Fayetteville, NC celebrated a major milestone on Monday, when ground was broken for the construction of its new downtown ballpark.
In a project that officials are hoping will bolster investment in the city’s downtown, Fayetteville is moving forward with the construction of a new ballpark for a Houston Astros-owned franchise. The club, currently playing as the Buies Creek Astros (High A; Carolina League) at Campbell University’s Jim Perry Stadium, is set to move into the $33 million facility at the beginning of the 2019 season.
There has been much discussion and planning for the new ballpark in the city, which has not hosted affiliated baseball since the Cape Fear Crocs (Low A; Sally League) moved to Lakewood, NJ after the 2000 season. While the results of the ballpark and planned downtown development will take shape over next several years, Monday’s ceremony gave those present, including Houston Astros president Reid Ryan and elected city leaders, a chance to look forward to the coming years. More from The Fayetteville Observer:
Ryan said his team will focus on creating a stadium that will inspire pride in residents.
He also said that he aims for high quality players. Ryan said two of the league’s best players are playing at the Buie’s Creek stadium, which is where the team will play until the stadium is completed.
“I promise you’ll see some world class baseball,” Ryan said.
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“Our city had minor league baseball for years,” [Mayor Pro Tem Mitch] Colvin said. “For years, residents asked why don’t we have a downtown baseball team?”
Fayetteville officials have previously cited Spirit Communications Park, home to the Columbia Fireflies (Low A; Sally League) and our Ballpark of the Year for 2016, as a model for the project.
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