ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Wednesday wasn’t a typical day at McCormick Field. Asheville Tourists greeter Daniel was at the gates as usual, and die-hard fans were there, too. But it wasn’t for a baseball game.
Instead of players, baseballs and gloves, there were hard hats, shovels and suits.
Buncombe County, Asheville, Major League Baseball and Tourists officials gathered to break ground on an 18-month, $38.5 million project to bring the facility in line with Minor League Baseball’s Professional Development League standards.
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 have played at the park, which opened in 1924.
“This is truly unbelievable. It means it has a tremendous character, but it also needs a little modernization,” Major League Baseball Senior Vice President Peter Woodfork said. “So today’s groundbreaking will help ensure that future generations of fans will be able to enjoy Tourists baseball in one of the most picturesque settings anywhere in this country.”
Among those at the field Wednesday were Karen and Gary Bartlett, who can be spotted year after year in their front-row seats throughout the Tourists season.
“I love Asheville. I love baseball. Therefore, the Tourists fulfill both of those needs,” Karen said with a laugh while waiting for Wednesday’s event to start.
The renovations, spearheaded by the Tourists and supported by the city, county and Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, will keep the Tourists at McCormick Field for another 20 years.
“McCormick Field is an asset in our community in so many ways,” Buncombe County Commissioner Amanda Edwards said.
The commissioner said public support for the project was key to moving forward.
“We received more than 1,500 emails from the community, and no email was the same,” she said.
Community support was an important piece of the puzzle, Asheville Tourists President Brian DeWine agreed.
“Without that public push, it does not happen,” he said of the renovation project.
The push helped bring tourism, city and county officials together with Tourists and other baseball officials for a bit of financial maneuvering.
“Four years ago, when we started working on how to make a McCormick renovation happen, I found myself telling people, ‘We will figure this out,'” DeWine said. “At the time, I didn’t know exactly how we’d figure it out. But what I did know was that this place meant too much to this community to let it go. Much like a baseball game brings a community together to enjoy a game, we came together to create a plan that’ll keep Minor League Baseball in Asheville for generations 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.
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As for the 2025 season, “We will be playing under construction,” DeWine said. “Certain areas might be closed.”
“This new chapter in McCormick Field’s history is significant for the future of baseball in Asheville and Western North Carolina,” Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimmer said. “This state-of-the-art facility will not only continue to be the home of the Asheville Tourists, but it will also host community-oriented events such as concerts, festivals, and family fun, all year round, providing a gathering place for friends and family. I am proud to stand among many in our city and county who worked to bring this project to fruition, and I can’t wait to attend Opening Day 2026.”
Woodfork said the historic ballpark is an important part of baseball, the community and its past.
“The Astros chose Asheville, so they obviously want to be here,” he said. “And the fan base and community support. It is truly amazing. Everything that’s happening in this world and this is still here.”
