Chuck Killian, Amanda Gentry and David Bradley share their experiences singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Asheville Tourists games.
Tag: Asheville Tourists
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McCormick Field at 100: 10 memorable moments at the historic stadium
Asheville’s McCormick Field officially opened 100 years ago this week. To commemorate the anniversary, Xpress takes a look back at 10 of the more memorable moments in the history of the venerable ballpark: Everything from Franklin Roosevelt and NASCAR races to Kevin Costner, Cal Ripken, Jr. and Nelly.
Batboy shares his experiences inside the Asheville Tourists dugout
As part of Xpress’ Kids Issue, we speak with 10th grader Houston Mashburn about his role as a batboy for the Asheville Tourists.
Year in Review: Readers offered views on downtown, infrastructure, plastic bans and more
Xpress readers engaged with a wide range of local issues in 2023 — from concerns about downtown Asheville to infrastructure priorities, a possible single-use plastic bag ban, education issues and more.
Letter: Spend tourism tax money on infrastructure
“The proceeds from the tax (75% plus) should be going toward enhancing the infrastructure that the visitors and locals use.”
WNC goatscaping services offer sustainable land management
Grazing goats are an increasingly popular means of eliminating invasive plants.
What’s new in food: Mother expands to South Slope
Mother, after establishing its first bread and wine retail shop in February 2022, has just opened its second location: a community market and café concept on the South Slope at 244 Short Coxe Ave.
Service industry workers petition for affordable housing funding from BCTDA
Representatives presented a petition signed by 2,000 workers and supporters asking the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to consider using the Legacy Investment From Tourism fund to increase subsidized housing for tourism industry workers.
ESPN’s Ryan McGee recalls colorful summer with Asheville Tourists
ESPN’S Ryan McGee spoke with Xpress about his new book about interning with the Asheville Tourists in 1994.
Buncombe board backs up to $5M for McCormick Field upgrades
The Asheville Tourists are rounding third on a funding deal to stay in town after the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners agreed March 21 to pitch in up to $5 million over 20 years for upgrades to city-owned McCormick Field.
Council approves up to $20M for McCormick Field
Attendees at baseball games may pick up part of the tab for the McCormick Field improvements through a new 50-cent “facility fee” to be added to each ticket.
Letter: Just say no to spending millions on McCormick Field
“And they ‘want,’ they ‘like’ the Tourists. So do we, but City Council and the city manager are making a huge mistake paying this unreasonable price to keep them.”
Asheville Council to consider up to $20M for McCormick Field improvements
McCormick Field has been home to a minor league baseball team for each of the past 64 years. The current Tourists franchise brings in roughly $9.8 million in local spending annually for Buncombe County.
Letter: Goodbye, Tourists, hello Pirates?
“How about the Pirates relocating to Asheville if the Tourists bolt?”
Letter: Tourists should find other funding
“I much regret the current trend for municipalities to pay for fancy stadiums on behalf of professional sports teams.”
Letter: Build a new stadium with better parking
“For that much money, they should just build a new stadium in a part of town with better parking where they want more people to go.”
Letter: TDA should pay for McCormick Field upgrades
“The Tourism Development Authority is the party that needs to pony up the money!”
Letter: Spend tax dollars on infrastructure
“I think tax dollars could be better spent on infrastructure — perhaps an upgraded water system?”
Letter: Please keep Tourists baseball in Asheville!
“I can’t even get my head around $30 million or how we can find a way to get it, but I’m pretty sure there’s enough people with that kind of money to preserve our honored tradition in our wonderful city!”
Council to consider reparations commission audit request Jan. 24
The reparations commission unanimously approved a recommendation for the city of Asheville and Buncombe County to “stop further harm” to the Black community by “ceasing the repetition of institutional processes that lead to racially disparate outcomes.” The audit is meant to ensure that such harms have actually ceased and that local governments are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
A look back at Asheville’s precarious pro baseball history
Asheville’s McCormick Field has been home to a minor league baseball team every season since 1959, but the city has come close to losing baseball several times in that span. As the Tourists seek $30 million in improvements to the antiquated ballpark, the future of the national pastime in Asheville once again is in doubt.