Happening Now

Construction began in September 2024 and will last through spring 2026. The 2025 season was played concurrently with construction as the Ballpark Changeup season. The project is on track to be complete in time for the 2026 baseball season.

Stadium Lighting - Conditional Zoning Update:

A height increase of stadium lighting poles and fixtures is required to meet standards for MiLB and to provide a safe environment for players and fans. This request will go through the Conditional Zoning Amendment process, as follows:

• September 26, 2025: neighborhood meeting
• October 1, 2025: Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing
• October 14, 2025: City Council public hearing

Proposed lights will be LED with cutoff fixtures to minimize light spillage.

View all renderings of the project.

Background

In partnership with the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, Buncombe County Government and the Asheville Tourists Baseball Club, the City of Asheville is spearheading a significant renovation project of McCormick Field. The results of the restoration project will include bringing the facility up to current Major League Baseball Player Development League (minor leagues) Standards. Additionally the improvements will allow the facility to host non-baseball events, with flexible space to host events 12 months a year allowing greater access to all members of our community.  Components of the 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

Through neighborhood feedback, the City understands that traffic and parking around events at both McCormick Field and Memorial Stadium are the greatest concern moving forward with this project.  As part of the conditional zoning approval, a Traffic & Parking Plan was created and approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.  City and Asheville Tourists staff created this parking plan after meeting with neighborhood groups and collecting feedback through an online survey in October 2023.  

Check out the What’s Up Asheville episode recorded on August 14, 2024. Host Sam Parada interviews President of the Asheville Tourists Brian DeWine and City of Asheville Capital Management Director Jade Dundas as the project team prepares to break ground on McCormick Field.

Funding Sources

In total, the project is estimated to cost $38.5 Million, with a total expense over the life of the debt service of $55.6 Million.  The City of Asheville’s share of this expense is $18.5M over 20 years.  

Funding for this project from each of the partner organizations is utilized via a Debt Service Model and detailed below.  

Supporting Documents

Existing Site Plan

Traffic & Parking Plan