Bristol, Tennessee Welcomes New Baseball Agreement
In an exciting development for the sports community, the Tod Houston Memorial Field will now be the home for both the Tennessee High Vikings and the Appalachian League’s Bristol State Liners. This comes after a unanimous vote by the Bristol Tennessee City Council to move forward with an agreement between the city and Boyd Sports.
A Game-Changer for Local Baseball
The decision came during a special meeting on September 10, where Parks and Recreation Director Mike Mains shared details about the terms of the agreement with the city council. With a significant commitment from Boyd Sports, the plan is set to enhance the field with some much-needed improvements.
Mains revealed, “Boyd Sports has agreed to spend up to $2 million for upgrades, which will include installing artificial turf, a new video board, and constructing specific sales areas at the stadium.” This is not just about aesthetics—these enhancements are expected to greatly improve the overall experience for players and fans alike.
Details of the Agreement
The agreement is a 15-year lease under which Boyd Sports will oversee field operations during the Bristol State Liners’ 24-game season, running from June 1 to August 1. Mains explained how the expenses will be shared: “Facility maintenance and utilities will be jointly managed by Boyd Sports and the local school system. The city is committed to assisting in any way possible.”
That’s not all! The revenue from the sponsorship naming rights at Tod Houston Memorial Field will be split equally between the Bristol Tennessee school system and Boyd Sports, allowing both sides to benefit financially. Furthermore, advertising and concessions will be a collaborative effort throughout the year, meaning both parties can sell their goods and support their respective organizations.
Community Support and Financial Benefits
This development is set to bring in some much-needed financial resources. The city will receive an annual lease fee of $15,000 and a part of every State Liners game ticket sold online—specifically, $1 per ticket—will also go to the city. This is a win-win for the community, generating resources for both the city and Tennessee High.
Before the vote took place, Councilmember Mahlon Luttrell shared his connection with baseball in the area, noting his role as president of Bristol Baseball and the State Liners: “I’ve had a 23-year association with Major League Baseball and college baseball. It’s important to mention that this agreement is with Boyd Sports, not Bristol Baseball, which has stepped back.” With that clarity, he threw his support behind the agreement.
Another Councilmember, Mark Hutton, initially had concerns about the finances behind the deal but voiced his ultimate approval after reflection. “I initially had some reservations, but after reviewing everything, I support this wholeheartedly,” he affirmed. “This is going to be a great asset to our community.” Hutton also highlighted the potential revenue streams for the city, Tennessee High, and the State Liners.
Looking Ahead
With this agreement approved and an additional $8 million commitment from the city, Major League Baseball, and the Bristol Tennessee Board of Education, the renovations to Tod Houston Memorial Field are set to take off. It’s a promising time for baseball lovers in Bristol as the community gears up for an exciting future filled with local sports.
This collaboration marks a significant step forward for sports in Bristol, and the community is eager to see the positive impacts this agreement will have for years to come!
