Luzerne Times

An initiative to develop a sports dome complex in Luzerne County is set to move forward, thanks to grant funding secured by Sen. Lisa Baker and Rep. Mike Cabell. The project is a collaboration between the Back Mountain Soccer Club and the Luzerne County Fair, alongside its nonprofit partners.

The new facility will be constructed on an unused section of the Luzerne County Fairgrounds along State Route 118. It will feature site development, a new access point, expanded parking, and a nearly 110,000-square-foot dome facility with a turf field for year-round use. The venue will accommodate multiple sports including soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, football, basketball, volleyball, and pickleball.

Back Mountain Soccer Club will be a primary tenant of the dome. This arrangement is expected to increase youth enrollment by approximately 50% over the next five years. The facility aims to provide athletes with high-quality training environments conducive to college and professional advancement while promoting character development.

“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 has received nearly $1.5 million from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program along with $360,000 from Community and Economic Assistance funding.

“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.”

Besides soccer activities, the facility plans to host various programs for people of all ages across 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 aims at attracting top-tier youth athletes and coaches from around the region while reinforcing northeastern Pennsylvania’s reputation as a hub for youth athletic excellence.