ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — McCormick Field doesn’t look the same. The $38.5 million project to bring the facility in line with Minor League Baseball’s Professional Development League standards has started.
Buncombe County, Asheville, Major League Baseball and Tourists officials gathered last month to break ground on the 18-month project. Work got underway in earnest last week when several parts of the 100-year-old ballpark were taken down.
McCormick Field is one of the oldest active stadiums in Minor League Baseball. Legendary players like Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson and Will Stargell played there.
The renovations, spearheaded by the Tourists and supported by the city, county and Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, will keep the Tourists and the league’s next big stars at McCormick Field for years to come.
Components of the Centennial Restoration and Capital Improvements Project include:
- Expansion of the existing ticketing building for new ticketing team store facilities
- Home team clubhouse improvements, including new female locker rooms and upgraded weight spaces, restrooms, kitchen and dining areas
- Video board/scoreboard on the outfield wall
- Accessible ramp and expanded concourse at the main entrance
- The project is expected to be completed in time for the 2026 baseball season.
TOURISTS FANS GATHER WITH OFFICIALS FOR MCCORMICK GROUNDBREAKING