Muhlenberg College to spend millions to upgrade, use Bicentennial Park baseball stadium

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Muhlenberg College is set to make significant investments in Allentown’s Bicentennial Park after inking a lease to take over the stadium for its baseball team.

Allentown City Council approved a 10-year lease that will see the college pay $15,000 in rent each year.

But the lease also requires Muhlenberg to invest up to $4 million over the next five years to bring the currently vacant and deteriorating stadium up to collegiate standards.

The stadium on Lehigh Street has not been used for more than five years and “needs significant improvements,” Allentown Parks and Recreation Director Mandy Tolino told council members this week.

The lease with Muhlenberg “will be a good benefit for the city,” Tolino said. “We are going to be collecting rent, as well as facilitating investment into this park that is currently not usable whatsoever.”

Under the terms of the lease, Muhlenberg will be responsible for maintaining the property and covering utility costs.

The lease also sets aside 20 days for the city to use for events and requires Muhlenberg to hold at least one free or low-cost youth camp each year.

Muhlenberg plans to make upgrades at the park this year so its baseball team can start playing there next spring.

Mules baseball has history

The Mules baseball team has played more than 100 seasons since its first in 1914.

The team’s trophy cabinet holds two MAC South Championship titles and four MAC Southwest Championships, all won from 1971-82.

Five players on last year’s team earned All-Conference recognition after posting a record of 16 wins, 22 losses and one tie.

The Mules launch their 2024 season Feb. 24, with a doubleheader against Rutgers-Newark in New Jersey.

Muhlenberg College has 14 home games this season, its last at Cedarcreek Field, barring any issues with upgrades at Bicentennial Park.

The team’s first home game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. March 4 against Rutgers-Camden.