The Asheville Tourists claim that without additional public financing by April 1, 2023, the 2023 season could be the last season of Minor League Baseball at McCormick Field.
McCormick Field is owned by the City of Asheville and leased to The Asheville Tourists. In December 2020, Major League Baseball introduced the new structure that will govern Minor League Baseball and is requiring that McCormick Field make updates, or lose the Minor League franchise.
The new licensing agreement requires all Minor League Baseball teams to comply with a rigorous set of facility standards. This is the first change in facility standards since 1990.
McCormick Field requires $30 million to update the facility. This includes structural upgrades, changes to meet the MLB standards, and expanding fan amenities to improve the experience.
Additional information and reporting can be found on the Citizen Times website and WLOS website.