State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-133rd, announced Sept. 2 a $243,545 grant from the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development for the installation of lights at Balliet Stadium.

The afternoon news conference was attended by Coplay Borough Mayor Steve Burker, members of Coplay Borough Council as well as Coplay Sports President Wes Christman and the Coplay Legion team’s baseball players.

Christman noted there are even bigger plans for the stadium after the lights are installed. He said he envisions the stadium’s return to its past glory and even a greater presence in its use as a baseball mecca in the Lehigh Valley.

Lights were a part of the stadium presence for many years but were damaged during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

Though the stadium was darkened for years, hope for lights remained.

The stadium is named after Sammy Balliet, a legendary American Legion baseball coach. Under his guidance, Legion teams won six state championships.

Balliet is a member of the Pennsylvania Legion Hall of Fame.

Council President Louis Bodish was a member of the last state championship team decades ago. He said he was delighted to learn the grant application for light reinstallation had been approved.

The stadium opened in the 1940s. It was a centerpiece of high school and college playoff games over the years.

It provides a venue for young athletes to connect, learn and grow into successful players and contribute to their future life success.

The stadium’s benefits extend to more than just the Coplay community, and it is thought of as a touch-point for many families and players in the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

The lights are expected to be installed in time for the start of the 2023 baseball season.