Exciting news for Spartanburg! A consortium of public and private sector partners has unveiled plans to bring Minor League Baseball to the heart of downtown Spartanburg as part of a groundbreaking development project. The proposed stadium will become the new home of a Texas Rangers-affiliated club, currently known as the Down East Wood Ducks, based in Kinston, N.C. This ambitious venture is the result of a collaboration between the City of Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, the State of South Carolina, OneSpartanburg, Inc., The Johnson Group, and Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), an organization that operates select minor league clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball (MLB). The state-of-the-art stadium, set to be owned by the City of Spartanburg and developed by The Johnson Group, will be leased by DBH. Construction is expected to be undertaken by Robins & Morton, with the team’s inaugural season potentially commencing in 2025.
The new stadium is poised to become a hub of activity, boasting 3,500 fixed seats and a spacious 5,000+ square foot Club Room. In addition to hosting baseball games, it will also serve as a versatile year-round venue for a variety of public and private events. This visionary project extends beyond the stadium itself, encompassing a 16-acre mixed-use site in downtown Spartanburg. The development, estimated at over $250 million, will incorporate multifamily housing units, office spaces, and entertainment options, further enhancing the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
The announcement has garnered enthusiastic responses from key stakeholders. Mayor Jerome Rice expressed his excitement for the transformative vision, emphasizing the positive impact on the local economy and the availability of family-friendly entertainment options. Manning Lynch, Chairman of Spartanburg County Council, echoed the sentiment, stating his pride in witnessing this highly anticipated project come to fruition. State representatives, including Murrell Smith, Speaker of the S.C. House of Representatives, and Bruce Bannister, Chairman of the S.C. House Ways & Means Committee, commended the collaboration between the public and private sectors, recognizing the far-reaching economic benefits for the city and the state.
Allen Smith, President and CEO of OneSpartanburg, Inc., highlighted the project’s alignment with the city’s long-term vision and praised the impact it will have on downtown revitalization and job creation. Geordy Johnson, CEO of The Johnson Group, expressed excitement at the prospect of bringing Minor League Baseball back to Spartanburg, underscoring the project’s potential to draw families downtown and stimulate economic activity.
Diamond Baseball Holdings, the new majority owner of the club, shared their enthusiasm for the project and expressed gratitude to the Kinston community for their support of the Wood Ducks. Neil Leibman, Texas Rangers President of Business Operations and Chief Operating Officer, conveyed the team’s excitement for the future stadium and extended their appreciation to the City of Kinston for their support.
The arrival of Minor League Baseball in Spartanburg signifies a remarkable milestone for the city and its residents. The collaborative efforts of public and private partners are set to create an extraordinary downtown destination, fostering economic growth, community engagement, and a vibrant entertainment scene. As the plans progress, all eyes are on Spartanburg, eagerly awaiting the opening pitch in the new stadium and the start of an exciting chapter in the city’s history.
Author: Tracy Sanders
