Bristol City Council Commits to Major Improvements at Tod Houston Field

Bristol, Tenn. – Big changes are on the horizon for Tod Houston Field. On Tuesday, local leaders firmly committed to a significant $5 million upgrade of the baseball field behind Haynesfield Elementary School. This exciting development came after the City Council approved a resolution to kick off the renovation project.

The field, which currently serves as the home base for Tennessee High School’s baseball team, is not just a local treasure but a potential future home for the Bristol State Liners too. This move marks the first step in transforming Tod Houston Field into a top-notch facility that will be beneficial for both teams, as well as the wider community.

Bristol’s City Manager, Kelli Bourgeois, emphasized the inclusive vision for this upgraded facility. “We really have an opportunity now to expand Tod Houston Field into a baseball stadium that can serve our Vikings, certainly our high school baseball team, our community, and hopefully the Bristol State Liners as well,” she shared.

What’s in the Resolution?

According to the resolution, the city has pledged not just financial backing but also a plan to start the design, demolition, and construction process immediately. The overall cost for the field’s upgrade is estimated at around $8 million. The city hopes that private entities will step in to cover the additional $3 million needed to bring the project to completion. Meanwhile, Major League Baseball has required a commitment letter from both the city manager and the director of schools detailing the funding sources, construction timeline, and the administrative plans for the Bristol State Liners.

Community Focus

While the potential new home for the Bristol State Liners is a big draw, Bourgeois was clear that the high school’s and community’s needs are the top priorities. Besides being used by the baseball teams, the renovated facility aims to house youth and other sports programs, further cementing its role as an essential hub for locals.

Next Steps

The first step in bringing this vision to life is getting the Board of Education’s approval. Once that’s in place, the next move will be appointing an architect to draw up plans for the new stadium. The city is pushing a tight timeline with hopes to have both Tennessee High School’s Vikings and the Bristol State Liners playing on the updated field as early as next year. “That means it won’t be a fully built-out facility, but hopefully we’ll have enough of the facility built that we’re able to do that,” Bourgeois explained. One of the project’s crucial initial tasks includes removing the old swimming pool next to the field to create more parking space, ensuring that the upgraded field can comfortably accommodate all attendees.

Looking Forward

The community is buzzing with excitement over the upcoming improvements at Tod Houston Field. This renovation project represents not just a commitment to improving local infrastructure but also a dedication to fostering community spirit and providing better facilities for future generations. As plans move forward, the hope is to see the field transformed into a vibrant stadium that will not only serve the city’s sports needs but also become a cherished gathering spot for all of Bristol.

With these promising updates, it’s clear that Tod Houston Field is on its way to becoming a cornerstone of the community, inspiring young athletes and bringing joy to local sports fans.