agreement that designates Penn Medicine Park as the official home field for the college’s baseball program, marking a strategic shift that will reshape the team’s competitive landscape.
The deal grants the team access to a suite of professional amenities, including dedicated locker rooms, climate‑controlled equipment storage and a state‑of‑the‑art training complex that rivals minor‑league standards. These resources are intended to give F&M athletes a training environment that mirrors the preparation routines of pro prospects.
In addition to facility upgrades, the partnership guarantees free digital admission for every F&M student to each Stormers home game, while faculty and staff receive a limited allocation of tickets that can be used for family outings or networking events. This access is designed to deepen campus engagement and foster a stronger sense of community around the sport.
Joint marketing initiatives will see the stadium’s scoreboard co‑branded with both the college and the Stormers, as well as a series of promotional events that aim to attract regional visitors. By leveraging the stadium’s reputation as one of the premier MLB Partner League venues, the collaboration hopes to boost local sports tourism and generate economic spill‑over for Lancaster businesses.
The first competitive season at Penn Medicine Park is slated for spring 2027, when the team will open its schedule against a lineup of established collegiate opponents. This debut will serve as a showcase for the enhanced infrastructure and the broader vision of integrating collegiate athletics with a professional‑grade venue.
Beyond the diamond, the agreement underscores a commitment to community outreach, with plans for youth clinics, charity fundraisers and joint appearances that tie the college’s athletic identity to the cultural fabric of Lancaster. Officials from both sides say the partnership sets a precedent for future collaborations between educational institutions and regional sports enterprises.