Bristol City Leaders Discuss Future Home of Bristol State Liners

BRISTOL, Tenn. — In a recent meeting, city leaders and stakeholders in Bristol, Tennessee, came together to explore the potential renovation of Tod Houston Field to serve as the new home for the Bristol State Liners. With Major League Baseball (MLB) pushing for a concrete agreement by August 7, the discussion couldn’t be more timely or pressing.

City Manager Kelly Bourgeois mentioned during the meeting that MLB is eager to finalize the agreement to ensure the team’s accommodation for the upcoming season. This follow-up comes after previous plans to host the team at Whitetop Creek Park fell through earlier in the year.

Mike Mains, Bristol’s Parks & Recreation Director, elaborated on the importance of the upcoming deadline. “What we want to do is provide MLB with some information about the partnership, hopefully with the school system, about ways of funding that will benefit the project and outline the next steps we plan to take,” he said. By presenting a clear plan, the city hopes to reassure MLB of their commitment to fostering a beneficial and long-lasting relationship.

Proposals for Tod Houston Field

Tod Houston Field is currently the home ground for the Tennessee High School baseball team, which will continue to use the updated facility should the renovations proceed. Mains presented rough draft ideas for the concept designs, largely focusing on upgrades and modernization.

Additionally, Major League Baseball has shown an interest in injecting more youth programs into the Bristol community. According to Mains, “Since day one, when we were talking to MLB, we discussed different ideas that could be created within our community to support our local youth.” He pointed out that MLB has several programs aimed at enhancing recreational opportunities for kids, and integrating these could be one of the highlights of the renovation project.

Impact and Funding

While an estimated price for the project has yet to be determined, Mains stressed the importance of the project’s impact. “With something this significant, which could be very costly, it’s got to make an impact in our community,” he stated. “It has to serve our kids and youth first. That’s the most important thing.”

The envisioned renovation is expected to affect not just the youth, but also to potentially attract an Appalachian League team, thereby providing additional benefits to the community. Mains noted, “It could end up being a great win for everyone. We’ve got a lot of work to do, and we have to manage expectations. But Bristol is a very special place, and we still need a great baseball stadium.”

Next Steps

City leaders have not yet made a final decision on whether Tod Houston Field will become the new home for the Bristol State Liners. However, they are diligently working to craft a proposal that will secure MLB’s approval and benefit the broader community.

As discussions continue, all eyes are on the August 7 deadline. With just a few days left, leaders and stakeholders are honing in on the details, setting up a roadmap that can fulfill MLB’s requirements and lay the groundwork for a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership.

The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism, but also a clear understanding that the clock is ticking. Everyone involved is keenly aware that while this venture holds tremendous potential, it also demands meticulous planning and community-wide support.

So as Bristol inches closer to making this pivotal decision, the anticipation builds. With thoughtful planning and collaboration, the city is hopeful that Tod Houston Field will soon stand as a bustling hub of baseball activity, benefiting players, fans, and the entire community alike.